Shadow and Bone was canceled in 2023, and yes, I’m still mad about it. This is all because one of my favorite books of all time is Six of Crows, and it was set up so well in the Season 2 finale of the Netflix series. However, sadly, that will never get to happen, which Ben Barnes just painfully reminded me as he reflected on the tragedy of the cancellation and gushed about what could have been.

In an alternate universe, Shadow and Bone wouldn’t have been one of the saddest cancellations of 2023, and we would have gotten to see the stories in the Grishaverse continue. More specifically, we would have seen the long-awaited Ice Court heist that happens in Six of Crows, as Barnes, who played the Darkling, reiterated while chatting with Mama’s Geeky:

For those who don’t know, it was widely reported before Shadow and Bone was canceled that a writers' room was working on a Six of Crows adaptation. It was happening, we could have gotten it, and then we didn’t…

The show got canceled with so much story left to tell, making it one of many Netflix originals to end without a proper ending. While the Darkling met his “deserved demise,” as Barnes put it, the Crows' story was only just beginning.

For those who don’t know, the book Six of Crows starts with Kaz, Inej, Nina, Jesper and Wylan taking on the Ice Court heist job and then breaking Matthias out of prison. Season 2 ended with that job getting proposed, and Matthias was still locked up. I could taste the heist; we were so close. So, having it taken away from us was extra painful.

Barnes made that clear too, as he said:

I also love a heist! And I love this heist! So, never seeing it put to screen sucks. We'll never get to see Kaz and Inej's relationship develop. We'll never get to see Nina and Matthias truly fall in love. We'll never watch Jesper and Wylan in all their sassy greatness. We'll also never get one of the most epic heists I've ever read.

Plus, Shadow and Bone is still one of the best fantasy shows on streaming. It ended far too soon, and hearing the Darkling actor sympathize with all of us proves just how painful this cancellation was and still is.

Now, I’m with you all; this still hurts a lot. However, thankfully, there’s plenty of Grishaverse content to consume. You can go back and watch the first two seasons of Shadow and Bone with a Netflix subscription. More importantly, you can read the Six of Crows duology and bask in its greatness as we continue to hope for and dream about a book-to-screen adaptation of it.

When it comes to some of the most fantastical movies or TV shows, the first thing I always think of is the best fantasy movies or the best fantasy series, because those are the best kinds of escape. But this list is for those who want a massive sheet of some of the best fantasy adaptations that are awesome to watch – and will totally transport you to another world.

Harry Potter Franchise

I mean, if you know me, you know I love the Harry Potter franchise and no matter what, I will stand by it until the end of time – even if the author sometimes makes me want to cringe. Either way, the Harry Potter movies are some of the best out there, and the worldbuilding that has expanded from this series has only made it that much better.

The Lord Of The Rings

I don’t think I could do a fantasy adaptation list without mentioning The Lord of the Rings movies. Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings is the kind of fantasy that only comes once in a lifetime, and the moment you get into these movies, you’ll never be the same.

The Wheel Of Time

Based on the novel series of the same name, The Wheel of Time is the kind of high fantasy that has so much going on with it that you’re going to need an entire glossary of terms to keep up with the worldbuilding. But there’s no denying that this series is a fun one – and one of the best shows to watch on Amazon.

Shadowhunters

Based on The Mortal Instruments novels by Cassandra Clare, Shadowhunters is all about a girl who finds out on her eighteenth birthday that she comes from a long line of Shadowhunters, human-angel hybrids whose job is to hunt down demons. It’s just as wild as you could probably imagine.

His Dark Materials

Based on the novels by Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials is the kind of fantasy drama that truly takes it to another level. It’s the kind of fantasy series that I really don’t want to dive too heavily into because it’ll reveal so much. Still, the main premise is about a teenager looking for a lost friend and finding out things related to her life that she never would have imagined. The fantasy is ever-changing, as they move from several different worlds, which is so cool.

The Sandman

If you’re looking for a fantasy drama with a tinge of the supernatural, then The Sandman is the show for you. The series, hailing from Netflix and based on the comic book of the same name, follows the personification of Dreams, who is captured for a century and then breaks out, aiming to restore his power.

Game Of Thrones

I have to put Game of Thrones on here. How could I not put this series? From the Game of Thrones cast to the heartbreaking deaths we witness, the shocking Game of Thrones moments, this series has it all if you’re looking for an intense fantasy show that will keep you hooked for eight seasons straight – even if the last one isn’t that great.

Outlander

While Outlander isn’t the typical fantasy I would put here, it’s still a fantasy nonetheless. Based on the novels of the same name, Outlander follows the story of a WWII nurse who somehow travels back in time and falls in love with a Highland warrior. Yes, that is the plot, and yes, it’s just as swoon-worthy as you can imagine. It’s one of the best Starz shows, for sure.

A Discovery Of Witches

For all the ones out there who love witches, you have to check out A Discovery of Witches. Based on the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches follows a historian who must work together with a vampire in order to protect a bewitched manuscript from the hands of evil monsters.

Wicked

Out of every movie I was imagining to put on here, Wicked was one I knew had to appear. This movie, based on the Broadway musical and, in turn, based on a novel about the wicked witch called Wicked, the film follows the life of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and how she was actually once friends with Glinda the Good Witch. Truly such an iconic piece of cinema.

Once Upon A Time

If you love all those incredible Disney movies but want to see them in an adult way, then Once Upon a Time is the series for you. Many of the episodes and characters are based on classic fairy tales. The series is all about a boy discovering that the people who live in this new town they traveled to are actually all storybook characters.

Percy Jackson And The Olympians

While I’m toeing the line between Greek mythology and fantasy, I still believe these novels are more fantasy than anything else, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians are the best adaptations of them. The series is about a young man who finds out he is a demi-god, the son of Poseidon, and must go on a quest to retrieve Zeus’ lightning bolt to prove his innocence and restore order.

Attack On Titan

As much as Attack on Titan has traumatized me with its heartbreaking deaths, at the end of the day, it is a dark fantasy anime because this world most certainly does not exist. The series mainly follows Eren Yeager, a recruit of the Scout Regiment, who aims to explore beyond the three walls of their human civilization and take down humanoid Titans who seek to kill them. But there's A LOT more about this series that you will never expect – so go into it with an open mind. It’s based on the manga with the same name.

The Green Knight

Based on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, this movie is a visual masterpiece, and I need more people to watch it. The film, starring Dev Patel, follows a young man named Gawain who travels to face the titular Green Knight, a giant, green humanoid of a man who challenges those who come across him.

Locke & Key

Based on the novel of the same name, Locke & Key is a fantasy drama that follows the lives of three siblings who discover several keys throughout their new home that lead to mysterious doors. They unknowingly unlock gates that bring in dangerous entities that turn their lives upside down. While it’s not as crazy of a fantasy, it’s still a fun one with some cool visuals.

The Witcher

The Witcher is based on the novels of the same name and primarily follows the story of Geralt of Rivia. This monster hunter is known as a “witcher,” and his time was spent not only protecting the princess of Cintra but also running into horrors you could never imagine. Some of these monsters, man…they are a lot.

Sweet Tooth

Based on the novel of the same name, Sweet Tooth mainly follows a boy who is a deer hybrid after a virus has killed most of the world’s population. In this story, he looks to find his mother after his father passes, taking him on a fantastic journey.

The Hobbit

If you like The Lord of the Rings, chances are, you’re going to like The Hobbit. The movies are a prequel to famous films, and they follow Bilbo Baggins as he travels across the realm to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a dragon that has overtaken it. This is J.R.R. Tolkien, so you know it’s going to be an intense fantasy.

The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina

While The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina takes place in the modern day, there are plenty of moments in this that make it stand out as a fantastical fantasy series. Based on the comics of the same name, it follows Sabrina, a witch who, on her sixteenth birthday, must decide between leaving her mortal life behind to fully become a witch or leaving that to embrace her friends.

Arcane

Hands down, Arcane is one of the best shows on Netflix to binge-watch. The series, based on the video game franchise League of Legends, takes you into the worlds of both Piltover and Zaun, an overcity and the underground one beneath, where two sisters are separated by years of tragedy and are thrown into a magical conspiracy you could never imagine.

House Of The Dragon

If you liked Game of Thrones, you’ll probably enjoy House of the Dragon. Based on Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin, the new series follows the life of the Targaryen family tree, mainly during the time of the Dance of Dragons, where two Targaryen heirs fight for the throne and cause thousands of deaths.

Good Omens

Based on the novel of the same name, Good Omens is a hilarious fantasy comedy that follows a demon and an angel who are representatives of heaven and hell – oh, and they just so happen to be friends despite coming from two completely different sides. And now, they must work together to prevent Armageddon and the Antichrist.

My Lady Janes

My Lady Jane, based on the novel of the same name, follows the titular character as she is convinced to marry a lord while also trying to vie for the throne of England – oh, and people in this world just so happen to possess the ability to take animal forms, so…there’s that fantasy twist. Seriously, this show is wacky but fun all the same, and it's a cute fantasy romp.

The Chronicles Of Narnia

I have to put The Chronicles of Narnia movies on here, even if there have only been three, but these films seriously take you to another world on a different level. The series is obviously based on the novels of the same name and follows the lives of siblings who discover that there is a whole other world on the opposite end of their wardrobe back home.

One Piece

Okay, before you get mad, I am not going to recommend the anime to you because trying to catch up with that will take you years. However, I will recommend the Netflix adaptation. The series, based on the manga of the same name, follows Monkey D. Luffy, a wannabe pirate who builds a crew to find a famous treasure in order to become King of the Pirates—oh, and he also has awesome magical powers that are crazy.

The Golden Compass

Based on Northern Lights by Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass is actually another adaptation of His Dark Materials, but it takes a lot more of a deep dive into fantasy. The main character, Lyra, travels by sea to the North in order to search for kidnapped children. It’s an epic fantasy.

Wednesday

While Wednesday certainly took the world by storm when it first came out, it’s still a fun, dark fantasy to watch. Based on the Addams Family franchise, the series follows Wednesday Addams as she attends a fantasy academy with all kinds of beasts, only to find out that her father is connected to a murder that occurred years ago, and now she must solve it herself.

The Princess Bride

Based on the novel of the same name, The Princess Bride follows a farmhand who travels across the land with some friends to rescue his beloved. The film is a comedy at its core, with hilarious moments and fun fantasy aspects, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants something light for an afternoon.

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

Based on the novels by Lemony Snicket, A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the lives of recent orphans Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. They struggle to find a permanent foster home as they are relentlessly hounded by Count Olaf, who seeks to claim their parents' fortune. This fun series has so many twists and turns, and the fantasy aspects are fun.

Warrior Nun

Based on the comic Warrior Nun Areala, this fantasy drama will have you on the edge of your seat. The series follows the life of a former quadriplegic orphan who discovers that she has powers now and must join an order of warrior nuns to fight against demons. Yes, this is a crazy premise and one that is perfect for dark fantasy.

Shadow And Bone

Based on the novels of the same name, as well as Six of Crows, the series follows the story of Alina Starkov, who, after believing herself to be powerless, finds out that she is a Grisha with a powerful ability that could save her world. While there are only two seasons, it’s a fun one to follow.

Cursed

Based on the book of the same name, Cursed is a one-season fantasy series that reimagines the King Arthur story. The series follows Nimue, a heroine who goes on a quest with Arthur to bear an ancient sword to Merlin. Arthur takes her on an adventure filled with beasts and magic.

While these are just some of the most fun fantasy adaptations out there, all of these are great picks, and there are so many others, too, that I didn’t even have the chance to write down. It’s time to escape.

Nothing is ever guaranteed in life, especially if you’re part of the entertainment industry. That truth still doesn’t change the fact that in the case of series cancelations, there have been a lot of would-be Netflix subscription drivers that ended without a proper conclusion. In the spirit of that fact, try not to get too upset about this rundown of streaming series that found themselves axed without either a happy, sad, or any ending at all!

Kaos

The best-laid plans of even the Gods can find themselves disrupted, as seen with the now cliffhanger ending for Kaos. With the finale showing us Zeus (Jeff Goldblum) seemingly mortal and kicked out of his own throne, various plot threads seemed to be set into motion for a potentially brutal Season 2. Alas, it didn’t take long after Season 1’s premiere for Kaos’ cancellation announcement to strike like a bolt out of the blue.

Resident Evil

Oh, those poor Wesker clones (Lance Reddick). As if Resident Evil’s Season 1 ending didn’t already have enough open-ended heartbreak, that singular season was all fans ended up getting out of this split narrative. Considering that expertly placed Ada Wong tease, and the fact that there’s still a lot of stuff we don’t know about between 2022 and 2036, every time this cancellation is brought up it stings like it did upon first learning the news.

1899

Thanks to the cancellation of 1899, this sci-fi mystery taught us how Netflix’s “28 Day Rule” could have been the law of the land that cut down so many shows in their prime. Of course, that decision also left viewers hanging on perhaps one of the craziest endings you could cancel a show with: a 100-year time jump, and the revelation that this period drama was actually a high-tech simulation.

Gentefied

The end of Gentefied’s two-season run was a mixed bag, as Casimiro (Joaquín Cosío) was allowed to stay in the US, but Chris (Carlos Santos) took off for Mexico to pursue his future. Though the season’s story was wrapped, all of the Morales family had relationships put into play by creators Marvin Lemus & Linda Yvette Chávez. There were still places to go, which left this end of the road feeling more like a fork into uncertainty.

I Am Not Okay With This

What’s worse than a cliffhanger ending that gives ominous hope to a young girl with telekinesis (Sophia Lillis)? Try being greenlit for a second season, only to have it taken away - much as I Am Not Okay With This did. Originally we would have seen more of Sydney’s journey after an eventful and deadly prom. But according to creator Jonathan Entwistle’s Season 2 revelation, unexpectedly expensive COVID protocols ended the production.

The OA

The untimely 2019 cancellation of The OA left creator/series star Brit Marling feeling quite emotional, and rightfully so. Only airing for two seasons, this bonkers drama series spanned genres and had more story to go before it could finish. Much to Netflix’s chagrin, the following for this series was so intense that it proceeded to carry out the tradition of adding demands to revive the project under any and all new social media announcements from the streamer.

Sense8

Depending on who you talk to Sense8’s series finale “special” is the end of the road, and it was planned to be just that. However, series co-creators Lily Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski have mentioned numerous times that there were notes and possible scripts for a Season 3. MoviePilot even shared Strazynski’s comments on some plot beats that were in the works for such a continuation.

Mindhunter

Cancellations are typically a swift affair, especially in the realm of Netflix. However, director/Mindhunter collaborator David Fincher is anything but typical - and so are the projects he attaches himself to. With the two-season run concluding in 2019, it wasn’t until early 2023 that Fincher confirmed Mindhunter Season 3 wasn’t happening. As this case finally closed, it was the predictable crossroads of budgetary woes and viewership numbers that were the culprits all along.

The Midnight Club

Oh Mike Flanagan, if only The Midnight Club hadn’t been taken away so early in its run. Adapting the works of author Christopher Pike, the horror series was cut down after only a season of twists and turns. Ever prepared, Flanagan had plans for The Midnight Club Season 2 story, and one could guess that fans return to these revelations every now and then, if only to reunite with those dearly departed friends.

Santa Clarita Diet

If you’re going to leave the airwaves, it’s usually a good idea to do it with a bang. Of course, when the unexpected ending to the Drew Barrymore-starring Santa Clarita Diet dropped at the end of Season 3, that wasn’t exactly the plan. As we saw Joel (Timothy Olyphant) going through a potential conversion to the world of the undead, the perceived lack of a definitive answer will only bother you if you haven’t made up your mind on what it means.

Space Force

Going into Space Force’s two-season run, you would have probably guessed that the journey to return to the moon would have been the first arc to suffer from a surprise cancellation. But considering that was achieved in the first season, that wasn’t the problem this Steve Carell ensemble comedy left on the table. Instead, the end of Season 2 saw an asteroid heading towards Earth as a potential Season 3 menace - still waiting for its day in the sun.

Archive 81

Some fans of Archive 81 probably wish they could travel back in time to the day the intriguing horror drama premiered, if only to boost the ratings. A web of intrigue was being woven, and with some decent viewing numbers too. Sadly, that finale where Mamoudou Athie’s Dan was thrown back in time a couple of decades was never resolved, as Netflix gave this promising nightmare the axe.

GLOW

GLOW has to be one of the most frustrating cancellations on the books in the modern era of streaming originals. Allison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and the rest of the cast were actually given a fourth and final season to tie things up. Unfortunately, as the series even went into production on what was supposed to be a proper sendoff, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. Talk about a heel turn.

Shadow And Bone

Author Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse was poised to become a new television universe in the Netflix library. As Shadow and Bone opened the door with two seasons based on the lore of this universe, a spinoff named Six of Crows was given the green light to go before cameras. Sadly, both shows were canceled in the wake of the 2023 strikes from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA; leaving devoted followers to hound social media with pleas for a reversal of fortune.

Inside Job

It’s crazy that the term “un-renewal” now exists in the entertainment industry. It used to be you were either “renewed” or “canceled.” The animated comedy Inside Job found itself becoming a Schrodinger’s Cat of sorts in that respect, which coincidentally mirrored the plot of its final episode. Just as Reagan (Lizzy Caplan) was promoted to throw her off the trail of The Shadow Board’s real plans, a mid-season renewal for Season 2 turned into…well, you know.

The Chair

While Sandra Oh delivered plenty of barbs and ethical moments through her ten seasons on Grey’s Anatomy, she only had one season to do so on the dark comedy The Chair. Even with her character losing the titular position, there was plenty of room for future kerfluffles involving academia and cancel culture. Also, any show that gives a snarky Holland Taylor power deserves at least one more season to let her wield it.

One Day At A Time

The story of Netflix’s One Day at a Time reboot is complicated, but with a pleasantly bittersweet ending. Three seasons of the Latinx revival of producer Norman Lear’s legendary sitcom ran on Netflix, only for the series to be canceled. A reprieve by the Pop Network gave the project new life for a fourth season…which then found itself cut short/canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At least the series’ final episodes do live on, as Variety reported a table read in late 2024 kinda drew things to a close.

The Society

Whether you're in West Ham or New Ham, the ending to the singular season of The Society left everyone with more questions than answers. An odd combination of life, death, and dogs sent viewers into the cancellation void, as the cancellation axe was swung after Season 1. Maybe future seasons just shifted into another dimension once the series was canceled?

Spinning Out

Picture this: you start watching Spinning Out with no intention of getting invested. But by the time you’ve finished all 10 episodes, you find yourself rooting for Kat (Kaya Scodelario) and her family to overcome the dramas they’ve been working through. And then, to add insult to traumatic flashback injury, you never get to see if Kat overcomes said trauma by performing her Sectionals routine! Curse you, 28-Day Rule; you played us like a fool!

Julie And The Phantoms

Pop music and the unfinished business of the afterlife was sweet music to the ears of folks hooked on Julie and the Phantoms. Just as Julie (Madison Reyes) and her literally spirited band seemed to be on the way to stardom, as well as lifting a nasty curse, a last-minute possession created a complicated cliffhanger. Which is where the show was canceled, leaving this one-season wonder with plenty of unfinished business.

Neo Yokio

Anime comedy Neo Yokio has a history as weird as its delightfully colorful plotline. Boasting the voices of Jaden Smith, Susan Sarandon, and Jude Law, this series was originally supposed to run on Fox. Netflix swooped in with a last-minute save to air what was produced, which kind of explains how this fusion of futuristic anime and a Wes Anderson film was technically left hanging. And we’re not kidding about that second influence, especially with Jason Schwartzman being part of the voice cast.

The Get Down

Not even Netflix's seemingly deep pockets were immune to Baz Luhrmann's excesses. A journey into the evolving music scene of ‘70s New York, it was once the platform’s most expensive series produced upon its 2016 debut. The Get Down found itself canceled too soon, but at least it ended on a high note.

Warrior Nun

Technically Warrior Nun was given a slight reprieve, thanks to the greenlighting of a trilogy of films to continue the story of Ava Silva (Alba Baptista) and her order. However, that’s not thanks to Netflix, as the platform gave creator Simon Barry’s adaptation of Ben Dunn’s comic only two seasons. Not even Rotten Tomatoes could save this series from getting the axe, with the time and place of its resurrection being a complete mystery.

Lockwood & Co.

What would you do if someone you knew was holding a massive secret, and just as they were about to reveal it to you…they stopped? Congratulations, you now know how viewers of Lockwood & Co. felt when it was canceled after a single, eight-episode season. For comparison, author Jonathan Stroud’s literary source series consisted of five books; which makes cutting this cord a bit harsher when you think about it.

That ‘90s Show

Legacy-quels don’t always work, no matter how deeply the nostalgia is felt. That ‘90s Show felt like a no-brainer, as fans still love That ‘70s Show’s original charms to bits. Two seasons, a ton of ‘90s references, and yes one cliffhanger later, the lights have gone out once more in Wisconsin. And now we’ll never know if Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) will have their granddaughter on a more long-term basis.

Black Summer

Black Summer’s two-season prequel to Z Nation is kind of a glass-half-full/half-empty situation. While some say the plot was satisfactorily tied up, others feel that the personal stories of its survivors were where we were left hanging. So score a victory for canon, but a crushing defeat for character-driven story.

Daybreak

What good is a bonkers post-apocalypse where your girlfriend is the surprise big bad if it isn’t allowed to play out? Sure, that’s a very specific question, but it’s one that Daybreak put squarely into the minds of viewers who took its colorful, wacked-out ride. Maybe they should have spared Matthew Broderick after all.

Jupiter’s Legacy

Netflix’s acquisition of comic creator Mark Millar’s company Millarworld sparked the announcement of a rather ambitious slate of adaptations. However, the man who gave us the Kingsman comics has only yielded three Netflix series from that deal, with Jupiter’s Legacy being the potential explanation for why progress seems to have ground to a halt. The messy production of the first season led to this tale’s demise, with a lot of those other projects currently MIA.

Daredevil

While Disney+’s Echo and Daredevil: Born Again have continued the story laid out by Netflix’s initial three-season adventure, there’s still a bit of a gap to address. But if we’re really going to call this show out for a cliffhanger that wasn’t fully resolved, consider how that final round of episodes teased Bullseye, before fading away into the ether.

The Brothers Sun

What’s crazier than fighting for control of the family mafia? The answer: not knowing what happens next! As The Brothers Sun concluded, Charles (Justin Chien) and his mother Eileen (Michelle Yeoh) were set to assume control of the Jade Dragons, while brother Bruce (Sam Song Li) went back to being the silly, goofy person he was before learning all these secrets. Plot wise, it’s tied up! Otherwise, what kind of ending is that?!

Dead Boy Detectives

There were some plans being drafted for the future of Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives adaptation. Which would make total sense, seeing as it connects to the platform’s wildly successful Sandman universe. Alas, just as the second season of that other Neil Gaiman seems to be in jeopardy, these spirited sleuths have solved their last case.

Cursed

Could all of those arrows really have taken out Nimue (Katherine Langford), the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legend? Well, considering Cursed was cancelled before it could even try to answer that query, we’re going to say…what do you think?

There are many times when a Netflix subscription can be a source of seemingly endless entertainment, but too often, those times are cut short thanks to unexpected cancellations. 2023 definitely wasn’t an exception, with dozens of original series facing the chopping block throughout the year. 

While holding onto hopes that Netflix’s 2024 schedule won’t feature quite as many casualties, we’re looking back at a handful of the streaming giant’s best shows that were canceled in 2023. Grab some of that leftover champagne from New Year’s and pour one or two out for these gone-too-soon series.

1899 (Canceled After 1 Season)

With all the sci-fi that the service offered up in 2023, from the gloriousness of They Cloned Tyrone to the polarizing Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire, one can probably be forgiven for not remembering that the year began with Netflix canceling 1899. The time-twisting and horror-leaning mystery, created by Dark’s duo of Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, took viewers on a wild ride that ended with bonkers reveals that were set to be explored and explained in a second season.

Unfortunately, even though 1899 pulled in promising early numbers, the show’s viewership totals during its first month of release didn’t justify the first season’s expansive budget, and Netflix pulled the plug on the whole shebang the day after 2023 began. 

Shadow And Bone (Canceled After 2 Seasons)

Based on the bestselling young adult novels penned by author Leigh Bardugo, the mystery-soaked fantasy Shadow and Bone seemed as if it could have been destined for a long run on the streaming service. The optimism was such that creator and showrunner Eric Heisserer revealed to EW back in April that a Grishaverse spinoff was in the advanced "scripts are already written" stage of development. 

But the spinoff's chances all hinged on how well the second season fared, with it dropping nearly two years after the first eight episodes were released. And any chances of it landing a third season were likely dashed by the pair of entertainment industry strikes that took place in 2023, with Shadow and Bone getting canceled along with four other shows in November after the SAG-AFTRA strike concluded.

Freeridge (Canceled After 1 Season)

Having made it to four seasons, the teen dramedy On My Block was even successful enough to spark its own spinoff, Freeridge, which was ordered a month ahead of the flagship's final season in April 2021. Boasting the same trio of co-creators Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft (along with Jamie Uyeshiro and Jamie Dooner), Freeridge finally arrived in February 2023.

Despite the offshoot dramedy garnering a lot of the same positive feedback and acclaim as On My Block, Freeridge was possibly just too far removed from the original series and its characters to earn enough attention overall. It failed to make much of a dent in Netflix's Top 10 rankings, and its canceled fate was sealed two months after it arrived.

Inside Job (Canceled After 1 Season)

One of quite a few adult animated comedies to get the boot from Netflix this year, the sci-fi-leaning Inside Job came from former Gravity Falls writer Shion Takeuchi, and also boasted that show's creator Alex Hirsch as an executive producer. It's no conspiracy theory that the show featured a stellar voice cast headed up by Christian Slater, Lizzy Caplan and Clark Duke, and the response to the show's initial episode drop was enough to convince Netflix to put in Season 2 renewal order.

However, just three months after the second half of Season 1 dropped (in November 2022), Takeuchi revealed on social media that Netflix reversed its decision and canceled Inside Job despite all the work that had already been done for it. So not only was it disappointing to see a good show get canned, but there was the added insult of having already expected it to return with new episodes to follow up on the first season's cliffhanger.

Lockwood & Co. (Canceled After 1 Season)

Netflix's Lockwood & Co., like many of the streamer's genre projects, was based on highly popular source material; in this case, Jonathan Stroud's same-titled supernatural detective book series. The road to release began back in 2017, with everything coming together at the streaming service in 2020, with Attack the Block helmer Joe Cornish spearheading things. And when the 8-episode season finally arrived in January 2023, it was embraced by critics and fans alike, and currently stands at a 93% Fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating (and a 94% audience rating). 

But even if everyone who ever watched the show only had compliments and praise to share, that still wouldn't guarantee that enough people took the time to stream it during that all-important first month of release. A few months later, in May 2023, it was confirmed that Lockwood & Co. had already offered up its final investigation. 

While those were the biggest and best Netflix shows that faced cancellation news last year, they definitely weren't the only original series to get cut. Check out a more comprehensive list of axed shows below.

Other Netflix Shows Canceled In 2023

• The Chair (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Dead End: Paranormal Park (Cancelled After 2 Seasons)
• Uncoupled (Cancelled After 1 Season, But Saved By Showtime)
• Juvenile Justice (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Hot Skull (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Ridley Jones (Cancelled After 5 Seasons)
• Young Wallander (Cancelled After 2 Seasons)
• Sex/Life (Cancelled After 2 Seasons)
• Bling Empire (Cancelled After 3 Seasons)
• Bling Empire: New York (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Smiley (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Rebelde (Cancelled After 2 Seasons)
• Man Vs. Bee (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• In Love All Over Again (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Sky High: the Series (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Welcome To Eden (Cancelled After 2 Seasons)
• Snowflake Mountain (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Hard Cell (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Wellmania (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Glamorous (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Farzar (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Captain Fall (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Agent Elvis (Cancelled After 1 Season)
• Invisible City (Cancelled After 2 Seasons)
• In From The Cold (Cancelled After 1 Season)

All good things must come to an end at some point, but clearly nothing is overtly sacred when it comes to TV cancellations. While it’s not likely any of the shows listed above will find second life elsewhere, keep those fingers crossed, and keep an eye out for other attention-worthy projects hitting the 2024 TV premiere schedule.

At this point, Netflix subscription holders are surely more than aware of the fact that the entertainment conglomerate has no problem bringing the ax down on a TV show. More than a few of the streamer’s original offerings have been canned over this past year, and more just bit the dust this week. The young adult drama Shadow and Bone was canceled this week alongside four other series. Those are crushing blows for fans of those productions and, for anyone else, it may just be wild to see that a whopping five shows have been put down. In the aftermath of that news reaching the surface though, it would seem that the company has renewed a comedy: Unstable. 

This 2023 TV schedule entry made its debut earlier this year and was co-created by Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen, who both also serve as the lead stars. News of the show’s renewal was reported by TVLine, which also confirmed that the workplace comedy’s second season will include eight episodes. In addition, the Lowes released a joint statement in which they reacted to this major turn of events. And the father-son duo seem excited to keep working on the sitcom: 

The series focuses on Ellis Dragon (Rob Lowe), the brilliant and eccentric of a biotechnology company, who returns to work after the death of his wife. Worried about his mental state, his CFO (Sian Clifford) convinces Ellis’ son, Jackson (John Owen Lowe), to return to work at the company and help his dad heal. That proves to be somewhat complicated, however, due to their night-and-day personalities. While official viewing numbers aren’t released by the streaming service, one would think that this show made quite an impression when it premiered as part of Netflix’s 2023 TV schedule in March, if it was able to earn a renewal.

The series focuses on Ellis Dragon (Rob Lowe), the brilliant and eccentric of a biotechnology company, who returns to work after the death of his wife. Worried about his mental state, his CFO (Sian Clifford) convinces Ellis’ son, Jackson (John Owen Lowe), to return to work at the company and help his dad heal. That proves to be somewhat complicated, however, due to their night-and-day personalities. While official viewing numbers aren’t released by the streaming service, one would think that this show made quite an impression when it premiered as part of Netflix’s 2023 TV schedule in March, if it was able to earn a renewal.

By all accounts, the Lowes also seemed to enjoy their time working on the series. I myself actually had the opportunity to speak with both of them about their work on Unstable earlier this year. Rob, in particular, seems to be incredibly happy for John Owen and spoke fondly about the greatest gift he possesses as an actor. In the proud papa’s estimation, the up-and-coming star’s key strength is that “he is incapable of playing a dishonest moment.” The two also have solid chemistry, as you would imagine, they’ll likely seek to build on that for Season 2. 

While the news is exciting, one still can’t help but consider that other casts and crews aren’t as fortunate around this time. In addition to Shadow and Bone, the live-action show Glamorous was sacked as well as animated series Captain Fall, Fazar and Agent Elvis. Their demises were reportedly attributed to the production shifts brought on by the Hollywood strikes, which have both since concluded. In the aftermath of the decision, the S&B cast has been sharing sweet memories about their time working on the series. These developments are common and rarely ever easy for viewers, especially those who partake in content from this particular streamer. So it’s definitely refreshing when a program manages to avoid the ax. 

It’s very possible that more renewal and cancellation news could arrive before the year is out. So fans may want to keep an eye out to see if any of their favorites will ultimately get to move forward like Unstable. I know I’ll be waiting with plenty of curiosity and anxiousness. 

Shadow and Bone and its fellow canceled shows are still available to stream alongside the best shows on Netflix. You can also check out the first season of Unstable in preparation for Season 2.

Netflix famously has a track record for canceling shows without much of a send-off, which is what happened this week when the streamer decided to cancel the fantasy series Shadow and Bone. The show was based on a popular book series and grew an audience of passionate fans throughout its two-season run. So, it came as a shock to some that Netflix would not be moving forward with a third season. Now, the cast is paying tribute to their time on the show after its cancellation. 

Ben Barnes, who played General Kirigan on Shadow and Bone, gave the series its proper goodbye on Instagram. He shared some of his favorite memories from working with the cast and crew, along with some never-before-seen photos and videos. There seems to be a lot of love behind the scenes, and it will be a major loss for both fans and those who loved making the show. You can see Barnes’ nostalgic post below:

Freddy Carter, who played Kaz Brekker, also gave Shadow and Bone a farewell on Instagram. He posted a simple photo of his iconic gloves, and indicated to fans in the caption that although the show would not get a proper goodbye, he was thankful for his time with the series. You can see his post below:

Mal actor Archie Renaux seemed to echo the same sentiment as Carter, who posted about his time with the show on his Instagram Story:

Wylan actor Jack Wolfe also kept his goodbye short and sweet, posting a cute behind-the-scenes photo with some of his cast mates on his own Instagram Story. Jessie Mei Li, who was the star of Shadow and Bone, reposted the photo on her own story as well. You can see the adorable picture below:

Kit Young, who played Jesper, got real about his own emotional reaction to the series' cancellation on Instagram. He opened up about how much being on the show meant to him. He also thanked the fans for their undying support, noting how special being a part of the Shadow and Bone cast has been for him. 

Lastly, the author of the adapted book series, Leigh Bardugo, got candid about her own disappointment following the show’s cancellation. She also expressed her gratitude for having her work adapted in the first place, especially in a way so loyal to the source material as the Netflix adaptation. You can read her full statement in her Instagram post below:

While many books are adapted to the big screen, not many are done so with the same care that Netflix had for Shadow and Bone, which is why the series cancellation is so hard for fans, as well as the cast and crew. 

Audiences still had so many questions following season 2 of Shadow and Bone that unfortunately there will never be answers to. A major fantasy series with such a loyal fanbase seemed like a score for Netflix, which is why the decision to cancel is leaving many scratching their heads. Whether it was the budget or the 2023 Hollywood strikes that left many shows in a state of limbo, Shadow and Bone feels like a casualty of a much bigger streaming trend that we will continue to follow as we move into a new era of television in 2024. 

Fans can revisit the existing two seasons of Shadow and Bone now with a Netflix subscription. Thankfully, there will be more on-screen adaptations of fan-favorite written works coming soon, so make sure to check out our feature on upcoming book-to-screen adaptations heading to both the big and small screen very soon. 

Netflix has sadly canceled Shadow and Bone after two seasons, along with four one-season shows: the live-action series Glamorous and three animated programs, Agent Elvis, Farzar and Captain Fall. This news comes one week after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, and according to a report the streamer is likely canceling these shows as they reexamine their production plans for the coming years. 

Shadow and Bone, Glamorous, Agent Elvis, Farzar and Captain Fall's cancellations were all announced at the same time, per Deadline. The report stated that following the end of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, the streamer as well as other networks and platforms, “continue to evaluate the impact from the strike-related seven-month production shutdown."

While it seems shocking that Netflix would cancel five shows at once, the report pointed out that during the strikes, the streamer only announced a few cancellation decisions, like the end of Wellmania. They did reveal renewals of shows like One Piece, The Lincoln Lawyer and many others, however, when it came to not moving forward with shows, they remained quiet.  

The report explained that streamers will be impacted by the strikes moving forward as there will now be a “pipeline logjam for the late 2024 and 2025” seasons because various projects missed their projected premieres. Then, on top of that, streamers have been reevaluating their strategies for a while now as they deal with the ever-changing landscape of media. 

This is likely why Shadow and Bone was canceled after Season 2. The Grishaverse series’ second installment premiered in March on the 2023 TV schedule, so this news comes a long time after the episodes came out. A high budget, a smaller impact than Season 1, and a potential delay on a third season or spinoff, are likely why Netflix decided to not move forward with the series. 

Glamorous was the other live-action series canceled by Netflix, however, it only made it one season. The series started as a pilot for The CW, and then moved to the streamer. 

Animated shows make up the other three series that won’t be moving forward. Matthew McConaughey’s Agent Elvis came out in March, Farzar was released during the summer of 2022, and Captain Fall came out in July 2023, and was in the middle of its first season. All these animated shows come during a time of evolution for Netflix’s adult animation department. It’s now under new leadership, and the three aforementioned shows were created under the old administration. 

It feels like Netflix and other streamers are canceling shows left and right. According to a study by Variety, the company’s cancellation rate is 10.2%. While that seems low, it’s important to remember that the legacy streamers' output of original content is very high. So, while their percentage is seemingly small, there are still many shows that get axed. 

Saying goodbye to shows is never easy, and it’s incredibly sad that Netflix canceled five shows at once. To go back and watch these series, even though they won’t be going forward, you can stream them all with a Netflix subscription. 

So you finished One Piece, and you need more shows like it to fill that One Piece-sized hole in your heart now – I got you. 

The live-action One Piece has finally arrived on Netflix after years of waiting. While we didn't know how Netflix was somehow going to adapt the beloved anime originally, the series finally premiered on August 31, 2023. After fans anxiously (and some confidently) waited for the new One Piece series to drop, Netflix delivered the show to viewers.

Featuring killer fight scenes almost reminiscent of Henry Cavill in The Witcher and a story unlike any other manga out there, the One Piece live-action series was a great adaptation. In my mind, it is undoubtedly going to receive a Season 2 considering how popular it has become on both social media and on the platform. 

Unfortunately, there are only eight episodes of One Piece, and if you're like me, you binged them quickly. So now, you're wondering where to go and what to watch next. Well, look no further, because we have eight shows on here that you might want to check out if you're looking for something after One Piece. 

Treasure Island (2012)

This miniseries, featuring Elijah Wood, Toby Regbo, Donald Sutherland, and more, is one of the best adaptations of Treasure Island. The two-part miniseries is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. It follows a young Jim Hawkins as he discovers a map that leads to a legendary island owned by Captain Flint, and he decides to make it his mission to find it. 

One Piece's central premise is the same. Monkey D. Luffy wants to be King of the Pirates, and he takes it upon himself to find the legendary One Piece, a treasure unlike any other. Treasure Island is a little more of your typical pirate-treasure story, between good pirates and evil pirates, but if you like the premise of One Piece, this is a quick and easy miniseries that can be watched in an afternoon.

Stream Treasure Island on Pluto TV.

Shadow And Bone (2021 - Present)

Next up on this list is Shadow and Bone, another Netflix adaptation, this time based on the book series of the same name by Leigh Bardugo. The series mainly follows Alina Skarkov, a young woman who discovers she has game-changing powers that can save their world.

While the pirate element isn't as intense in Shadow and Bone – as the series is mainly focused on fantasy and wizard-like powers – I will say that if you enjoy the worldbuilding of One Piece, you'll love this series. There's so much attention to detail, from the sets to the costumes, the spells, the language, and so much more. There's always something new to discover. There were several improvements in Season 2 – and hopefully, if there's a Season 3, it'll only continue to grow to be great. 

Stream Shadow and Bone on Netflix.

Treasure Planet (2002)

I know, I already put an adaptation of Treasure Island on here, but I need to add Treasure Planet, too. This underrated Disney film from the early 2000s follows Jim Hawkins. When he receives a map from a dying pirate, he takes it upon himself to travel into outer space to find Treasure Planet, where this supposed treasure that could potentially change his life forever is.

The movie has the same premise as the first Treasure Island on this list and One Piece, but the take of it happening literally in outer space makes it much more enjoyable. Not only that, but this is one of Joseph-Gordon Levitt's best movies, hands down. He voices Jim Hawkins so well, and he's the perfect person to follow on this action-packed quest.

Stream Treasure Planet on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Treasure Planet on Amazon.

Demon Slayer (2019 - Present)

You knew there would be anime on this list; don't lie. Demon Slayer mainly follows Tanjiro. He trains to become a Demon Slayer in order to take down Muzan, the Demon King, so he can save his little sister – who was turned into a demon the night his whole family was killed. 

Demon Slayer is a part of the shonen genre of anime, the same genre that One Piece is, which follows main characters usually on a long journey in a world that is overtaken by supernatural powers. Tanjiro is arguably one of the most likable anime protagonists ever, and he could compete with Luffy for that title. Season 3 of Demon Slayer has only made the show better, so you have to check it out.

Stream Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean Films (2003 - 2017)

In Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies, we mainly follow Captain Jack Sparrow, an eccentric pirate and captain of The Black Pearl, on the crazy adventures he goes on while sailing the seas, facing dangerous enemies that turn his life upside down.

If One Piece didn't have a live-action adaptation, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise would be the closest thing to it. They are quite different in many ways, but both feature memorable characters (one of Johnny Depp's best roles is Captain Jack Sparrow) and intense worldbuilding in a pirate setting. There are also some magical moments – nothing as crazy as One Piece, but they are there. 

Stream the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Disney+.
Rent/Buy the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Amazon.

Our Flag Means Death (2022 - Present)

Max has some incredible original shows, and Our Flag Means Death ranks among the top. This series, loosely based on the life of Stede Bonnet, follows the story of a man who leaves his entire life behind to become a pirate, captain a ship of his own, and fall into hilarious life-threatening situations that he and his crew somehow have to survive. 

This series is so out there and crazy, but it's incredibly fun at the same time. Not only is it an excellent series for LGBTQ+ representation, but it almost feels like an homage to the tall tales of being a pirate, delivering it hysterically. If you love the comedy of One Piece, you'll likely love Our Flag Means Death. 

Stream Our Flag Means Death on Max. 

Black Clover (2017 - 2021)

The second anime on this list is Black Clover. This anime, which ran for four seasons, mainly follows Asta, a young boy who was born powerless in a world of influential people, with one goal in mind – to become the Wizard King, something he looks to do when he receives a grimoire and joins the Black Bulls. 

Asta and Luffy's primary goals are very similar – Luffy wants to be King of the Pirates, and Asta intends to be the Wizard King, with both not having much experience beforehand. However, the determination they show is unlike any other anime character out there. And, of course, Black Clover also features plenty of magic, making it a spectacle for the eye. There's even a movie of it on Netflix now. 

Stream Black Clover on Crunchyroll.

One Piece Anime (1999 - Present)

Oh, you knew I was going to put this on here. The One Piece anime, which has been running since the late 1990s, follows the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they look to accomplish their dreams on the sea, with Luffy striving to become King of the Pirates. 

Yes, I am serious when I say this show has been ongoing since the late 1990s. It has 1000+ episodes. It's going to take a long time for you to catch up. But I think it's time well spent. Will you be able to leave your couch for a year? Probably not, but at least you'll be all caught up in Luffy's current adventures. It's one of the best anime to start on if you're up for the long haul. 

Stream One Piece on Crunchyroll.

While I'm sure it will be a while before we see a possible One Piece Season 2, you can check out plenty of shows to fill that void. Now, if you don't mind me, I will be re-watching Netflix's One Piece again. 

Fantasy franchises have indeed taken over the world and have been for decades now. They offer great stories, but there is always room for improvement with any franchise. So today, we will talk about the best and worst things from some of the best fantasy movies and TV shows, starting off with a classic. 

Harry Potter (2001 - 2011)

The Harry Potter saga comprises seven books and eight films, chronicling Harry's survival of a lethal curse and his escapades at Hogwarts School. 

Best Thing: It's Incredible Trio: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint embody Harry, Hermione, and Ron immaculately, something often seen in successful franchise adaptations. They captivated a generation with their chemistry and made the films that much better.

Worst Thing: So Many Things Left Out From The Books: However, the films fail to capture various book aspects, like neglecting Teddy's character entirely, disregarding S.P.E.W., and omitting Peeves, among other substantial characters. Despite their achievement as highly acclaimed fantasy works, these movies leave out important book content.

The Lord Of The Rings (2001 - 2003)

The Lord of the Rings movies follow Frodo Baggins' journey to destroy the One Ring, forged by Dark Lord Sauron, averting his domination of Middle-earth.

Best Thing: The Story Itself: The Lord of the Rings offers an unrivaled fantasy story. The films garnered numerous awards, including Oscars, especially for visual effects, and the tale is remarkably captivating and character-centric.

Worst Thing: It's Less Than Compelling Female Characters: Although The Rings of Power has attempted to progress in this aspect, the franchise still lacks engaging female characters. Often relegated to plot advancing, these characters need more depth, humor, and agency. Galadriel stands as the lone exception, but her portrayal falls short of her important role. 

The Witcher (2019 - Present)

The Witcher, Netflix's binge-worthy series, stars Henry Cavill as Geralt, a Witcher who finds himself on a mission to protect Princess Ciri after he becomes her surrogate father. Now, she is entangled in a greater war where she is a pawn.

Best Thing: Henry Cavill's Geralt: Henry Cavill's portrayal of Geralt is praiseworthy, capturing the essence of the character from books and games, and it's a shame he will be gone in the fourth season. His replacement, Liam Hemsworth, has a tough act to follow.

Worst Thing: The Effects: While the story could be my first pick, The Witcher disappoints in visual effects. The monsters lack a terrifying nature and fail to match their book descriptions, something I was craving from the series. 

Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003 - 2017)

Travel the seas with this famous band of pirates, led by the infamous Jack Sparrow.

Best Thing: Johnny Depp As Jack Sparrow: Johnny Depp has played many iconic roles throughout his time in Hollywood, but to me, there's none more iconic than Jack Sparrow. He doesn't just play him; he becomes him, which improves the movies.

Worst Thing: The Lack Of Story As Films Continue: The first film in the franchise was great, and the second was decent, but by the time the third came around, I lost interest. The story just wasn't there, and critical characters began to vanish, replaced by underwhelming new ones. 

The Chronicles Of Narnia (2005 - 2010)

This famous fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, follows the Pevensie children, who are transported to the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe and find that they are the ones who are meant to protect the land from evil. 

Best Thing: The Focus On Sibling Relationships: One of the things I remember the most about the first film was that it focused on sibling relationships, which I really enjoyed. It emphasized love, betrayal, forgiveness, and more, all within that family landscape. 

Worst Thing: The Scattered Plot Threads In The Films: The books have unique stories, but the movies? Everything feels very scattered. By the third film, the plot felt convoluted. Even with other characters from past films showing up, nothing stood out. 

Game Of Thrones (2011 - 2019)

The Game of Thrones franchise, based on the books by George R.R. Martin, follows several different characters as they all fight for one thing: power and the chance to sit on the Iron Throne.

Best Thing: The Overlapping Character's Stories: I'm not sure there will ever be another group like the Game of Thrones cast. Fans fell in love so quickly with every potential candidate for the throne – or found ones to hate - and somehow every single character fit wonderfully and created a near-perfect story. 

Worst Thing: The Ending Of The Show: The ending was rushed and felt incomplete. It is a polarizing issue for any show fan, and many would agree that it was fumbled by the creators of the TV show, as the book series wasn't even done yet. 

Highlander (1986 - 2007)

Released in 1986, Highlander is about several immortal warriors in a war that has lasted for centuries, focusing on the tale of Connor MacLeod.

Best Thing: It's A Fresh Story Of Immortals Hiding In Plain Sight: When Highlander was released, the film was full of fresh ideas regarding immortals hiding in plain sight. It gave the movie a chance to look into different centuries, and there was so much opportunity for cool set design and historical details. 

Worst Thing: The Special Effects That Are Used In Later Films: I'm not even going to get into how horrendously bad the movies get as the film series goes on, but I hated the special effects in later movies. The first film felt real and well-choreographed in its fight scenes, but by the time we get to the last film, it all feels fake. 

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 - 2008)

This critically acclaimed Nickelodeon TV show follows Aang, an Airbender who was chosen as the next Avatar. He awakens from a decade of sleeping in an iceberg, quickly realizing that he must take down the Fire Lord before he takes over the world. 

Best Thing: Its Strong Characters For Both Males And Females: Avatar: The Last Airbender does not have a single character that outshines the other. Everyone adds such significance to the story that no episode feels like filler.

Worst Thing: How There Aren't More Seasons: This may feel like a copout, but my main issue is that there were only three seasons. Sure, the story of the Fire Lord was covered in those seasons, but there was so much more to tell – as fans later saw in the comics that were released. This series easily could have been long running, but I suppose that's what the upcoming movie is for -- to explore those stories. 

Shadow And Bone (2021 - Present)

Based on the books of the same name, Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov, a young woman who discovers she is a Grisha with a rare power that could save everyone and take on an evil darkness. 

Best Thing: Its Diverse And Imaginative World: In terms of modern fantasy, Shadow and Bone has some very diverse characters. And not only that, but the world is unique, combining plenty of interesting characters and fascinating lore. 

Worst Thing: The Use Of Love Plotlines That Don't Further The Main Conflict: Shadow and Bone Season 2 improved in many ways, but the love plotlines were not one of them. I would say out of everything, that should be left out of a possible Season 3 – or at least focus on one love story, for God's sake. 

The Wheel Of Time (2021 - Present)

Based on the novels by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, the Prime Video series, The Wheel of Time, mainly follows Moiraine, a member of a powerful organization of women sorcerers. She seeks out five villagers when she believes one of them could be the key to saving their world from evil – or possibly bring the world to its knees again. 

Best Thing: The Impressive Amount Of Lore: This isn't for everyone, as the amount of lore can be hard to keep up with. That being said, it's impressive. The world here is beautifully detailed and one you can easily get lost in. 

Worst Thing: Characters That You Don't Really Care About But I struggle to care about the characters with the amount of lore that is presented. The Wheel of Time cast is excellent, but since most feel more like a plot device rather than individuals, it's hard to care when someone is kidnapped or killed or something else. This could change as time goes on, but for now, that's my main complaint.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010 - 2019)

The animated film series, How To Train Your Dragon, follows Hiccup, a young Viking who becomes an expert in dragons and befriends one of the most dangerous, naming him Toothless. 

Best Thing: The Incredible Array Of Dragons There Are: There are many great things about How To Train Your Dragon, but the one thing I love the most is the creativity of the dragons. There are so many different kinds, and all of them are vastly unalike so it feels like there's one for anyone to enjoy. 

Worst Thing: Side-Characters That Need Less Screen Time: Some side characters are interesting, but there are times in the movies when they make jokes that don't sit well with me, and that time could have been spent moving the plot forward. Tuffnut and Ruffnut were very much hit or miss for me, along with a few others. 

Twilight (2008 - 2012)

The famous vampire/teen romance film series, Twilight, follows Bella, an ordinary teenage girl who falls in love with a vampire but finds herself in a love triangle with a werewolf. 

Best Thing: A Genuinely Interesting Romance That Has Layers: I will openly admit that the love story of Twilight has its moments that shine. While the movies themselves could have shown it better, the books paint a great romance with many layers. Even so, the chemistry between Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart made the love story in the films fun to watch.

Worst Thing: The Vampires Themselves: Vampires, even romantic interests, should at least be a little scary. These sparkle in the sun and play baseball during thunderstorms. I can't take them seriously. 

Labyrinth (1986)

Lastly, we have Labyrinth, directed by Jim Henson. The famous musical fantasy film follows a teenager on a quest to reach the center of a maze to rescue her half-brother from Jareth, the Goblin King. 

Best Thing: David Bowie As Jareth, And The Practical Effects: David Bowie as Jareth is always the best thing ever, and I don't think anyone else would be able to play the Goblin King better. I also want to say that the practical effects were amazing. Jim Henson is always a winner, and when he brings his puppets, they always kill it. It added to the fantasy aspect immensely. 

Worst Thing: That We've Had To Wait This Long For A Sequel: Seriously, how have we had to wait this long for a sequel to this film? There was a reboot announced in 2016, but there’s been barely any news on it. I need to see this world again. I'm tired of just reading comics from this franchise, please. 

What is it that you love about fantasy franchises? I'm going to have to keep an eye out for any premieres on my 2023 TV premiere schedule to make sure I keep up with all my fantasy shows. 

Shadow and Bone. What’s the first thing you think about when you that series comes to mind? 

For me, it’s a bunch of things. I think that it is one of the best fantasy shows that you could be watching right now. I also think that there are certain things that the show could seriously improve on. I love the Shadow and Bone cast, and the fantasy aspects are something I adore as a fan of movie franchises like Harry Potter and the legendary Lord of the Rings, but Season 2 had some major things I have to talk about. 

From the characters to the stories to everything else in-between, here are four things that Season 2 actually did improve upon, and three that it very much didn’t – but could in the future. 

Improved: The Stakes

One thing that I am very glad Season 2 of Shadow and Bone improved upon was the stakes. Throughout the first season, I constantly felt that I was instead just attending magic school instead of there being some major high-level threat – that only really began to unfold halfway through the first season. 

Alright, that might be a little cruel to say, but I’ll just be straight-up – the stakes during Season 1 did not feel as good. We were made aware of how dangerous the Fold could be, as well as the information behind the Darkling’s past, but things don’t really start to pick up until the last few episodes. 

It felt for a good amount, we were just watching Alina learn how to be a Grisha – which, I get it, it’s very important to show that, but for as long as they did, we really could have just moved past it in one episode instead of a few.

However, the second season really ups the stakes by throwing us right into the events that happened during the Season 1 ending. Matthias is in prison and is fighting people to survive, Nina is with the Crows and working as their Heartrender for a big job, Alina and Mal are off to find amplifiers for her powers to take down the Fold, and the Darkling seeks revenge – it’s all so much better, and made me want to keep watching.

Didn’t Improve: The Amount Of Characters

There are just too many characters. 

I know what people will say, “Oh, you watch other fantasy shows like Game of Thrones or The Witcher, how are you complaining about characters in this?” To that I say that at least in those shows, many of the characters that we have to remember in the final season had been introduced over time. 

The first season itself had so many characters, and if you haven’t had the chance to read the books, trying to put a face to a name is hard to do, especially when they only say their names once and we’re expected to remember who they are. That is the same way for Season 2, where we were introduced to several new characters, but I was forgetting most of their names halfway through. Just use the characters you've already got. 

Improved: The Addition Of More Backstory

I refer to my previous paragraph for this – Shadow and Bone really learned to focus a lot more on the characters we already had. While the addition of new characters was overwhelming, I must say that the addition of further backstory for previously established characters made it that much better. I especially loved learning more about Kaz’s past, as he always seemed like that lone-wolf type, but I knew there had to be more.

Another person that I enjoyed learning more about was Mal, who was really given a lot more story this time around and doesn’t just feel like a side-part of Alina’s story. It was really refreshing to see a fully fleshed out love interest instead of someone who felt like they were just there. 

Didn’t Improve: The Number Of Love Stories

But let’s talk about those love stories, yeah? 

There were too many this time around. The few that were in the first season were enough for me to follow, but now, it feels like I have to keep a flowchart of who’s with who because it’s hard for me to remember. 

I know that romances are usually always a part of fantasy movies and TV shows – really, it’s hard to escape them most of the time – there’s a point where there are just too many. In reality, most of us don’t really care about romances unless they’re a compelling part of the story – like Alina and Mal. But other ones? I really could not care less about it. 

While Jesper finally finding someone he truly cares for is always great to see, I forgot about the other several romance plotlines in the meantime. 

Improved: The Amount Of Action And Magic Elements 

I have to say, the action and magic in Season 2 felt so much better than the first. 

I can understand why, because the first season sort of felt like we were simply introduced into the world of Alina Starkov, where in Season 2, she knows who she is and is willing to use a lot more of her magic as a weapon. The same goes for many of the effects. 

The usage of Inferni and their powers were something truly scary and some of them reminded me almost of Azula in Avatar: The Last Airbender. A lot of magic with the elements did that, especially Heartrenders, which reminded me of one of the darkest scenes I’ve ever seen in my years of watching children’s television. Yeah, the fantasy aspect of Season 2 really kicked it up a notch, and I enjoyed the heck out of it. 

Didn’t Improve: Using General Kirigan 

I’m not a big fan of how they ended Kirigan’s story. 

Look, I’m fine with him dying. Would that have been my first idea? Absolutely not. From the beginning of the series, I really thought he was going to be the big baddie that would be sticking around until the end and be Alina’s ultimate enemy, but instead, he’s taken out in one episode. Kirigan’s Grisha army felt scarier than Kirigan himself, because even though he’s considered a main character, it felt like he was reduced to a side character. 

I feel like this is also a problem that came with the addition of new characters, because everything became so flooded after a while it was hard to fit everyone’s story in. It’s a shame to see his time end in such an unsatisfying way – at least to me. I suppose I can learn to deal with it, though. 

Improved: The Ending

That ending was crazy. 

Truly, most of my questions that I had for Season 3 came from those last ten minutes that we saw in Season 2. I remember that during the Shadow and Bone Season 1 ending, I was excited for the second season but wasn’t biting my nails, hoping that it would come quicker. With Season 2, it’s the complete opposite. 

Not only does that ending set up the third season, but also a spinoff with Six of Crows. Besides that, it’s already one of the scariest moments of the franchise so far, and teases of dark turns to come. It seriously captured my attention – and now, I’m eagerly awaiting Season 3, if that happens. 

Season 2 of Shadow and Bone did improve upon its predecessor, but I still think there could be changes next season that might make it even better. We’ll just have to wait and see. 

Spoilers for Season 2 of Shadow and Bone ahead. If you haven’t watched the hit fantasy series yet, you can stream it with a Netflix subscription. 

When I watched Season 2 of Shadow and Bone I was in shock when I realized there were elements from four different novels weaved into a single season of TV. The incorporation of Seige and Storm as well as Ruin and Rising from the original Shadow and Bone trilogy, plus elements of the Six of Crows duology is a lot to take in. Like the fans, the cast was also gripped by the large number of stories represented in this new season, and the newest members of the ensemble, Patrick Gibson, Lewis Tan and Anna Leong Brophy weighed in on what it was like seeing all these different stories from the books come together over the course of eight episodes. 

The trio, who play fan-favorite characters from the second and third books in the Shadow and Bone trilogy, spoke about what it was like reading the scripts for the first time. They noted what it was like seeing Nikolai, Tolya and Tamar on screen, as well as realizing there were plot points from various books that would involve exciting and new character interactions. Anna Leong Brophy, who plays Tamar, told CinemaBlend she was glued to the pages, and just wanted them to keep coming, saying: 

Meanwhile, Patrick Gibson, who plays Nikolai, noted that he was blown away by how much was packed into the season. The series showrunner Eric Heisserer spoke to Polygon about this fact, and why they added so many stories, saying they wanted to make sure there was a “full meal” for each character this season. Gibson had a similar idea, noting  how well the writers weaved the stories from the books together for the show, explaining:

The trio also noted that along with the writing for this season, Season 1 laid a lot of groundwork that made it possible to pack so much into Season 2. Even though their characters were not featured in the first installment, the small details dropped within the first eight episodes, along with the worldbuilding and character development made it possible for their character’s epic introductions and seamless inclusion. All this story in Season 2 also made it so long-awaited character arcs, like the introduction of these three characters, Jesper and Wylan’s relationship and Alina becoming confident in her power, could happen. Leong Brophy touched on this, saying:

Lewis Tan also made a good point about the combination of books and how it allows the audience to see various characters interacting on the show who never got to meet in the novels. This was especially true in his character Tolya’s case because he got to spend half the season with the Shadow and Bone cast and the other half with the Crows cast. The actor said:

He’s totally right, as a fan of both the books and show, I thought it was so fun seeing characters I know and love interacting with other characters and places in ways they never got to in the book. Whenever this happens it’s always one of the most exciting aspects of watching book-to-screen adaptations, and I thought Shadow and Bone did a great job of pulling this off.

It may be overwhelming at first to realize there are four books worth of plot going on in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone. However, as the cast said, in the end, everything weaves together in a really cool way that results in an epic story that sets up a possible Season 3 and even a Six of Crows spin-off perfectly. 

Shadow and Bone Season 2 has finally come to an end and wow, what a final episode. 

It had been about two years since Shadow and Bone originally came to a close with Season 1, leaving fans with more questions than answers – and then we had to wait a whole two years before we finally got to see what came after. As part of the 2023 TV release schedule, though, we were finally given Season 2 – and with that finale, we were given even more questions. 

If you’re like me and you’re wondering what that final scene meant, or what’s next for the Crows, here are nine questions that we positively hope Season 3 of the show answers – if it gets renewed, that is.

Has Some Of The Fold Embedded Itself Into King Nikolai?

Nikolai honestly became one of my favorite members of the series over the course of eight episodes. He almost felt like one of the all-stars you would expect from a show like Stranger Things or Cobra Kai that really stole the entire second season, and he truly did become a character that I started to enjoy. 

However, those last scenes with him make me a little nervous about what is going to happen with him in the next part of the story. As we saw with Alina, she was able to tear down the Fold, and kill the Darkling in the process, his body being burned. But Nikolai was stabbed by one of the shadow creatures from the Fold – and when he looked in the mirror after experiencing that stabbing pain, he saw a nichevo’ya in his reflection. 

Does that mean some of the Fold lives within him? Does he have magic powers now? There are so many questions. 

Is The Third Season Going To Be All About Ravka Vs. Fjerda?

While Shadow and Bone is mainly known for being an awesome fantasy show, there’s still an ongoing war that takes up a big part of the series – and from the last minutes of the finale, it makes me wonder – is the next season going to be all about Ravka vs. Fjerda? 

We’ve seen how tense things are between the two of them before, in Season 1 – when the classic enemies to lovers trope played out with Nina and Matthias – but now, we saw it on an even bigger scale with that finale scene when the Heartrender from Fjerda took that drug, and basically committed a Game of Thrones style-epic level massacre. 

What’s Going On With Alina And The Cut?

It’s funny how Alina is constantly called a Saint in the show, because in that final scene, I’m not really feeling super saintly about this Sun Summoner. 

In order to stop the murdering Heartrender, Alina summons power to use, but instead of her light powers being what emits from her hands, she emits the Cut, the same thing that the Darkling used in the past, and cuts the woman in two. Where this power came from, I have no idea – but we all saw that subtle hint of a smile on Alina’s face at the end, and to me, that doesn’t bode very well.  

Mal And Alina Are Separated – Will They Come Back Together?

I have to say that while I wasn’t a huge fan of all the romances that we had to endure throughout this season, I did enjoy Alina, Mal, and their adventures, and it did sadden me to see them separate. 

But it made sense on a story level, because Mal needs to sort of find his own purpose after discovering he was, in fact, the Firebird, one of the amplifiers that we needed to remember before going into this season. 

It makes me wonder if their separation is going to better them or worsen them in the long run. Mal, on one hand, seems to adapt well to the privateer life, while Alina, even as Queen of Ravka now, seems like she’s going to be taking on some heavy enemies. I’m wondering if their romance can ever resume. 

How Long Are Mal, Inej, And Everyone Else Going To Be On This Mission?

While we don’t know exactly all of the trips that Mal and everyone else are going to go on, we do know that right now, Inej left the Crows – since Kaz gave her a lead to start looking for her long-lost brother. The last time we see her in Season 2, it looks as if the ship they are on has found the slaver boat – and they are preparing to head right towards it. 

I wonder if these are the only missions they are going to go on. Is this the only slaver ship they will pass, or are they going to adventure into realms unknown for all of us to see? I’m eager to see how it plays out. 

What’s Going To Happen With Matthias In The Prison?

Man, poor Matthias. He got the short-end of the stick this season because he was just stuck in that prison for ages – and now, when Nina finally gets a pardon from Nikolai, she isn’t even able to use it because everyone pushed her out of the prison gates after she made a scene at the fights. 

Matthias, who refuses to fight the wolves and then attacks the guards, is taken away, and it leaves the viewers wondering if we’re going to end up seeing him alive again, or if he might end up being severely hurt for wounding and/or killing the guards. 

Are The Crows Ever Going To Reunite? 

I’m not surprised Inej left to go on this adventure with the others after how she has been feeling with everything going on with Kaz, but I will say I am a little saddened that the Crows are broken apart at this point. The only ones that remain are Kaz, Jesper, Nina and Wylan. And while I do love a good Jesper and Wylan romance, I was really hoping Kaz and Inej were going to give in. 

A mutual pining love story is something that always makes me want to return to a show – just like Bridgerton Season 2 did – but at this point I was about ready to jump out a window. I question if the Crows are going to reunite after what happened. If they do, it would probably connect to the actual novel, Six of Crows, and the story there, but we will just have to wait and see.  

And If They Do, Will Inej And Kaz Get Together? Or Is She Going To Move On To Someone Else?

Again, Inej and Kaz made me throw my pillow across the room in frustration this season. I actually screamed at my television – sort of surprised I didn’t get a noise complaint. 

Either way, if they do come back together, I wonder if they’ll give into their feelings – but, a part of me also believes that Inej deserves someone better than Kaz, who is so flip-floppy in the way he expresses himself. That look that Tolya gave her as she got on the boat didn’t just feel like a friendly smile, and I would support her going for someone else 100% if it made her happy, even if a part of my heart dies. 

How Terrifying Is This Drug Going To Be?

To be honest, I didn’t think a drug-based storyline was going to be where this story was taken next – didn’t know we were going into Breaking Bad levels of fantasy, but here we are, and that drug is freaking scary in those final minutes. That one Heartrender taking it led to several deaths, almost including the king. 

What are the levels of atrocities that we will see when it comes to how dangerous this drug is going to be? Will we see armies taking it? Entire armadas? I feel like this level of power is equivalent to a God. I’m terrified to see what comes next with it. 

What are you excited for with Shadow and Bone? Hopefully the show gets renewed for Season 3, because I can’t wait to see where it goes next – and what journeys we are taken on. 

Spoilers for Season 2 of Shadow and Bone ahead.

Most book-to-screen adaptations feature many changes of all sizes as a novel gets transformed into a movie or a series. Shadow and Bone features many moments directly from the books and stays very true to its characters. However, it’s also no stranger to major changes, as the show combines the plots and characters from the original Grishaverse trilogy and Six of Crows into one series. There are also more nuanced changes that allowed the actors to dive deeper into their characters' relationships, and that was very true for Daisy Head and Ben Barnes as they played out the complex relationship between Genya and General Kirigan in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone. 

Along with both characters developing their connections with Alina in Season 2, Genya and The Darkling’s relationship is central in the Netflix series. Since the books Seige and Storm and Ruin and Rising are told from Alina's first-person perspective there’s a lot we don’t get to see as a reader. However, in the show, there is no dominant perspective, and because of that Ben Barnes and Daisy Head got to explore and develop their characters' relationship. Head told CinemaBlend that while the characters’ dark relationship is depicted in the books, they were able to develop the tension between Genya and General Kirigan into something bigger for the show. Barnes agreed with her, and said:   

In the books, like in the show, the Grisha don’t know that General Kirigan is bad until it’s revealed that he created The Fold. When that happens it’s also revealed that Genya had been on The Darkling’s side, and she decided to stay with him after Alina finds out the truth, making her feel betrayed. In Siege and Storm, the Tailor continues to work for the General, but in Ruin and Rising, we learn that she was punished by him after sparing Alina, giving her scars across her face. 

Meanwhile, in the show, it’s very clear that Genya is quite conflicted about General Kirigan, and doesn’t really want to trust him, but he’s all she knows. Head elaborated on why her character decided to stay with Barnes’ villain, and how they were able to slightly change her motivations in the show, saying: 

Barnes agreed with this point, and he spoke about how they were able to show that the characters’ relationship and motives are not black and white, they're quite grey, which really helps show the toxicity of their relationship, and why Genya stays. He said: 

It’s fascinating to hear how these actors developed their characters and the relationships they have. Genya and General Kirigan have one of the darker storylines in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, and to hear how the actors were able to really develop that relationship and make it more nuanced and complex makes it all the more meaningful. 

To see how General Kirigan and Genya’s complex and tormented relationship differs from the books, you can stream both seasons of Shadow and Bone with a Netflix subscription. Then check out the 2023 TV schedule to see what other fantasy shows will be making their way to the small screen soon.  

At the center of the first two seasons of Shadow and Bone is the complex relationship between Alina Starkov and General Kirigan (also known as The Darkling in the books). They start out with a generally positive relationship as the shadow summoner teaches the sun summoner how to harness her power. However, things go south when Alina learns that her mentor and short-lived love interest created the Shadow Fold. Now, in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, Alina has become more confident in her power and is determined to destroy The Folds. However, she’s being tormented by Kirigan, but, he’s also tormented by her, and Ben Barnes explained why that's the case.

One of the most important things to remember about Season 1 of Shadow and Bone is how betrayed Alina felt when she learned Kirigan’s true colors. After learning that he was the mastermind behind the biggest problem Ravka has ever faced, she was livid, and she became determined to defeat him. However, as Ben Barnes explained to CinmeaBlend, Kirigan is just as tormented by this relationship, because he sees something in her that he sees in himself. The actor elaborated, saying:

Barnes explained to Deadline that his character really does have feelings for Alina, and when he loses her, his army, and his palace everything “brews into this storm.” Not only is he tormented, but he’s also angry about losing everything he had, and as the actor behind him said, The Darkling has “gone off” which is why he's a full-on villain in Season 2. 

Throughout the season General Kirigan’s issues and anger are personified through the Shadow Demons that emerge out of him. The prove to be dangerous for anyone caught in their path, however, they're also dangerous for The Darkling. Barnes told us about how those shadows impact The Darkling, and how it helps the audience understand everything this villain is going through, he said: 

So, it turns out, the sliver of humanity that The Darkling seems to have is based on his care for Alina. He’s lived for a very long time, and he’s never been able to confide in anyone or have anyone understand what it meant to have the power he had. However, it’s clear that Alina does not have feelings for him anymore, and she’s going to use her newfound power to destroy him, which bothers Kirigan throughout the entire season. 

It’s fascinating to hear that Barnes used mindful breathing to help ground his character and physically show the audience that The Darkling is also struggling this season. These physical performances to help show his character's struggle are similar to how Jessie Mei Li evolved her performance to show Alina’s new power. Throughout all of Season 2, it was clear that the two characters were constantly at odds with each other, and even though they weren’t ever physically in the same room, you could feel the mutual tension and torment between the two characters. 

To see everything Ben Barnes is talking about in action, you can check out Season 2 of Shadow and Bone with a Netflix subscription. Also, be sure to check out our 2023 TV schedule to see what other fantastic fantasy shows are coming up while we wait to see if we finally get a Six of Crows spin-off and what happens to Alina and co. next. 

Massive spoilers for the Season 2 finale of Shadow and Bone, "No Funerals," and light spoilers for the book Six of Crows ahead.

Since Shadow and Bone started, and the Grishaverse fans learned that the Crows would be incorporated into the show, an underlying question has always been: When are we getting the Six of Crows story on screen? The first book in the Crow’s duology is beloved by fans, and the Ice Court heist is one of the most iconic storylines in the series, so seeing it on screen would be a dream. While there wasn’t much from the first book about these thieves in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, the finale did clearly set up the stakes for the Ice Court Hiest, and if you’ve read the books, you know that the foundation has been laid for an epic adventure in Fjerda with our favorite crew from Ketterdam. 

Along with the fan demand for Six of Crows, it’s also been confirmed, by EW, that a writers' room has started working on a spinoff involving Kaz, Jesper, Inej, Nina, Matthias and Wylan. Showrunner Eric Heisserer said in the article, that if Shadow and Bone Season 2 performs well, and gets renewed, there will be an official spin-off involving the events of Six of Crows. And lucky for us, Season 2 of Shadow and Bone ended in a way that perfectly sets up a spin-off that will finally show fans one of the stories from the Grishaverse we’ve been hoping for.

Kaz Sets Up The Ice Court Heist In The Same Way It’s Presented In The Book 

Just like in the book Six of Crows, Kaz Brekker and his crew are offered their "most lucrative job" yet, as Brekker explains in the finale. He explains that a scientist who developed a lethal and addictive drug was captured by the Fjerdans, and the Crows have been hired to steal him back, just like in the novel. So, by hearing Kaz pitch the Ice Heist to Jesper, Wylan and Nina, the wheels are officially, and obviously, in motion for a Six of Crows spin-off. 

This job is the entire plot of Six of Crows as the crew risks their lives to pull off an impossible heist at the Ice Court in Fjerda. We also learn that the crew is after the same thing they’re after in the books, the scientist I mentioned who developed the drug Jurda Parem, but more on that later. Finally, the show confirmed that they’ll be going to the Ice Court during a highfalutin festival that happens in the book. What we don’t know is who is paying the Crows.

However, I have a theory. In the books, the Crows are hired by Jan Van Eck, which could very well be the case for the show too. However, in the series, Nikolai Lantsov hired the crew to find Alina in Season 1, and I think it’s possible that he’s the one employing them again, since the drug they're after almost killed him, and everyone at his coronation. 

Jurda Parem Is Introduced As The Next Big Threat

As you'll remember from Seasons 1 and 2 of Shadow and Bone, the Shadow Fold was the big problem that our heroes were working tirelessly to destroy. It caused major power struggles, a literal and figurative rift in a country, and was the origin of our big bad The Darkling. However, now that it's destroyed a new deadly drug is being set up as the next lethal issue the crew will have to deal with, and it might be worse than The Fold.

I say this because, when Nikolai is crowned king of Ravka, a Fjerdan hijacks the ceremony and tries to kill everyone in the room, including the new leader, Alina, Zoya and Genya. When she does this it’s clear she’s on Jurda Parem, the drug developed by the scientist the Crows are after, and her powers are amplified 1,000 times over making it possible for her to nearly kill many of the most powerful Grisha in the world.

Luckily, she fails as Alina kills her with The Cut (which also proves that Alina has Darkling powers in her, but that’s an issue for another day). However, the power of this new lethal drug is obvious, and the audience is now very aware that it’s going to be a massive problem for everyone.

Nina Is Determined To Get Matthias Out Of Prison, However, They’ll Have To Break Him Out 

Nina had been on a mission to get Matthias out of Hellgate the whole season, however, she became even more determined in the finale, and she had Kaz to back her up. While they do manage to get a pardon from the king of Ravka for the Fjerdan, Matthias gets in trouble after killing a guard, making that piece of paper useless. 

The pardon becomes irrelevant after Pekka Rollins, Kaz's nemesis, forces Matthias to fight wolves, which are sacred animals to the Drüskelle (the order of soldiers Matthias belonged to). He refuses to fight the animals, and he kills a guard instead. This means Nina’s love has absolutely no chance of being let out of prison, and the man has a newfound hatred for Kaz’s worst enemy. 

In the books, Kaz and the crew help Nina break her Fjerdan beau out of prison so he can help with the Ice Court Heist, because he grew up there and knows the lay of the land. However, with the way it’s set up in the show, Matthias also has a stake in this game because he not only knows the Ice Court, he now hates Pekka as much as Kaz, and will likely want his revenge. And you know what they say: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. 

Now, with the setup of the Crows going to Matthias' home country, and the entire crew wanting him out of prison, and the Fjerdan's likely newfound motivation to help the crew, it seems like mission breakout is ago.

Inej Goes Off With Tolya, Tamar And Mal (AKA New Sturmhond)

Now, this bit is very different from the books. Inej is always with the Crows in both Crooked Kingdom and Six of Crows however, Season 2 ends with her going joining the pirates, or excuse me privateers, as they try to find the slaver ships that took her family. While she’s not with the Crows at the moment, the crew is going to need transport from Ketterdam to Fjerda, and I think Sturmhond’s ship is the perfect vessel to take them there, especially since Inej is on that boat, and the thieves going to need their Wraith. 

Jesper Almost Says Six Of Crows

If that wasn’t enough for you, Jesper just about says the words “Six of Crows” in the finale as he’s talking about why someone should write the crew’s adventures down. The sharp-shooter says:

To which Kaz corrects him, and points at Nina to signal that there are five Crows now, and then Jesper gets cut off saying:

He was so close to saying it, and it just made it obvious that we’re so, so close to getting Six of Crows. 

Hopefully, Season 2 of Shadow and Bone becomes a big hit on the 2023 TV schedule, and the series gets renewed, because I desperately need to see Jesper finish that sentence after our favorite band of thieves pulls off the Ice Court Heist!

Everything truly has been set up perfectly for a Six of Crows spinoff, all the right characters have been introduced, nearly all of them are in the same or similar places they were in the book, and the big threat of the Crows’ duology has been explicitly introduced. All that considered, it feels like we are bound to see the Shadow and Bone cast back at it again, but instead of Ravka or Ketterdam, they’ll be making their way to Fjerda for one hell of a heist. 

You can stream Seasons 1 and 2 of Shadow and Bone with a Netflix subscription. 

When we met Alina Starkov she was a cartographer who had just found out she could summon the sun. That kind of power is intimidating, and hard to harness, so during Season 1 of Shadow and Bone Jessie Mei Li played this protagonist in a way that showed how unsure she was about her power. However, now, in Season 2 of Shadow and Bone the Sun Summoner is more comfortable with her power, and gaining more of it throughout the season, and Li explained how she changed her performance between seasons to show Alina’s newfound confidence. 

As the cast of Shadow and Bone returned to set for the second season, they all had to think about how the events of the first season impacted their characters, and how those moments in The Fold impacted them physically and mentally. For Alina specifically, Li worked on slightly altering her character’s voice to show her newfound power and confidence. The actress explained what she did to accomplish this to CinemaBlend: 

For context, Li is talking about one of the most important moments from Season 1 when her powers are amplified after getting the power of a stag. During Season 2, she gets two more amplifiers by way of the Sea Whip and the Firebird, and with each one she gets more power and her emotions are heightened. The actress continued to talk about how Alina changes between the end of Season 1, and when she is amplified by the Sea Whip, saying:

Alina really does change from the “wobbly,” confused girl in Season 1, into a powerful, rageful woman by the end of Season 2. Li spoke with Collider about how this transformation into a tenser, rage-filled, yet confident Alina physically affected her. She said the way she held Alina’s tension was totally different from her own, and she realized that this difference was what was causing her back pain. It’s fascinating to hear the actress’s process, especially when it comes to the physical evolution of the most powerful character in one of the best fantasy shows on TV right now.

Watching Season 2 I could feel the differences in Li’s performance, she carried herself differently as Alina post-amplifiers, and that helped emphasize the impact they were having on not only her body, but the entire story. To see how Jessie Mei Li evolved as Alina between Season 1 and Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, which just premiered on the 2023 TV schedule, you can stream the series with a Netflix subscription. 

Light spoilers for Season 2 of Shadow and Bone ahead, read with caution. If you aren’t caught up with the Netflix series be sure to read up all the things to remember before streaming Season 2, which is available to stream now.

For my fellow Six of Crows fans, our dreams are finally coming true because our favorite explosives expert, Wylan has finally joined the cast of Shadow and Bone. Not only is Wylan a fan-favorite character, but his relationship with Jesper is one of the moments from the books we’ve been hoping to see. Now, we finally get to see the lovely couple on screen, and Kit Young and Jack Wolfe, who play Jesper and Wylan, respectively, are opening up about why the two beloved characters are so attracted to each other. 

There’s no question that Jesper and Wylan are total opposites. Jesper is extraverted, a big flirt and incredibly charming. Meanwhile, Wylan is introverted, quiet, and pretty awkward. However, they share an inner chaos that draws them together, as Wolfe told CinemaBlend, and they are the perfect example of opposites being attracted to one another. The newest addition to the Shadow and Bone cast then elaborated on why his character is so attracted to the sharp-shooter saying:

That’s such a sweet answer! Reading Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom you can feel this chaotically safe energy that Wolfe is referring to. While Jesper and Wylan are polar opposites, and both have chaotic tendencies – for Jesper it’s his overconfidence, and for Wylan it’s his nervous shyness – you can clearly see how they balance each other out, and are perfect partners for one another. Kit Young explained this idea a bit more, saying:

Young is right, watching the show you can see Wylan and Jesper, or Wesper, constantly being put in various situations that force them to get to know each other work together, and address their past. They grow together throughout Season 2, and they develop a loving relationship where they can find safety together. Between their chaotic carriage moment, and the bonding moment where Wylan plays the piano in front of Jesper for the first time, they learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses quickly, and develop a deep care and love for one another. 

Finally watching Wesper on screen was such a joy, because they are such a perfect couple in the books. It’s also clear that the actors who play them care deeply about Wylan, Jesper, and their relationship, and they know how much it means to fans, which makes their onscreen chemistry even stronger. Jack Wolfe even noted to Popternative that during his audition he had a chemistry read with Kit Young specifically because Wylan and Jesper’s chaotic relationship is so vital to the Crows’ story. 

Season 2 is full of lovely Wesper moments, that prove just how attracted Wylan and Jesper are to each other, and hearing the actors behind them talk about why the characters love each other so much makes their relationship even better to me. 

Whether you’ve been waiting years to see Wylan and Jesper on screen together, or if you are just learning about the beloved couple through the TV show, you will be able to see all the Wesper content your heart desires during Season 2 of Shadow and Bone now that it has premiered on the 2023 TV schedule and is available to stream with a Netflix subscription.  

If you’ve read any of the Shadow and Bone books you know there are vocabulary terms that are new to everyone and incredibly hard to pronounce. You were also likely shook, like I was, when you watched the show and learned just how many words you were saying wrong. There’s a whole slew of them, from Otkazat'sya and Nichevo’ya to simpler words like Kruge and Djel, it’s like a minefield of Grisha vocabulary, but all these unique terms are also what make this world so unique and special. With that being said, when I got a chance to sit down and chat with the cast of Shadow and Bone I had to ask them which words were the hardest for them to pronounce, and the answers were hilarious. 

The Crows Poke Fun At The Sentence That Tripped Amita Suman Up In Season 1

All the Crows were in agreement that there were a lot of terms they stumbled over. However Kit Young singled out Amita Suman, and while the cast was talking about Season 2 of Shadow and Bone she threw it back a few years to tell a doozy of a story centered around the word Novokribirsk, which is a fictional city. The actress behind Inej got a kick out of her own story, and explained:

Young, who plays Jesper, then told his side of the story, and said Suman was basically like “I’m done now, it’s your turn to talk,” while the Inej actress noted that in the moment it was “really embarrassing.” Then Freddy Carter, who plays Kaz, chimed in saying his co-star also struggled with a word in Season 2, however, that one wasn’t fake, it was a very real word, and Suman said: 

While Suman was sort of hilariously called out among her castmates, Young made sure to note that Grisha words get them all sometimes, as he said:

He’s right there really are, because while the names of cities and shops got the Crows all messed up, it was character names that threw off some of the show’s newest castmates. 

Anna Leong Brophy And Patrick Gibson Joke About Not Being Able To Say Tamar’s Name

I’ve always struggled with the names of the Grishaverse while reading the books. Like Wylan, which is pronounced Why-Lan, but I thought it was Way-Len. Turns out the newest set of castmates to join Shadow and Bone do too, as Anna Leong Brophy, who plays Tamar, called Patrick Gibson out for not being able to say her character's name correctly. 

So, like we all had to learn how to properly say Rihanna and other celebs names, Gibson had to do the same with Leong Brophy's character Tamar (Ta-mar). After the actress called out her co-star, the actor behind Nikolai started laughing, and with his Irish accent said:

To which Leong Brophy laughed at before mocking her him, and saying:

The actor behind Nikolai Lantsov then noted that Shadow and Bone vocabulary is like a “minefield,” but luckily there are people there to help them out. The actress behind Tarmar actress agreed, and said: 

The Grisha words are hard, but luckily the cast works with David Peterson, who developed Dothraki on Game of Thrones and Fjerdan and other languages on this Netflix series, to work out this fantastical vocabulary. As for us viewers, we get to actually learn how to say the terms whenever a new season comes out thanks to the lovely cast, who did eventually learn how to say all the words. 

To see what moments from the books pop up in Season 2, what changes the Shadow and Bone crew make compared to the books, and to learn how to properly pronounce this Grisha vocabulary be sure to check out the 2023 TV schedule so you are ready for the second season of the fantasy series when it drops on March 16. In the meantime, you can go back and get a refresher on all this Grisha vocab by watching Season 1 of Shadow and Bone with a Netflix subscription. 

I don’t know if you remember this, but Shadow and Bone released in 2021 – and we’re finally getting a new season as part of the 2023 TV release schedule. 

The popular fantasy show was a big hit when it first debuted back nearly two full years ago, but now it might be hard for you to remember everything that happened. With Shadow and Bone Season 2 right around the corner, these are five things that you should remember before the show comes back.

Both The Shadow And Bone And Six Of Crows Stories Are Combined

This was probably something that I needed to remember, but upon re-watching the show, I finally realized that these stories were actually combined. It had been so long I'd forgotten, but here we are. 

For those who don’t know, the Shadow and Bone series is a trilogy of books written by Leigh Bardugo, and after the success of the series, she wrote a spinoff duology called the Six of Crows. Both were quite popular, so it wasn’t that surprising for fans to ask when they were getting an adaptation of Six of Crows, too. 

However, in the first season of the show, it was revealed that both stories were actually combined into one, overarching story that featured both the characters from the original novels as well as the characters from the Six of Crows books. I mean, everyone ended up falling in love with them regardless – especially my love Jesper – so it ended up being a good decision in the long run.

The Crows Are Keeping Alina’s Secret – And Heading Back To Ketterdam

So, because Season 1 came out so long ago, one might be wondering what on earth is going on. They’ve slowly turned into my favorite group of scoundrels and I will support any crime they commit, thank you very much. 

If you’re just as confused as I was when seeing the Season 2 trailer and wondering how the heck they got into certain situations, let’s get into the Shadow and Bone Season 1 ending so we can refresh our minds a bit.

Through the first season, we saw the Crows in their attempts to steal Alina – which, honestly, was a welcome change to the storyline, because the original Six of Crows novel didn’t even take place during the same timeline of the Shadow and Bone books. After the intense attack that they all went through within the Fold, they somehow made it out alive. 

Upon realizing what stealing Alina isn’t going to be what gives Kaz and the Crows their big break, seeing how truly powerful she is and how dastardly the other people were, he decides to keep her secret – with a price, obviously. But, near the end, we see the Crows, and Alina and Mal, go their separate ways. 

What does that mean for the Crows exactly? At the very end of the season, we see that they are heading to Ketterdam, which is the capitol of Kerch. There, Kaz intends to take on the crime lord – as well as many of their enemies, which we've met throughout the first season, as crime is pretty rampant in the capitol. 

We’re not entirely sure what Kaz’s plan is just yet, but we know that he needs a Heartrender – which is where Nina comes into play. 

Nina And Matthias Are On The Rocks

For those who can’t recall, Nina and Matthias were the enemies to lovers story that we were given in Season 1, and honestly, I was here for it. It was intense and then there was an air of betrayal between the two of them. Keeps things spicy. 

During the last episode of the first season, it seemed that they were alright. The ship they had been on crashed during a storm, and needing to survive, they ended up bonding during their travels. Towards the end, though, when they finally made it to somewhere safe, Nina ends up declaring Mathias a slave trader so he can be taken to prison. 

The reason she did this was actually to save his life, so he'd be in a cell rather than caught by Fedyor, another Heartrender who could potentially kill him. Matthias doesn’t know that, however, so he thinks Nina is a traitor and wants nothing to do with her. Nina, at this point, is out on her own, but at the very end, we see her overhear Kaz’s plans with the other Crows – and she looks quite interested. 

Alina Has Left With Mal To Learn More About Her Powers

Alina and Mal sort of remind me of Katniss and Gale from The Hunger Games franchise, except they have so much more chemistry than those two ever did, and I can’t wait to see them again in a big role in Shadow and Bone. After surviving the Darkling and his crew and the creatures in the Fold, Mal and Alina are basically on their own. 

She’s an enemy to the ones who support the Darkling, but thankfully, not many in this country know her face, so she doesn’t need to hide herself for long. Now, it’s just her and Mal, her childhood best friend – and they are on a quest to explore her powers more.

All we really know is that Alina is going to be looking to understand her powers more. She already has one amplifier from the Stag that chose her, but something that they needed to do is to find the others that are out there before Kirigan (the Darkling) can get to them. Both of these amplifiers are well-known: the Sea Serpent and the Fire Bird.

Whatever this means, I know that Season 2 is certainly going to bring the drama – and probably the heat between these two childhood buddies (who'll probably lovers quite soon).

General Kirigan/The Darkling Is Still Alive – And Bringing Beasts Along With Him

Arguably, one of the best parts of Shadow and Bone Season 1 was Ben Barnes’ portrayal of General Kirigan, otherwise known as the Darkling. I’ve always liked Barnes in other roles (he was even in Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities cast in 2022), but he just rocked his portrayal here. And I can’t wait to see him in Season 2. 

You might remember him supposedly being devoured by a beast in the Fold, but at the end of the episode, we see him emerge, still alive. Not unharmed, because he does have scars on his face, but still very much alive. And, he has some beasts with him. 

Remember that Kirigan is the one who created the Fold in the first place, and he’s keen on expanding it so the Grishas will always have a place within their world. Alina is trying to tear it down. Those creatures that he brings out with him from the Fold are called Nichevo’ya’s, and they are going to bring the pain. Surely, he is also on the hunt for Alina after she betrayed him. 

Truly, I can’t wait to see what Shadow and Bone Season 2 brings, but hopefully now, you might be a little bit more prepared for the ultimate battle of the Grisha’s – as well as the heists that are surely going to come with the Crows as well. 

Ever since Shadow and Bone’s first season came to a close fans have been impatiently waiting for Season 2, and hoping that their favorite characters and moments from the Grishaverse would make their way into the Netflix fantasy series. Well, now the trailer for the second season is here, and obviously, fanatics of Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows are watching it frame by frame, and let's just say they are hyped to see all these old and new characters coming to the show. 

As a massive fan of Shadow and Bone, I’ll be the first to tell you the ensemble of characters in both the books and the series are why it’s so good. So, naturally, when the trailer for Shadow and Bone Season 2 dropped fans were ecstatic to see characters like Kaz, Inej, Jesper and Zoya returning. They were also ecstatic to see beloved book characters like Nikolai and Wyland for the first time on screen. And they took to Twitter to share all their thoughts. 

It seems like the characters many fans are most excited to see, myself included, are the Crows. The group of thieves stole the show (literally and figuratively) in Season 1, and I know we’re all excited to hopefully see all six of them together in Season 2. Many fans were quick to pull the shots of the three Crows we really got to know from Season 1, and point out how charmed they are by them. Like Arthur, who posted this hilariously thirsty tweet in honor of the charming gun-slinger Jesper: 

Fans were equally as excited to see our swift and stealthy girl Inej back in action with her knives. Kanej couldn’t hold back their excitement about the return of Amita Suman as her iconic Crow. 

While we’re on the topic of Inej, fans were also quick to notice that the Crow and Zoya are going to have some scenes together. This fan tweeted about their excitement by way of a dream interaction between the two badass ladies: 

Obviously, I have to include some love for the leader of the Crows, because fans are so excited to see Kaz back in action, like this person who tweeted: 

Along with all the excitement for the return of beloved Season 1 characters, there are multiple people and moments from the books that viewers cannot wait to see. Specifically when it comes to the inclusion of Waylan and Nikolai in Season 2. 

By bringing in the explosion expert Waylan all six Crows are officially in the series, and fans like bru are especially excited to see this little guy in action come Season 2. 

The addition of the charismatic prince Nikolai Lantsov was also a jaw-dropping moment for fans. This charming man is someone we’ve all been waiting for, and getting our first look at the swashbuckling royal character was incredibly exciting. Sara said it best as she tweeted:  

As you can see, there is a lot of love and excitement for Season 2.  Being able to see all these fun characters from such a beloved book series come to life by way of the Shadow and Bone cast is truly incredible.

Along with many other book-to-screen adaptations, Season 2 of Shadow and Bone is coming soon on the 2023 TV schedule. You’ll be able to tune in and watch the Grishaverse expand by way of these amazing characters on March 16, and all you need to watch is a Netflix subscription. 

Fantasy shows are a huge television genre now. In my mind, fantasy TV shows sort of went through a revival period when the HBO hit, Game of Thrones, came out and ended up being one of the biggest shows on TV. Now, more and more fantasy shows have been released and attracted fans from all over the world. 

I’m talking about The Witcher, which is getting Season 3, The Wheel of Time, or even House of the Dragon, which is getting a Season 2 after its record-breaking first season. People love fantasy – which makes another season of Shadow and Bone even more highly anticipated. 

After its successful first season, the drama is coming back, but when exactly will it drop? And who will star in it? What’s the story supposed to be? For all your questions about Shadow and Bone Season 2, here are five quick things that you should know. 

Shadow And Bone Season 2 Will Release In 2023

While I know all of us wanted this season to be a part of the 2022 TV release schedule, Shadow and Bone will not be coming out this year. However, what we can be excited for is that it will be a part of the 2023 TV schedule. Confirmed by Deadline, the show is set to premiere on March 16, 2023, on Netflix. 

It is a bit unfortunate that we have to wait for another season for so long, but this honestly lines up with a lot of fantasy dramas that we see now. The last season of Game of Thrones took two years to get out to the public. The third season of The Witcher will be released in summer 2023, according to Tudum, basically a year and half after the second season premiered. It’s quite usual for those behind fantasy series to take their time releasing seasons, because the worlds are so intricate and the effects need to be perfect, so I’ll wait – not happily, but I’ll wait.

Season 2 Will Also Have Eight Episodes

Like the first season, Shadow and Bone is confirmed to have eight episodes for its second season, according to Deadline. The streaming platform ordered eight, one-hour episodes, which was about how long the episodes were in the first season.

While I know that most of us would want as many episodes as possible, I think eight is a good amount with how much story could be told. 

Season 2 Will Feature The Same Leads

Confirmed at Tudum, You can expect to see the same Shadow and Bone cast that we grew familiar with in Season 1. Jessi Mei Lei, who played lead character Alina Starkov, and Ben Barnes, who portrayed the Darkling/General Kirigan, are back and featured in the teaser shown down below. 

Also confirmed to return is Kaz, played by Freddy Carter, Inej, played by Amita Susman, and Jesper, played by Kit Young, who were the group known as the Crows. Several other names that were confirmed to be returning were Danelle Galligan as Nina, and Calahan Skogman as Matthias.

There Will Also Be Several New Faces Added To The Cast

However, with any new season of a show, new characters tend to come around, and some stay for a while. Shadow and Bone will be hopping on that train with four new cast members to add into the Grishaverse. 

Confirmed at Tudum, the new cast members are Patrick Gibson, Jack Wolfe, Anna Leong Brophy, and Lewis Tan, who will be playing Nikolai Lantsov, Wylan Hendricks, Tamar Kir-Bataar, and Tolya Yul-Bataar, respectively. 

We already see a glimpse of these characters in action during the teaser, where we see Alina speaking to Nikolai, and Wylan with the Crows, so I’m super excited to see where they fit into the oncoming craziness of this world. 

The stars have also appeared in a variety of movies and television shows. Gibson was in the cancelled-too-soon Netflix series, The OA, and The White Princess on Starz. Wolfe has appeared in The Witcher, Father Brown, Hetty Feather, and more. Leong-Brophy has had several appearances in shows like Last Tango in Halifax and Code 404. Lewis Tan was most recently in the 2021 Mortal Kombat film, and appeared in the TV series, Wu Assassins.  

The Second Season Will Follow The Second Novel, And Have A New Original Story For The Crows 

For those who don’t know, the first season followed many events from the first book, as well as moments from the Crows series of books that were combined into one big storyline for the whole Grishaverse. 

According to Game Rant, Season 2 of the show will be much like the first, where it is expected to follow the second novel in the Shadow and Bone series, Siege and Storm, and feature an original storyline for the Crows. Later on, according to the Deadline article above, an official synopsis was released for Season 2. 

In Season 2, Alina is effectively trying to figure out how to take down the Shadow Fold while on the run, but General Kirigan is back and looking to get revenge. Alina and Mal team up to find allies across the world to form their own army against General Kirigan’s, including creatures that could make her stronger. With the Crows, they constantly interact with enemies that could threaten their lives, but they soon end up colliding paths with Alina once again down the line. 

If you forgot about what happened at the end of the first season, we saw Alina embrace her true powers and defeat Kirigan, but he later emerged from the Fold. While he has scars, he’s very much alive – and he's probably going to come directly for Alina.

What makes this tale even more captivating than other fantasy shows is that they’re combining the storylines of both the Shadow and Bone books and the Crows stories into one world, making it quite different from the novels. So Season 2 is surely going to bring in some interesting storylines that involve both parties and will have us hyped from beginning to end. Here’s hoping that several moments from the books are in Season 2. 

Season 2 Has Wrapped Filming

While we don’t have a set premiere date just yet for Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, we can say that at least filming for the second season has wrapped! 

In June 2022 in a message on the official Twitter page of the show, the cast of the series filmed a video for all fans to enjoy so that we could get ready for Season 2, celebrating the end of production and using three words to describe the upcoming episodes, as well as their characters, and other fun prompts. 

From their answers, with words such as “heartbreak,” “love,” “badder,” and “epic,” used, I’m ready for this season to come already.  

Watch The Teaser For Season 2 Of Shadow And Bone

At the Tudum event, a teaser for the show was released, which features both new and returning characters. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out down below. 

While we may know when the show is coming out now, I’m so impatient for the second season to get here. But, until then, I guess I’ll just have to settle with re-watching the first season over and over again. Can 2023 get here sooner?  

In the last decade, we have entered into a new world when it comes to the best fantasy shows. While they were always around, with big hits such as Charmed bringing families together in front of the television screen, it wasn’t quite until the 2010s where shows really began to hit their stride. I’m talking mega-hits like Game of Thrones, or Netflix’s The Witcher, or even House of the Dragon, which was a part of the 2024 TV schedule. 

No matter what kind of fantasy you’re into, there’s sure to be a show that will draw you in. So, if you’re in need of a new show to binge on soon that takes you to a world filled with fantasy, look no further than some of the best fantasy shows that are streaming right now, all of which you can watch on some of the best streaming services.  

Game of Thrones (Max)

I mean, we can’t have a fantasy list without Game of Thrones. This classic HBO show that began in 2011 tells the long story of Westeros and several people who are vying to sit on the Iron Throne and rule over the land. Except there are darker enemies approaching, some that the rest of the world has no idea about.

Okay, let me say something quickly – is Season 8 a bit of a let-down? Yes, completely, but the rest of this show is absolutely amazing. There’s a reason why Game of Thrones ended up becoming one of the biggest -- if not the biggest -- shows on television. The story was fantastic, the acting phenomenal, the characters believable (until Season 8) – even the CGI was film-quality for a television show. While it may not have ended the way everyone wanted, there’s no denying its legacy. Winter is truly coming.

Stream Game of Thrones on Max.

House Of The Dragon (Max) 

We already talked about Game of Thrones, but how about we go back about two hundred years before that? House of the Dragon is all about the Targaryen dynasty, specifically the Dance of Dragons, known as the Targaryen civil war, where brother against brother and family member against family member were fighting for the chance to sit on that Iron Throne. 

I recall that when House of the Dragon was first announced, I wasn’t that excited for it because I was turned off by the Game of Thrones ending, but I can openly say now that it’s one of my favorite fantasies and a great prequel to the original show. The House of the Dragon cast is so talented, and the story truly captures you from the first episode onwards. With two full seasons out and a third that will be here (eventually), now is the time to watch the first two seasons and engage in the battle of dragons. 

Stream House of the Dragon on Max.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power (Amazon Prime)

The Lord of The Rings is possibly one of the best fantasy series of all time, if not the best, so it would make sense that a TV show regarding the franchise would also be on this list. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power takes place years before the Lord of the Rings novels, and follows the time of Middle-Earth's Second Age, and the battles that were won and lost, as well as characters that we know and come to meet. 

I really can’t get into this without exposing too much about the story, but if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, I think you’ll enjoy this series. Now, don’t get me wrong – there are certainly some moments in this show that might make you go ‘huh?’ when it comes down to lore-accuracy, but if you can separate yourself from it, here lies a great fantasy show that has fun characters and well-executed magic and battle scenes. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is coming very soon, so might as well check out the first season’s eight episodes. 

Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Hulu)

I don’t think you can get more fantasy than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The classic fantasy series mixed with the supernatural follows the story of a teenager who becomes a Vampire Slayer, a person chosen by fate to kill forces of darkness that threaten the lives of those who can’t protect themselves. 

For some, they might consider this show a little more horror than anything else, but for me, I’ve always found this series to be more like a fantasy. The more you watch, the more you’ll understand, and honestly, the series was hugely impactful in modern-day television and with seven seasons to binge, there’s plenty here to love. 

Stream Buffy The Vampire Slayer on Hulu. 

Percy Jackson And The Olympians (Disney+)

Based on the novels of the same name, Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows the titular character, Percy Jackson, as he enrolls in a camp that is made for Half-Bloods – i.e. children of Gods and humans. While discovering who he truly is, he goes on a quest to prove his innocence to the gods, who accuse him of stealing Zeus’ thunderbolt. 

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Percy Jackson and have been for years, and I loved the heck out of the TV adaptation. The Percy Jackson & the Olympians cast is talented, and there’s no denying the fun fantasy aspects that are included within this franchise, like magic, minotaurs and more. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Season 2 is confirmed so now is the perfect time to watch the first season. 

Stream Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+. 

His Dark Materials (Max)

In another big HBO show, His Dark Materials, we follow Lyra, a young woman who is from another world, and is on a quest to find her kidnapped friends. But in doing so, she uncovers the sinister plans of a secret organization, and now has to somehow protect her own life along with the ones she loves.

Based on Philip Pullman's trilogy of novels, His Dark Materials is another example of what television can do if they are given a film’s budget. The His Dark Materials cast is top-notch, with plenty of acting talent to spare, and the effects are amazing. The story itself is also very compelling. It doesn’t take long for this show to pull you in and get your attention – I promise you, you’ll be attentive from the very first episode. With three complete seasons, this is a great one to binge for a weekend. 

Stream His Dark Materials on Max.

The Witcher (Netflix)

Oh, The Witcher, one of the most popular shows on Netflix so far. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's books, in The Witcher, we follow Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who hunts down monsters for coin, as his path crosses with many different and interesting faces, such as Ciri, the Lion Cub of Cintra, Yennifer, the sorceress, and Jaskier, the bard.

While I do feel there are aspects from the books that could have been better adapted into the series, I think that this is still well done and they’ll only continue to do better. Henry Cavill as Geralt was perfect casting, and the rest of The Witcher cast is compelling and works incredibly well together. Keep in mind that now, with The Witcher Season 4, Liam Hemsworth will be playing Geralt, but I’m willing to give it a shot. 

Stream The Witcher on Netflix.

The Magicians (Netflix)

Another long show with plenty of seasons, The Magicians is based on Lev Grossman's books and follows Quentin Coldwater, who enrolls in Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy to be trained as a magician, but there he learns that the fantasy worlds he grew up with as a child are extraordinarily real, and are a danger to humanity.

What I like about The Magicians is that it takes almost a practical look at magic compared to some of the other shows here, or magic shows in general. While most shows seem to look at magic with almost a sense of wonder, The Magicians really goes over how it could seriously harm the human race, and the severity that magic can cause, all while still keeping that same sort of feeling of magic. It’s a great show to watch if you haven’t seen it yet. It's a shame it ended, even after five seasons.

Stream The Magicians on Netflix.
 

Charmed (Peacock)

In the original Charmed series, the viewers get to follow a trio of sisters known as “The Charmed Ones,” the most powerful good witches of all time. Together, they use their combined powers to combat the evils of the world, including demons, warlocks, and more.

Is Charmed as serious as some of the other sorcery/fantasy shows on here? Heck no. That’s why this is considered more of a family/chill show out there for magic fans. But that doesn’t mean it’s still not a great show to watch with so many seasons to binge on. The Charmed cast works well in their roles, but their chemistry is what really saves the day and makes this series so likable. You have to love the Charmed sisters.

Stream Charmed on Peacock.

Arcane (Netflix)

This show is fantasy and more and I stand by that. Arcane is based off of the popular game League of Legends, and follows the story of Jinx and Vi, two sisters who are split apart after a horrible tragedy and end up on different sides of a conflict, only to wind up facing each other down the line. 

Arcane is absolutely heartbreaking in so many ways, but it’s also so DAMN good. I will gladly cry and take all the pain that it gives me because it’s beautifully animated, with really cool fantasy aspects that blend both magic and futuristic tech. It’s a show that I really, truly love and I’m so sad that it’s only getting one more season at Netflix. Either way, it’s a great series, and one you should certainly check out. 

Stream Arcane on Netflix. 

The Sandman (Netflix)

This series exploded in popularity on Netflix. The Sandman tells the story of Morpheus, a literal personification of dreams, but one day in 1916, he is captured in an occult ritual and isn’t let out until 106 years later, only to find that his realm has fallen apart. Now, he takes it upon himself to restore it to its original power once he is free. 

While the premise sounds wacky, this show is honestly one of the best fantasies that Netflix has produced in a long time. The Sandman cast is magical and wonderful in every possible way, and every part of this fantasy series makes me feel as if I am in a dream. The cinematography is astounding, and the set pieces are incredible. Definitely check this one out. The Sandman Season 2 is confirmed, so now is the best time to watch it. 

Stream The Sandman on Netflix.

The Wheel Of Time (Amazon Prime)

Moving on, we now take a look at a fantastic Amazon Prime original series, The Wheel of Time. In this amazing fantasy series, we mainly follow Moiraine, a sorcerer, who takes it upon herself to find a group of five villagers when she finds out that one of them might be the Dragon - no, not a mythical beast, but someone who is the reincarnation of a powerful channeller that once ruined the world they walked on, and is now prophesied to either save the world, or end it all over again. 

When I think of The Wheel of Time, I think of it as something that is very high fantasy with a lot of lore, something that might take some time to learn the characters and the storylines properly. But once you do, it’s seriously some amazing fantasy. The Wheel of Time cast is full of talent, including a stellar lead performance from Rosamund Pike.

Stream The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime.

Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend Of Korra (Netflix)

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a classic Nickelodeon show that follows the story of Aang, the last-known Airbender. He is the Avatar, who is supposed to be the master of all four elements, and must go on a journey to learn them to face the Firelord. The sequel series, The Legend of Korra, follows another Avatar named Korra, and her time facing off against dastardly villains while the spirits of the Spirit World run free in later seasons. 

I adore these two shows so damn much that it almost hurts. I know that Avatar: The Last Airbender already has a live-action adaptation and I really do enjoy that, but there’s nothing quite like the animated series. Both shows have equal amounts of awesome in it, with some incredible bending elements that will have you on the edge of your seat. The animation is steller, and the fantasy aspects are always fun to watch. 

Stream Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.
Stream The Legend of Korra on Netflix. 

Sweet Tooth (Netflix)

This Netflix fantasy needs to be on this list. In Sweet Tooth, we follow Gus, otherwise known as “Sweet Tooth,” a young boy who is half-human, half-deer, where he steps out of his home to try and find the truth about his missing mother, Birdie, and the world beyond where he’s stayed his whole life.

Sweet Tooth is absolutely wonderful. The acting of the Sweet Tooth cast is brilliant, the effects are entertaining, and the story will have you laughing, crying, and everything in-between. Gus is the most adorable protagonist you could ever meet, and Tommy Jepperd, Gus’ reluctant companion, is a great counter-protagonist to the young boy, creating some awesome chemistry. With three complete seasons, this is a show to watch that you will end up loving no matter what. 

Stream Sweet Tooth on Netflix.

Fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres, and I hope that after you binge some of these shows, it will be one of yours, too. And maybe you’ll want to fly away on a dragon too. 

Warning: the following contains major, major spoilers for the novels Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm**, as well as Season 1 of** Shadow and Bone on Netflix. Please do not read unless you’ve already partaken. Or just hate surprises, whatever floats your boat.

The Shadow and Bone Season 1 ending delivered pretty much everything a Grishaverse fan could ask for. Magical battles! A morally-grey-yet-lovable band of thieves! Ben Barnes as the Darkling! (Thank you, Internet.) As a huge fan of the Shadow and Bone books, I was thrilled to see the show’s creators successfully bring author Leigh Bardugo’s first novel to life. I had so much fun watching my favorite moments from the first book that it got me thinking ahead to Shadow and Bone Season 2, which Netflix ordered a few short weeks after the Season 1 premiere. It will presumably be based on the second Shadow and Bone novel, Siege and Storm, but, like the first season, may also mine material from companion series Six of Crows. There’s about one thousand characters and scenes I'm dying to see in the second season, but we can start with the top six.

The Hunt For The Sea Whip

Thought the giant white stag was cool? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The first section of Siege and Storm is focused on tracking Rusalye, a sea whip (read: giant aquatic monster) rumored to be a cursed prince of Ravkan legend. General Kirigan, believing the sea whip to be Morozova’s second amplifier, forces Alina to hunt and kill the dreaded sea serpent to increase her power. Sea monsters are objectively awesome, and Rusalye’s appearance in Siege and Storm is one of my favorite moments in the entire series. One, because I love a good dragon, and two, it takes a mildly magical series and sends it straight to the realm of fantasy. 

There isn’t much description of the sea whip’s appearance in the book beyond scaly and serpentine, so the design staff has room to play around and make something really cool. The costumes and set design for Season 1 were intricate and gorgeous, so it stands to reason the sea whip would be as well.

An Actual Malina Moment

If you read the books after watching Season 1, it might have surprised you to learn that Alina and Mal are actually each other’s love interests (or one of them, anyway). Alina spends most of the first book pining for her best friend, and it’s explicitly stated that she has feelings for him. The show hinted at her crush but spent more time developing her relationship with General Kirigan. I’ll never complain about more screen time for Ben Barnes, but the decision to highlight the Darkling over Mal makes the tracker come off as a good buddy rather than a romantic lead. It would be nice to see more of the rapport between Alina and Mal, as well as that attempted kiss from Siege and Storm.

Nikolai Lantsov. That’s It, That’s The Tweet.

Nikolai Lantsov is one of the most iconic Shadow and Bone characters, end of sentence. However, he’s not introduced until the second book when the Darkling hires the privateer/Ravkan prince to captain his ship. With his secret double identity and quippy one-liners, Nikolai is a breath of fresh air in what can be a fairly dark series. He was such a fan favorite that Leigh Bardugo wrote a third Grishaverse series with the prince as the main character. It’s not so much a question of if he’ll appear in the show so much as how. Nikolai’s plot becomes integral to the trilogy’s story arc, but the show may choose to sideline him or reduce his role in order to focus on other characters. Shadow and Bone showrunners, take note: he’s awesome, we love him, give him his rightful place as a main character in Season 2.

More Of The Crows’ Backstory

Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, and Jesper Fahey were a highlight of Season 1. The Shadow and Bone cast nailed the relationships between the characters - you can tell they have a long history together. That being said, the show never really elaborates on that history. We only see Kaz purchase Inej’s contract from Tante Heleen, and that’s only because it relates to the present plot. How did Kaz become the Bastard of the Barrel? Why does he always wear gloves? The TV show keeps Kaz a mystery, which is an interesting choice considering his past shapes every single choice he makes in Six of Crows. Actor Freddy Carter creates a compelling portrait anyway, but it would behoove the show to shed some light on Kaz’s motivations. Trust me, it only makes him a better character.

Tamar, Tolya, And The Rise Of Sankta Alina

Shu twins Tamar and Tolya are two other characters in the Shadow and Bone trilogy who don’t make their entrance until Siege and Storm. Originally working as crew members on Nikolai Lantsov’s ship, they swear fealty to Alina when they discover her power. Why are they important? Aside from their sheer entertainment value (Tolya loves to recite epic poetry, to the chagrin of everyone in his immediate vicinity), they play a pivotal role in spreading the legend of the Sun Summoner. 

The twins create a secret sect of loyal followers who end up saving Alina and the rest of the Grisha when the Darkling attacks the Little Palace in Siege and Storm. Alina’s position as a religious figure is partially due to their efforts. The religious themes take up a good portion of Alina’s headspace in the second book and make for an interesting moral dilemma. If the people want to die for her, should she let them? Even though she doesn’t believe in her own sainthood? It’s a thorny theme that I hope to see the show explore.

The Darkling Actually Being The Villain

Yes, it’s really fun to watch Jessie Mei-Li and Ben Barnes have a stupid amount of chemistry. It’s probably one of the reasons the TV show gave more credence to their relationship. But the flirty banter comes at the cost of creating sympathy for the devil. This isn’t to say that book Darkling is one-dimensional, but the novel makes it clear that his desire for power far outweighs his desire for Alina. The show is attempting to humanize him, and while I understand the decision, we need to remember who he is and why he’s after Alina in the first place. Men only want one thing, after all. And that thing is the power to create a horde of shadow demons.

These are just some things from the books that I'd really like to see play out in Season 2. We'll have to wait and see what actually transpires when Shadow and Bone returns for its second season on Netflix.,

SPOILERS are ahead for Netflix’s Shadow and Bone.

We’d imagine by this point you’ve finished Shadow and Bone and are left blankly staring at your television with questions upon questions about the loose ends left by the finale. On the good news side of things, Alina Starkov found strength in her powers and defeated Ben Barnes’ Darkling (for now), but there’s so much more to keep us wondering as we wait for a second season to be picked up by Netflix – including Alina and Genya’s friendship being on the rocks.

In between the triangle that had us looking back and forth between Alina’s childhood bestie Mal and the Darkling’s villainous plans becoming known, the Sun Summoner found solace in Genya Safin, the Little Palace’s tailor who got her ready for her royal appearances. Like many fans, some of my favorite scenes were between Jessie Mei Li’s Alina and Daisy Head’s Genya as their friendship flourished. Until… it didn’t.

At the end of the season, we learn that Genya had been on the side of the Darkling the whole time. The tailor claims she had a good reason considering her complicated relationship with the King, but Alina feels betrayed. When CinemaBlend spoke to Daisy Head during Shadow and Bone’s virtual press day, I asked the actress about her thoughts on where the season leaves the two characters. In her words:

It sounds like Daisy Head has some solid hope for Alina and Genya moving forward as long as the pair can trust one another again and look from each of their unique perspectives. We certainly hope so, because their relationship was one of the highlights of Season 1. Head also shared her own love for their dynamic, continuing with this to CinemaBlend:

If you loved Genya in the series and have yet to read the Shadow and Bone books, Leigh Bardugo’s novels offer a bit more context to Genya as a character and her motivations. I don’t want to give any spoilers about what happens next from a book point of view, but Genya definitely has a continued role in Alina’s journey and if Siege and Storm is adapted next for Season 2, there are some major developments for their friendship.

While we wait for more updates on Shadow and Bone’s future, check out the major differences between the book and TV show here on CinemaBlend.

Netflix, for the last several years, has been knocking it out of the park with some of their series that have popped up, especially those that combine elements of fantasy and dystopia. Just look at The Witcher, which literally took over the streaming service when it premiered back in 2019. It was one of the most viewed shows on Netflix ever. That’s why it’s not that much of a surprise that Shadow and Bone, an adaption of the books of the same name, has become so popular.

However, with an ensemble cast as big as the one in Shadow and Bone, you’re sure to have seen these familiar faces across the media atmosphere in the last couple of years – or maybe even the last twenty! From the star of the series, Jessie Mei Li, to some of the minor characters that have somehow stolen our hearts, this is where you might have seen the cast of Shadow and Bone before.

Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov)

With every fantasy series, there is always that one character that truly drives the story, and that responsibility falls into the hands of Alina Starkov, an orphan assistant cartographer of the Royal Corps of Surveyors in the First Army, who ends up discovering that she is in fact the legendary Sun Summoner. Jessie Mei Li is the young starlet behind the wonderful transition of this character from book to screen.

If you’re thinking that you haven’t seen her around that much in media, you’re certainly right. Shadow and Bone is surprisingly this talented actress’s first major television role where she is widely recognized. However, that doesn’t mean that Jessie Mei Lei hasn’t been around the block a couple of times. She’s had a couple of guest appearances on television shows like Strangers and Locked Up, but Mei Li’s main source of attention was having roles in National Theater Live, a cinema program that brings the best of British theatrics to movie screens, where she has had a role in All About Eve, playing Claudia Casswell.

Archie Renaux (Mal Oretsev)

I think all of us want a best friend like Mal in real life, especially one that sticks it out with us from childhood to where we are now. I have to admit that even I was jealous of him and Alina’s strong friendship throughout the first season, and I have a feeling that’s due to Archie Renaux’s great chemistry with Jessie Mei Li.

Prior to appearing in Shadow and Bone, Renaux had a couple of parts in short films, but it’s not his first time into the television world. Back in 2019, Archie Renaux had a main role in the miniseries Gold Digger, a thriller about family, betrayal, and all things in-between. In the future, Renaux has some movie roles lined, as he has a small role in the new film, Voyagers, as well as a part in the highly-anticipated Morbius coming out in 2022. So keep an eye out for this newcomer to the industry.

Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker)

If you’re a fan of the books as I was for some time, you were probably surprised when they combined the two worlds of Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows, but I think it was a welcome change and adaptation to the popular fantasy series and really paved the way for some characters to get some serious development. One of which was Kaz Brekker, the leader of the Crows in Shadow and Bone, played by Freddy Carter.

Freddy Carter has had a couple of roles prior to his spot in Shadow and Bone. While he's still building up his resume of film roles, with very minor roles and cameos in films like Wonder Woman and The Convent, Carter has had a lot of success on TV. Carter had a small recurring role in Pennyworth as Jason Ripper. He also played Peter “Pin” Hawthorne on the popular British drama Free Rein and had the main role in two Netflix movies based on the show, Free Rein: The 12 Neighs of Christmas, and Free Rein: Valentine’s Day.

Amita Suman (Inej Ghafa)

Every crew needs a compass, and that is exactly where the character of Inej Ghafa comes in handy as part of the Crows in Shadow and Bone. No matter what, she keeps on fighting, trying to keep as many of her friends safe as she can. She always believes in something better for the world and has hope when no one else does. This beautiful take on the classic character comes from the awesome acting skills of Amita Suman, who is relatively new to the acting world.

Amita Suman hasn’t been in much prior to her role in Shadow and Bone, with a small guest role in Doctor Who and a recurring role as Naya on the CW show The Outpost being some of her biggest parts. However, with how amazing she has been doing in Shadow and Bone, I would keep an eye out for more of her work in the future.

Kit Young (Jesper Fahey)

I mean, Jesper is lowkey a bit of a mess and adorkably amazing with his one-liners, but there’s no denying that he is fearsomely loyal to his friends and will follow them to the end of the earth. Besides, who wouldn’t love this charming gunslinger who can literally shoot through a coin without barely as much as a look? Now that is an amazing character. Kit Young brings that personality to the small screen, standing out individually among the rest of the Crows.

Young hasn’t had as many projects as some of the others on this list in regards to TV and film, but he has plenty of roles in famous plays like Julius Caesar and The Real Thing in the theater. He also appeared National Theater Live, playing Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. With Shadow and Bone becoming so popular, it’s only a matter of time before we see him in more films and television, including The Origin and The School for Good and Evil, two upcoming films he has in the works.

Ben Barnes (General Kirigan)

General Kirigan is handsomely changed in the show for the better in my opinion, and really builds on the relationship that he and Alina develop over time that ends in a climatic story between the two. Ben Barnes, the actor behind General Kirigan, adds to this success through his portrayal of the classic character.

Ben Barnes has been around for quite some time and has had plenty of roles in big-time films and television shows. For example, he was the Prince Caspian in the Chronicles of Narnia movies. Barnes has also had roles in films such as Dorian Gray as the titular character, and in the comedy film The Big Wedding alongside stars like Robert De Niro, Amanda Seyfried and more.

In terms of television, Ben Barnes also had a role in Gold Digger as mentioned before, but also had main parts in Westworld as Logan Delos, and was a part of the main cast for The Punisher series on Netflix, playing Jigsaw. It seems like Shadow and Bone is something that is right up this actor’s alley, so I’m eager to witness what else he will bring to the table with General Kirigan.

Zoe Wanamaker (Baghra)

Everyone needs a trainer when they suddenly discover the power they have. With Harry Potter, that came in the form of Hogwarts. With Ciri from The Witcher, Geralt trained her. But with Alina Starkov, Baghra was her Grisha trainer to try and control her unimaginable powers. Zoe Wanamaker brings the fierceness of Baghra to life, while also being a great mentor to Alina at the same time.

Wanamaker is a name that you might not recognize off the top of your head, but once you see the roles she has been in, you’ll know exactly who this is. For example, she was Madame Hooch in the classic Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, as well as Paula Strasberg in My Week with Marilyn. However, Zoe Wanamaker has been in television for several decades and the theater as well, being nominated nine times for an Olivier Award (winning once for Once in a Lifetime) and nominated four times for Tony Awards.

For someone as experienced as her, I’m so happy to see her on a big-time TV show like this. While she does have main roles in shows like Britannia as Queen Antedia, it’s cool to see her returning back to the fantasy world.

Howard Charles (Arken)

With any show that’s adapted from books, there are usually characters that are added as original even though they never appeared in the novels. That is the case of Arken, otherwise known as the Conductor in Shadow and Bone, a character with plenty of twists and turns that keeps you on your feet during the whole first season.

Howard Charles, who plays Arken, has had some success in the industry. In film, he’s had a role in a direct-to-DVD film, called The Scorpion King: Book of Souls, playing Uruk. In television, Charles had a main role in the drama series The Musketeers, based on the novel of the same name, where he played Porthos du Vallon, for the whole series. Howard Charles has been in several other TV shows in guest appearances, but Shadow and Bone has shown off his abilities in a big way.

Julian Kostov (Fedyor)

With Grisha’s, there are plenty of different types of them, and Fedyor, a Heartrender, is one of the many that made Shadow and Bone so interesting and captivating to watch. Although not seen as much of the other characters on here, Fedyor had just as much of a role in Alina’s journey as anyone else did. Julian Kostov portrayed Fedyor in Shadow and Bone, and this isn’t his first time in fantasy. In fact, Kostov has a recurring role in the popular fantasy/magic show A Discovery of Witches, where he plays Timur. He also had a recurring role in the drama Berlin Station, playing Sergei Basarov.

While his new role in Shadow and Bone is exciting, I’m eager to see what he has coming up in the next couple of years. I want to see more of his awesome actor on my computer and in cinemas.

With how popular Shadow and Bone has become, it’s not a surprise that people are looking to see what other 2021 TV shows (and specifically, Netflix TV premieres) are coming out soon after the show ended. Hopefully, we won’t need to wait long for a confirmation that Season 2 is coming. Fingers crossed because I can’t wait to see more of these actors succeed as our favorite characters.

When Shadow and Bone popped up on Netflix not that long ago, those unfamiliar with the books were likely curious about what it could be about. But with how well-received it was, it’s no wonder that people are already reaching the end of the series and wondering what could possibly come next for Season 2 if/when it's officially renewed. But let’s all be honest – with how popular Shadow and Bone already is, I’d be stunned if a Season 2 didn’t come.

Here, we’re going to take a look at everything from the ending of Shadow and Bone Season 1, from the manifestation of Alina’s true powers to that eerie cliffhanger that teases the horrors to come. For all that want our speculation into what might happen the next time we see Grisha’s and Ravkan’s on our screen, look no further than here.

And obviously, spoilers ahead from Season 1 of Shadow and Bone, as well as some general references and spoilers from the books.

Alina Has Begun To Truly Embrace Her Powers

As we've throughout the first season of Shadow and Bone, Alina had trouble at first trying to really gain control of her Sun Summoning powers, but as soon as she finally found some sort of hold on it, General Kirigan – otherwise known as the Black Heretic – wanted to use that to his advantage. When they finally found the Stag -- its antlers can be used to increase the power of any Grisha -- Kirigan imbues parts of it into Alina as well as himself, so that they share a connection through power now and he can control her.

However, Alina has a vision of the Stag while on the ship in the Fold, and in turn, picks up a spare dagger that Inej had thrown, using it to somehow stab the piece of the antler out of Kirigan’s hand, so she has control of her powers once more.

Kirigan asks how she can harvest this much power when he was the one who killed the Stag, as the legend says that only the one who slays the Molostive amplifier can obtain that power. But she knows that it doesn’t matter who killed the Stag because the Stag chose her to harness the power.

With the ending that came not long after this discovery, it’s not a shocker that Alina knows what she is capable of now. However, just because she wants to tear down the Fold, that doesn’t mean there aren’t new parts to her that the series might get explore soon. In an interview with Harpers Bazaar, star Jessie Mei Li, who plays Alina, said she’s excited to explore Alina’s dark side.

I’d be down for a multi-dimensional protagonist any day. Either way, I’m excited for what Alina will bring to the table in a possible Season 2 – and maybe even beyond.

The Darkling’s Plan Explained – And What He Might Bring In The Future

Okay, we can break down the Darkling’s – or General Kirigan’s – plan in two points 1). He created the Fold centuries ago so that Grisha would never be eliminated and would always have a place in the world, and 2). He planned to expand the Fold to not only keep Grisha in power but to stop the war and prove his own power, as long as he has Alina by his side and he has control. Obviously, that latter plan did not work out, as we saw Kirigan basically get whisked off by one of his own creations of the Fold in Episode 8, creating an escape for Alina and her friends.

However, at the end of the finale, we see the Darkling emerge, scarred but alive (I mean, he is eternal), and bringing along some not-so-nice creatures that can walk outside the Fold, called Nichevo’ya from the novels.

I can only imagine the horrors of which he will bring with these creatures because if Kirigan is alive, you can bet he is going to go in the same direction as Alina and Mal – and those monsters are coming with him.

Mal And Alina Could Be Heading Out To Find The Next Grisha Amplifiers

For those who haven’t read the Shadow and Bone books, a good part of the Shadow and Bone series is about Alina and Mal trying to find the next Grisha Amplifiers before Kirigan can get to them. When Alina was in the library in the palace, she was exposed to the tale of the Bonesmith, who used his own bones to create beings with unimaginable power that, when killed, can amplify the power of a Grisha. There are two known others besides the Stag – a Sea Serpent who was once a dragon prince, cursed to live in the Bone Road, and a Fire Bird.

At one point, this mission is teased when Alina reads a novel that mentions the Bone Road, saying, “the Bone Road ebbs and the Bone Road flows.” So if this is the case, it wouldn’t be a surprise if that was where we were heading in a possible Season 2, to find the next amplifier near the Bone Road.

Archie Renaux, who plays Mal in Shadow and Bone, recently talked with Glamour about the adventures of the pair, and what Season 2 could bring.

New lands and countries? I mean, if we’re going in the direction of the books, it doesn’t sound like that’s too far from the truth. That Sea Serpent feels even closer now.

What The Crows Storyline Means For The Grishaverse

In the original Shadow and Bone books, the Crows (Kaz, Jesper, and Inej) weren’t even featured. There was a whole separate story called Six of Crows that focuses directly on them, taking place years after the original events of Shadow and Bone. However, the producers of the Netflix show made the interesting choice to combine the two stories – and a great choice it was in my opinion, as I found that the Crows heist storylines and funny jokes were a great companion to the seriousness and magical lore of Alina and her powers.

However, what does this mean for the Crows in the following seasons of the story? As we know, they now have some sort of plan to face off against the crime boss of Ketterdam, but how does that fit into the story as a whole?

With the addition of them trying to steal Alina, it was a welcome change to the story and combined the two worlds of Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows beautifully to show how they could very well interact in the same world and yet have completely separate storylines. I can only wonder where they’re going to go now, especially since the crew has some debts to pay back in Ketterdam.

Even so, I believe that we’ll be seeing plenty more of the Crows once Season 2 comes along, and maybe even more team-ups with Alina and Mal. It’ll be different from the novels, but a good kind of different – one that I think brings the series to new heights it was never at before.

What did you think of Shadow and Bone? With all these 2021 Netflix shows that have come out, it was only a matter of time before one really started to blow up like this. It’s going to be interesting to see where the series leads from now on – and who exactly is going to come out on top, the light or the dark? Only time will tell.

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Netflix has been having a ball the last several of years dropping some TV shows which have really taken the world by storm. I’m talking about shows like Stranger Things or the TV series that seemed to capture the whole world’s attention last year, Bridgerton. But, one of the latest shows to really blow up in the last couple of weeks is Netflix’s newest series, Shadow and Bone.

Shadow and Bone on Netflix, based on the Shadow and Bone books, captures the fantasy and dystopian genres through the eyes of war and has been applauded by audiences for its breathtaking visuals and beautiful storytelling. However, since there are only eight episodes of this series, and we probably won’t see a Season 2 for quite some time, fans are most likely looking for replacements to fill the void in their heart once their binge is done. Look no further than here for eleven other shows that you might like if you enjoyed Shadow and Bone.

Game of Thrones (HBO Max)

We are talking the epitome of fantasy here, folks. If you loved Shadow and Bone, Game of Thrones is the way to go. This famous fantasy series follows several characters through their journeys after a monarch dies and, all of a sudden, it’s a competition to see who can claim the Iron Throne for themselves.

The show is one of the most popular TV series in modern-day history and has won several Primetime Emmy Awards. It’s launched the careers of some of its previously unknown stars like Emilia Clarke and only made careers bigger for established actors like Peter Dinklage. The story is great, the visuals are amazing, and it’s truly a spectacle for one to see – but maybe skip out on the last season, in my opinion.

Stream Game of Thrones on HBO Max.

Lucifer (Netflix)

Who knew the devil could look this good?

Lucifer is all about exactly whom you would expect, the devil himself. However, it’s not quite the story you’d believe, as Lucifer grows tired of his life in Hell and decides to abandon it and move to Los Angeles, where he runs a nightclub called LUX and becomes a consultant for the LAPD.

I know, it sounds so silly, but trust me when I say that Lucifer is a lot of fun and a great way to really change up the story surrounding the religious character. The story itself creates plenty of moments that fans have loved and if you’re into magic, Lucifer is the literal devil – he has plenty of it. You might just find yourself rooting for the devil a little in this show.

Stream Lucifer on Netflix.

Shadowhunters (Freeform)

Freeform has always been known to put out some bangers when it comes to shows that really showcase magic, but the best one that I can think of is Shadowhunters. This popular series follows Clary Fray, who, on one of her birthdays, finds out that her family is actually a race of human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons in New York City.

For fans of Shadow and Bone, this is one of the best alternates out there for the magic that is infused into the plots. It’s so much fun, and sometimes almost makes you think you’re watching Harry Potter but with a more adult twist. There are only three seasons, so it’s not super hard to binge. Plunge into the magic and have some fun!

Stream Shadowhunters on Freeform.

The Irregulars (Netflix)

I sort of consider The Irregulars as the British version of Ghostbusters, because they are the ones you call when things start to look a little freaky. The Irregulars is based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the same man who created the infamous Sherlock Holmes, and follows the story of the Baker Street Irregulars, who work for Dr. Watson and save London from various supernatural events.

For fans of Sherlock and Shadow and Bone, this show would be perfect for you, as it not only connects you to the world that you already know but also adds some supernatural fun that anyone can enjoy. Plus, who doesn’t love some good old-fashioned ghost-hunting?

Stream The Irregulars on Netflix.

The Witcher (Netflix)

If you haven’t heard of it yet, you’ve been living under a rock. The Witcher is a fantastical story filled to the brim with fantasy, magic, and monsters, mainly following the story of Geralt of Rivia, one of the last known Witchers, and his tale of training the young Lion Cub of Cintra, Ciri, and his encounters with the witch, Yennifer.

The show itself was extremely popular during its debut season on Netflix, with fans tuning in from all over the world to binge it on its release date and see Henry Cavill rock it as Geralt. With Season 2 coming out, hopefully in 2021, it’s not too late to catch up on this awesome fantasy show before it takes a hold of our lives again.

Stream The Witcher on Netflix.

His Dark Materials (HBO Max)

This show really took fantasy to a whole new level after HBO ended Game of Thrones. His Dark Materials is all about Lyra, a young woman who is from another world and is on a quest to find her friend who was kidnapped, but ends up discovering the plot of a secret organization and other amazing finds.

His Dark Materials has only been around for two seasons, but they had plenty of moments which were full of amazing cinematography and some of the best CGI you could probably ever experience on television. The story itself is full of the great fantasy that you would expect, and so much fun. Plus, with an all-star cast, with the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda and James McAvoy, it’s a definite watch, for sure.

Stream His Dark Materials on HBO Max.

Westworld (HBO Max)

Now that I look at it, there are so many shows on HBO which really capitalize on the fantasy genre, but Westworld certainly isn’t one of them. No, Westworld dives into the science-fiction world, with three very different and complex seasons, the beginning starting out with a theme park that has androids who can pass for humans, and lets humans live out their fantasies on them.

While there isn’t really any magic like there is in Shadow and Bone, the dystopian aspect is certainly there, with so much going on sometimes that it’s hard to keep track of the story. But ,that doesn’t change the fact that it’s very interesting and has some really cool visuals. It might take some time to get used to but Westworld is great fun.

Stream Westworld on HBO Max.

Cursed (Netflix)

This new Netflix series from 2020 takes a spin on the classic Arthurian legend. Cursed looks at it through the eyes of Nimue, a young woman who was born with a mysterious gift, is destined to become the powerful Lady of the Lake, and ends up actually becoming partners with the legendary Arthur himself.

If you want fantasy, look no further than Cursed. You’ll find yourself enthralled with not only the magic and the beauty that comes from the world of the series, but the sword fights and battle scenes, along with the story that actually delivers a great twist on an age-old tale. There’s still only one season of the show, so it would be a nice quick binge for you to enjoy.

Stream Cursed on Netflix.

Fate: The Winx Saga (Netflix)

Another new series which has come out recently, Fate: The Winx Saga, based on the cartoon series, feels almost like the perfect follow-up for a show like Shadow and Bone. This fantasy show is about the magical school of Alfea, where five fairies who become friends are trying to master their individualized powers while also juggling their own personal lives.

I almost think of this show sort of as what Shadow and Bone could have been if it was maybe set in high school, with everyone having their own powers and learning to master them. The visual effects are great and I can see why this ended up coming into the Top 10 during its first week on Netflix, due to the pure fun that show is. It’s definitely one of the top contenders on this list.

Stream Fate: The Winx Saga on Netflix.

A Discovery Of Witches (Amazon Prime Video)

We can’t have this list without mentioning a couple of shows that are purely focused on magic, so our first pick here is A Discovery of Witches on Amazon Prime. This popular show follows Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch who stumbles upon a magical transcript in a library, forcing her to find out the secrets it holds about magical beings, as well as being offered help by a vampire named Matthew Clairmont.

I personally look at this series as what Twilight could have been if it wasn’t werewolves vs vampires the whole time. The partnership between Diana and Matthew is believable, and you sometimes even find yourself in a trance with the mysteries that await in the manuscript. With two seasons to binge, there’s so much sorcery for you when you dive into the discovery.

Stream A Discovery of Witches on Amazon Prime Video.

The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (Netflix)

Last but certainly not least, we take a look at this popular Netflix show. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is all about Sabrina Spellman, a young witch who, at the age of 16, needs to decide whether to keep her powers and sign her life away to the devil or enter into the realm of the mortal world to stay with her friends.

With two seasons split up both into two parts, there’s plenty of Sabrina for you. And, since it’s also produced by the same people who do Riverdale, you get the typical high school love, rivalries, challenges, and everything else from a great teen show, mixed in with some awesome views of the dark arts. For fans of the magic in Shadow and Bone, this show is for you.

Stream The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix.

I know we’re all already waiting for Season 2 to come out of Shadow and Bone, but hopefully this list can hold you over. Maybe some of the best movies on Netflix or the best Amazon Prime movies might help as well. Either way, let’s hope that they all include the adventure that we got from the amazing world that Netflix gave us. Until Season 2!

SPOILERS are ahead for Shadow and Bone.

Netflix subscribers’ latest obsession is Shadow and Bone, an epic adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s YA book franchise. The series follows the story of Alina Starkov, a teen orphan who finds out she has powers that can change her home of Ravka as she knows it. She learns to harness her light through the help of Ben Barnes’ mysterious General Alexander Kirigan, later revealed as the Darkling. The series allowed for the complex character to be updated for TV in clever ways.

When Shadow and Bone hit streaming, book fans noticed the Darkling was going by another name than they knew him by. General Kirigan is not among the named characters in the expansive Grishaverse books, but adding this facade to the Darkling character did allow for Ben Barnes to deepen the character. Here’s what the actor told CinemaBlend:

One major change between the first Shadow and Bone book and the series is how much more compassionate viewers may feel toward the Darkling. In the series there’s a real sense that the Darkling cares for Alina, wants to undo the mistake he made with the Shadow Fold and do what’s best for his people, despite the twisted ways he goes about it as the season progresses.

And there is a large number of fans who root for a romance between Alina and Darkling… because of course, it was a great decision to flesh out a villain like the Darkling. Ben Barnes continued with these words:

It’s almost been ten years since the original Shadow and Bone book reached bookshelves and Leigh Bardugo has shared that some of the changes made in the series were welcome in hindsight. Fans were undoubtedly going to see the chemistry between the Sun Summoner and the Black Heretic in the series, so why not give their relationship a more palpable arc? The Netflix series chooses to take us with Alina as she becomes drawn to General Kirigan before learning of his dark history as the man behind her world’s great divide.

For Ben Barnes, having General Kirigan only helped his performance showcase the human elements of the Darkling. And when the season reaches its third act and he says those memorable words: “Fine, make me your villain,” there’s more tension within Alina’s heroic journey. What did you think of Ben Barnes’ Darkling? Vote in our poll below and get to know the Grishaverse more here on CinemaBlend, and check out Shadow and Bone on Netflix now.

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When a beloved book is adapted, for its fans there’s always a combination of wild excitement and heart skipping. Over the years, there’s been some incredible movies and television shows based on fantasy book series and there have also been a share of big bummers. With Shadow and Bone on Netflix finally out after almost a decade of development, while there are a number of key differences between the 2012 book by Leigh Bardugo, readers of the Grishaverse can rejoice. Alina Starkov is in good hands at the streaming service.

Season 1 of Shadow And Bone adapts the story of the first book in the trilogy, with some creative liberties made to implement other characters from the wider Grishaverse. Whether you just finished off the series and are curious about how it measures up to the book, or are a fan wondering about the changes made, let’s dive into it. Warning! SPOILERS are ahead for Shadow and Bone. I highly recommend you grab the book or binge the series before proceeding!

Alina Starkov Is Half Shu

There’s one major difference on the surface level of Shadow and Bone that was made regarding the series’ main character, Alina Starkov. In the books, she is described as simply an orphan who is small, pale and mousy, with dull brown hair and eyes. As she grows in her Grisha power, she becomes more beautiful and healthy. For the series, it was decided to make Alina half-Shu, which means mixed-raced Asian in the Grishaverse. Alina having a more complicated background adds some depth to her character. The Shu are often thought of as the enemy, so there’s an added conflict within Alina of not feeling like she belongs even further and confronting racism alongside her journey. It’s actually a clever addition to Alina’s backstory, which only helps tell the protagonist’s established story.

The Darkling Goes By General Kirigan

In the Shadow and Bone book, Alina knows the Darkling as the Darkling right away. But, it’s not until later that she finds out that he is also the Black Heretic, aka the one who created the Shadow Fold. In the series, Ben Barnes is first known as General Kirigan before being called the Darkling and the Black Heretic. This was done in order to better conceal the character’s identity from viewers, especially those who will be going into the series blindly. We all like a good twist, and if the Netflix show can make a few people gasp at the revelation it makes for an even more entertaining arc for Barnes’ villain.

The Six Of Crows’ Origins Are In The Mix

The biggest change between the first book and the series is the addition of the Six of Crows storyline into Alina and the Darkling’s first of three stories. While the events of Shadow and Bone are taking place, the Netflix series is also introducing audiences to Inej Ghafa, Kaz Brekker, Jesper Fahey, Nina Zenik, and Matthias Helvar, the characters from Leigh Bardugo’s duology, Six of Crows. Since those novels take place chronologically after the first Shadow and Bone book, this aspect of the season is completely new to the Grishaverse. As much as the series is an adaptation, it’s also a Six of Crows prequel.

Alina Is Even More In The Dark About The Black Heretic’s Plan

Shadow and Bone books are from the perspective of Alina Starkov, and it is, therefore, up to her to figure out specific plotlines in the story in order for everything to move along as it needs to. But, in the Netflix show, there are a few changes made which allow for some scene variety, and don't always involve Alina being clued in. In this spirit, the series does not tell Alina about the Darkling’s plans to find the Stag to amplify her powers until much later in the story. In the book, Alina is told by the Darkling himself, but she believes it will be used only to amplify her powers, rather than be used as a collar to control her, until Baghra clues her in.

Alina And Mal Are Better Friends Than Lovers

In the Shadow and Bone book, Alina is straight up in love with her childhood friend, Mal. Leigh Bardugo’s novel spends a ton of time on Alina crushing and yearning to be reunited with him, and in the third act the plot is still driven by her love for him and her need to keep him alive at all costs. The couple have a few key romantic moments in the book and there’s some clear jealousy and tension between Mal and the Darkling. But, in the series, Mal is treated much more deeply and balanced than as a romantic interest. The series establishes why he's been important to Alina since childhood, and while it’s clear they care for each other and there’s love there, Mal is not driving the story, Alina is. It’s an improvement from the book that still respects the source material.

There’s A Deeper Connection Between The Darkling And Alina

Another improvement for Alina and her relationship to her romantic interests is through her arc with the Darkling in the series. In the books, Alina is attracted to him, and the pair begin to get physically involved before she learns of his plans to control her, after which she escapes him. As the book reaches its climax, the Darkling completes his plan to put the Stag collar on her and amplify her powers under his control. The book makes it seem like she was only a pawn in his game and the moments they shared were manipulation, though the pair do have electric chemistry. However, in the Netflix show the Darkling actually believes Alina to be his match; they seem to have mutual deep feelings for each other aside from the Darkling controlling her powers for his own plans.

Alina’s Finale Moment Is A More Empowering One

One last difference between the book and TV show to touch on is how Alina comes into her power and has her big finale moment in Shadow and Bone. In the novel, it takes seeing Mal fall off the ship in the Shadow Fold for her to realize that she has control of her power, even with the collar around her neck, when she uses it to save Mal and defeat the Darkling (for now). As I’ve mentioned, her actions are reactionary because of her love for Mal, where in the show Alina breaking into her power for her final moment is empowering to her journey as the Sun Summoner. The series creates a bigger moment for its hero which is hers, while still giving Mal a major part to play in wrapping up the first season.

As you can tell, I was very much impressed with the differences between the book and Netflix series for Shadow and Bone. There will always be some changes that need to be made between the mediums, but in this case, the story was not sacrificed in the process. What did you think about the changes? Vote in our poll below!

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Anyone else missing Game of Thrones lately? Sure, the finale left a sour taste in many mouths, but it’s the journey, not the destination right? We may have run out of episodes for the HBO hit two years ago at this point, but Netflix is offering something akin to George R.R. Martin’s expansive fantasy world. The bestselling YA book series Shadow And Bone gives Netflix its own Westeros, with a couple direct connections to be drawn.

That’s not to say you should expect incest, a mother of dragons or a red wedding. It’s most certainly its own thing. But Shadow and Bone does immerse its audience in a new world complete with new lands, people and power over its eight episodes to eat right up. Game of Thrones alum Danielle Galligan, who had the small role of Sarra in Season 8, did point out an awesome connection the series have with each other when speaking to CinemaBlend about the new fantasy language she picked up for Shadow And Bone:

For the role of Nina Zenik, Danielle Galligan got to learn a language native to Shadow and Bone, and created by Game of Thrones language conlanger David J. Peterson. The language called Fjerdan was referenced between the pages of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone novels, but much like the HBO fantasy series before it, Netflix went all in on fleshing out its world.

During CinemaBlend’s interview with Danielle Galligan and Calahan Skogman, who go on a snowy expedition during the first season of Shadow and Bone, Galligan shared how much she loves learning languages. She and her co-star are learning human languages together right now, but for the show she was tasked with learning a brand new one. The lengths the Netflix series went to make its world feel real are quite amazing and impressive.

David J. Peterson, who has published a book called The Art of Language Invention since creating Dothraki, Valyrian and and Shiväisith for Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, reportedly met with Leigh Bardugo about making the Shadow and Bone language ten years ago while at a convention. It’s certainly been a long time in the making, and the existence of a wholly unique language places the series on another level with Lord of the Rings and Star Trek.

Shadow and Bone showrunner Eric Heisserer additionally shared how the success of Game of Thrones influenced Netflix’s new series:

Shadow And Bone premieres on Netflix this Friday, April 23 alongside a host of exciting April releases reaching the platform this month.

Netflix has a history of adapting hit YA novels and well-known fantasy titles. It’s no surprise that the streaming giant jumped on the chance to bring Leigh Bardugo’s hugely popular Shadow and Bone trilogy to the small screen. After months of anticipation, the wait is almost over: the series is about to premiere on Netflix, and the reviews are in.

What should viewers expect from Shadow and Bone? The series tells the story of Alina Starkov (played by Jessie Mei Li), an orphan who discovers she may hold the key to saving Ravka, her Soviet-inspired home country. It will also weave in storylines from Bardugo’s other works, including Six of Crows, which takes place in the same universe.

According to Variety, this intertwining of tales is a success. Caroline Framke wrote about the Shadow and Bone Netflix series:

Caroline Framke also praised Jessie Mei Li’s performance in Shadow and Bone, saying:

Vulture, on the other hand, found the multiple storylines in Shadow and Bone to be a detriment. Kathryn VanArendonk said:

However, Kathryn VanArendonk feelings towards the series overall were much more positive. As she put it:

Several reviews commented on the decision to make Alina half-Shu (The Shu-Han being Ravka’s Chinese-inspired neighbor). Daniel Fienberg wrote for The Hollywood Reporter:

Overall, the Shadow and Bone reviews seem to be generally favorable, with many praising the world-building and characters. Petrana Radulovic of Polygon said:

As a longtime fan of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, I’m thrilled to see the series get a warm reception. Adapting famous novels can be a tricky business (looking at you, Eragon). It turns out that I didn’t have to worry - Shadow and Bone seems to be holding its own.

You can judge Shadow and Bone for yourself once it premieres on Netflix this Friday, April 23. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more news concerning the series.

When it comes to book-to-screen adaptations, the production process is rarely cut and dry behind the scenes. For Netflix’s upcoming fantasy series Shadow and Bone, bestselling author Leigh Bardugo, who thought up the expansive Grishaverse, stayed alongside the development every step of the way. There were multiple opportunities for the hero’s journey of Sun Summoner Alina Starkov over the years. How did the adaptation find its home on Netflix?

The Netflix series is a rare, close adaptation to its source material that even elevates its material through bringing in characters from her subsequent duology Six of Crows. Over the past decade, there has been some uneven luck with adaptations of Young Adult series in Hollywood. Here’s what Leigh Bardugo told CinemaBlend about her own experience over the years to see her characters come to life:

How many times have you watched the movie or TV version of a beloved book and hardly recognized it? Leigh Bardugo went through years of trying to get her Shadow and Bone novels a chance at an adaptation, going back nearly a decade. Once an executive part of the project left the streaming service the first time around, the fantasy story was left collecting dust for a while until a number of prospects came back around to sell the author on taking on the franchise. Bardugo continued to tell the story with these words:

Leigh Bardugo serves as executive producer on Shadow and Bone and gave the showrunner keys to Arrival and Lights Out writer Eric Heisserer. He was a fan of her books, particularly with her 2015 followup to the Shadow and Bone trilogy, Six Of Crows. Once he became hooked on the unique fantasy world, he tweeted out his love for the series on Twitter to Leigh Bardugo and it stuck.

About a year after he confessed his love for the Grishaverse, Netflix got in touch with Eric Heisserer about pitching a Shadow and Bone series. When he and Leigh Bardugo met, they seemed to instantly connect on what a Shadow and Bone series could be and in 2019, pre-production began on Netflix’s upcoming series.

Fans of the books can certainly rest easy knowing Leigh Bardugo really took the time to find a team for her series who cared about the source material, instead of going for the first executive who looked its way.

Shadow and Bone will introduce audiences to Alina’s epic journey when the first season drops on Netflix this Friday, April 23. Check out the full lineup of new movies and TV shows coming to the streaming service this month.

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The days are numbered until Netflix’s next fantasy series Shadow and Bone drops on the streaming platform, are you ready for it? In the vein of the streamer’s last big hit from the genre, The Witcher, this Netflix TV show also comes with a legacy found in the bestselling Shadow and Bone books from Leigh Bardugo. Ahead of watching the series, if you’re new to the Grishaverse, welcome and let’s get you acquainted with the basics.

Season 1 of Shadow and Bone will be coming to Netflix this April for your binging pleasure. The season is eight episodes and packed with adventure and introductions to the unique fantasy world being explored within its storyline. Take it from someone who's seen Season 1 already: you won’t be completely lost if you go in blind, but if you want to sit back and enjoy it a bit more, read on. Here’s what you need to know about Leigh Bardugo’s series before hitting play:

How Many Shadow And Bone Books There Are

The first Shadow and Bone novel came out back in 2012 and became a New York Times bestseller. The book is the one of three books from the Grisha trilogy, which also consists of 2013’s Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. The Shadow and Bone books center on a teenage orphan named Alina Starkov who finds out she has incredible powers that could mend her war-torn world that is split in two by a large stretch of impenetrable darkness called The Shadow Fold.

Leigh Bardugo has since continued to tell stories within what’s called the “Grishaverse” with two duologies from the same world. The Six of Crows duology consists of 2015's Six of Crows and 2016’s Crooked Kingdom instead follows five different characters (switching back and forth between their viewpoints) who are part of a thieving crew who take part in a heist. Additionally, there is the most recent King of Scars duology, made up of 2019’s King of Scars and Rule of Wolves, which centers on one young king of Ravka, Nikolai. But wait… there’s even more! Bardugo has also published a number of short stories about the folklore of her fantasy world as well. 

You can start reading with the Shadow and Bone trilogy boxed set on Amazon. Or, if you want to purchase the books individually:

Get Shadow and Bone (Book 1) on Amazon.

Get Siege and Storm (Shadow and Bone Book 2) on Amazon. 

Get Ruin and Rising (Shadow and Bone Book 3) on Amazon. 

Get Six of Crows on Amazon. 

Get Crooked Kingdom on Amazon.

Get King of Scars on Amazon. 

Get Rule of Wolves on Amazon.

What Is The Grishaverse?

From the outside looking in, Shadow and Bone’s universe being called the Grishaverse can be quite confusing, so let’s clear that right up. Grishaverse is derived from the word “Grisha,” which are a people in Shadow and Bone and the world of Leigh Bardugo’s books. To put in simple terms, the Grisha are like the wizards or benders of the Harry Potter and Avatar and the Last Airbender worlds respectively. They are a class of people who have powers that set them apart from the rest of the humans who live there.

There are many different types of Grisha, and they are typically determined through a test as children. If a child is determined Grisha, they are mostly separated from humans and taken off with other Grisha to learn how to hone their “Small Science” skills. There are three main types or “orders” of Grisha: Corporalki, whose power lies in the human body (such as a healer), Materialki, whose power lies in materials (such as an alchemist) and Etherealki, whose power lies in the natural elements. Shadow and Bone’s protagonist Alina falls into the Etherealki category, since she can summon light. The Grishaverse explores these people and their stories through different lenses.

The Geography Of Shadow And Bone

The events of Shadow and Bone are more easily understood through a quick geographic tour. There are three nations you should know for the series: Ravka, Fjerda and Shu Han. Ravka is the central land that most of Shadow and Bone takes place on and includes the Shadow Fold (which some also refer to as The Unsea). It is a monarchy that has two borders to defend considering it is between Fjerda and Shu Han, which often become threats to the country of Ravka.

Shadow and Bone mainly takes place on the east side of the Shadow Fold in Ravka where its capital Os Alta is located. When we first meet Alina, she will be on the east side with plans to cross The Shadow Fold into the west with the First Army, a military regiment consisting of non-Grisha people. The Second Army is made up of only Grisha people and is based in the Little Palace, close to the King. The Shadow Fold is an incredibly dangerous rift in Ravka that is a huge risk to cross and contains terrifying creatures with long claws, leathery wings and rows of razor-sharp teeth called Volcra.

The Netflix Series Is Also A Six Of Crows Prequel

Netflix’s Shadow and Bone series predominantly adapts Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone novel, but there’s also another element to keep in mind. The series will also set up the thieves from the Six of Crows duology as well. While Alina is going on her hero's journey, the season also begins to tell the story of Inej, Kaz, Jesper, Nina and Matthias before their written story arc in the novels. Therefore, the Shadow and Bone series operates as an adaptation of Shadow and Bone and a prequel to Six of Crows. Cool, right?

This will allow fans of the Grishaverse to interact with characters they know and love already in a way they’ve never seen them before. The Six of Crows books takes place two years after the events of the third Shadow and Bone book, so this decision allows these characters to be developed at the same time as Alina, and perhaps build out into their stories from the novels in future seasons.

If you’re new to Shadow and Bone, this might feel like a lot to take in, but I assure you don’t have to read all the books to enjoy the Netflix show. The season does a great job of introducing the Grishaverse. But, it most certainly does enrich the experience if you do know a bit about it going in. Now you have a primer, but there's a lot left to explore and learn. You’re all set to binge Shadow and Bone starting April 23.

TV still hasn't quite returned to its pre-COVID normal – where "normal" realistically means 450+ scripted series and 500+ unscripted series – but March 2021 featured the welcomed arrival of quite a few major TV premieres. That trend isn't stopping in April, which will finally bring The Handmaid's Tale Season 4 to fans, and will also bring its fair share of spring finales, from Falcon and Winter Soldier and The Walking Dead closing out their seasons to Wynonna Earp and Shameless wrapping up for good.

So let's take a closer look at many of the biggest TV and streaming premieres that are coming in April 2021, starting with the return of one of network television's most mysterious dramas.

Manifest Season 3 - NBC (April 1)

After nearly a year's hiatus away from audiences, NBC's theory-sparking Manifest will finally return for Season 3 when April begins. That said, we're hoping there aren't any holiday-related fakeouts involved as Manifest's time-jumping opener follows up on the discoveries made during that wacky Season 2 finale. What does it all mean?!? Don't expect all the answers right away, but they're coming...eventually. Maybe. In the form of other questions.

Law & Order: Organized Crime - NBC (April 1)

Following Manifest's Season 3 premiere, NBC is going all out for Law & Order fans, first with the long-awaited SVU return from Christopher Meloni's Elliot Stabler, and then with the premiere of the Meloni-led spinoff Law & Order: Organized Crime. It's likely we're going to learn some pretty unfortunate details about the Stabler family, but most fictional deaths are worth it when the results are "more Meloni" and "more Stabler."

Birdgirl - Adult Swim (April 5)

Following its 2007 finale, the classic toon-aping Harvey Birdman, Attorney At Law made a long-awaited return in the form of the special Harvey Birdman: Attorney General, and fans thankfully haven't had to wait nearly as long for the impending spinoff Birdgirl. In the Adult Swim follow-up, Criminal Minds vet Paget Brewster is bringing her superbness back to the role of Judy Ken Sebben, better known as Birdgirl while wearing her Birdgirl costume (and getting hit on by her dimwitted father).

Chad - TBS (April 6)

Former SNL star Nasim Pedrad first brought her pitch for Chad – in which she plays an awkward 14-year-old boy trying to achieve manhood in various ways – to Fox back in 2016. It was picked up to series in 2019, and was initially set to debut at some point in 2020 before COVID changed everything. Now, Pedrad finally gets to deliver this bizarre (but lovingly delivered) concept to viewers on April 6 and many weeks beyond that. (Fun fact: Chad shares director and executive producer Rhys Thomas with Disney+'s Hawkeye.)

Kung Fu - The CW (April 7)

With Jared Padalecki's Walker reboot having premiered on The CW earlier this year, the network has another ass-kicking reimagining on the way in the form of Kung Fu. With Arrowverse co-creator Greg Berlanti partially behind the modern take on David Carradine's original series, Kung Fu sees Legacies' Olivia Liang using her martial arts skills to keep her community safe. Expect for there to be way more differences than similarities, but hopefully in the best of ways.

Queen Of The South Season 5 - USA (April 7)

Queen of the South may not have the biggest viewership, but the fanbase is passionate, and they've been waiting a long time for the fifth and final season to finally arrive on USA. Season 4 wrapped up back in August 2019 on the same day the Season 5 renewal came down the line. But while it was supposed to film and release in 2020, Queen of the South faced the same delays that many other series faced. Here's hoping the long wait will be worth it.

Rebel - ABC (April 8)

Anytime Katey Sagal is part of a show, I'm signed up from the jump. While she's currently still part of The Conners's third season, Sagal is also heading up the new ABC drama Rebel, in which she will star opposite Andy Garcia, playing a legal advocate without a law degree who works tirelessly for the local community that she cares about so deeply. The role is based on the life of activist Erin Brockovich, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Grey's Anatomy showrunner and Rebel creator Krista Vernoff.

Them - Amazon Prime Video (April 9)

Not a remake of the '50s giant ants movie, Amazon's Them hails from creator Little Marvin and executive producer Lena Waithe (The Chi) and seems to dwell in the same discomforting, racially charged sandbox as Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us. The series centers on a Black family moving from the east coast to an all-white neighborhood in L.A., where they fight for survival against malevolent forces, and stars Us' Shahadi Wright Joseph, Luke Cage's Deborah Ayorinde and Top Boy's Ashley Thomas.

The Nevers - HBO (April 11)

Throughout its development process, the biggest thing going for HBO's fantasy quasi-superhero drama The Nevers was that it was created by that other Justice League director Joss Whedon, who has since fallen from pop culture grace after allegation-filled backlash from female stars he worked with in the past. In the face of all that BTS drama, The Nevers is a female-led adventure blended with science fiction, Victorian horror, and dark humor to make up a strange (and expensive-looking) mystery that will no doubt earn a loyal and sizable fanbase.

Infinity Train Season 4 (April 15)

The emotionally sound animated series Infinity Train felt like a cult classic when it started life at Cartoon Network, and continued held to that distinction upon becoming an HBO Max exclusive. Created by former Regular Show writer and storyboard artist Owen Dennis, Infinity Train is an interconnected anthology series about a magical (for lack of a better word) train that presents its human riders with moral and social conundrums to help conquer their psychological issues. Thankfully, the streaming service soothed fans' cancellation fears by ordering up Book 4.

Younger Season 7 - Paramount+ (April 15)

After spending its first six seasons as arguably TV Land's most successful scripted original series, Darren Star's rom-dramedy Younger is aiming for bigger audiences by debuting its seventh and final season on the streaming service Paramount+. And that season is a long time coming, also, with Season 6 having wrapped up back in September 2019. Fans will finally get to learn what happened after the finale's cliffhanger between Sutton Foster's Liza, Peter Hermann's Charles and Hilary Duff's Kelsey, and something tells me it'll be mostly heartwarming.

Big Shot - Disney+ (April 16)

The family-friendly dramedy Big Shot has an unlikely set of big TV names at its center: Full House's John Stamos is the star, and the creator/developers include Everybody Loves Raymond's Brad Garrett, Harley Quinn writer/EP Dean Lorey and Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley. The show follows Stamos as a hot-tempered basketball coach who unhappily takes a new job at an all-girls private high school where Community vet Yvette Nicole Brown is the dean, and Vikings alum Jessalyn Gilsig his assistant coach. Who doesn't want to see smart and confident teen girls making John Stamos uncomfortable?

Mare of Easttown - HBO (April 18)

For her first major trip to television since 2011's Emmy-winning Mildred Pierce, Kate Winslet is returning to HBO for the miniseries Mare of Easttown, which was created by The Way Back screenwriter Brad Ingelsby. Winslet plays a detective investigating a murder in a small Pennsylvania town while trying not to let her own life spiral out of control. If that didn't already sound like a lock, add in the rest of the cast, which includes WandaVision's Evan Peters, The Outsider's Julianne Nicholson, Watchmen's Jean Smart and the most recent Spider-Man franchise's Angourie Rice.

Zero - Netflix (April 21)

From creator Antonio Dikele Distefano comes the impending Netflix original series Zero, which is the first TV series to truly focus on the Black Italian experience, though not in the most realistic terms. Zero centers on a shy, second-generation Italian with the incredible power to turn invisible, and how he puts aside his artistic dreams so that he can control his powers as a way to defend his neighborhood. Rather than aiming solely for darkness, Zero sounds like it'll be a more inspiring superhero tale. (Is it too soon to call for Umbrella Academy crossovers?)

Rutherford Falls - NBC (April 22)

With The Office vet Ed Helms and The Good Place creator Michael Schur as two-thirds of the creative team, Rutherford Falls has major built-in comedy cred. But it's the third co-creator, Navajo filmmaker Sierra Teller Ornelas, that helps make this new Peacock comedy truly special. The series centers on a fictional Native reservation and its neighboring small town, with a cast and crew that features a variety of indigenous creatives. One can only hope Rutherford Falls' comedy can match its inclusivity measures.

Shadow and Bone - Netflix (April 23)

Netflix's next big-budget foray into young adult fantasy fare will be for the highly anticipated Shadow and Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy of novels. Developed for TV by Eric Heisserer, who penned the scripts for Arrival and Bird Box, Shadow and Bone is set against the (admittedly predictable) backdrop of a world ravaged by a war between good and evil, and follows one orphaned soldier (Last Night in Soho's Jessie Mei Li) in her challenged attempts to train a magical army. Oh, and the power-hungry antagonist is played by Punisher and Westworld vet Ben Barnes.

A Black Lady Sketch Show Season 2 - HBO (April 23)

The past few years have been surprisingly rich with new and hilarious sketch comedies, with HBO's absolutely divine A Black Lady Sketch Show earning an Emmy nomination in 2019, though it lost out to SNL. (Big sigh.) Created by star Robin Thede, the sometimes silly, sometimes poignant and always brilliant series was renewed for a second season back in August 2019, but it took a while for things to come together due to COVID delays. And though co-star and co-writer Quinta Brunson wasn't able to appear in Season 2 due to scheduling, I'm still more pumped for A Black Lady Sketch Show's return than any other comedy in April.

The Handmaid's Tale Season 4 - Hulu (April 28)

After The Handmaid's Tale Season 3 ended in August 2019, Hulu went into development on the Margaret Atwood spinoff The Testaments, and then the pandemic happened. Despite all the setbacks, Elisabeth Moss & Co. successfully put Season 4 together and will finally (and hectically) start delivering more answers to fans at the end of April. With Season 5 already ordered, no one needs to worry about Moss' June meeting her maker, but the same can't really be said for anyone else.

The Mosquito Coast - Apple TV+ (April 30)

Apple TV+'s upcoming drama The Mosquito Coast is based on the 1981 adventure drama novel by Paul Theroux, and it stars the author's nephew Justin Theroux (The Leftovers) as a quixotic man whose increasingly negative view of American consumerism and corruption inspire him to uproot his family to Latin America. To be expected, that major life decision leads to twists, turns, and problems for the Fox family, with Melissa George playing Theroux's wife. It'll be interesting to see how the episodic adaptation stacks up against the 1986 film starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.

Hopefully the above list will give everyone a lot to look forward to in April 2021, though these are far from the only noteworthy TV premieres lighting up primetime and the A.M. streaming hours. I'm also pumped for American Dad Season 16, Creepshow Season 2, Top Chef Season 18, and Cruel Summer's debut season, to name a few. Not to mention the various spring premieres from shows such as Fear the Walking Dead, 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Lone Star and All American. No foolin', April and the rest of the Winter/Spring TV schedule has more than enough awesome content to spare.

The weather is getting warmer in a lot of places, and as tempting as that may be to get out and do something, Netflix is still providing ample reason to stay home and binge shows. April is one of the strongest months of content the streaming service has had in 2021, and that's evidenced by some of the awesome shows that will arrive.

This month features deadly killers, lots of family fun, and a series that I'm a little surprised wasn't cancelled after the drama it caused but I'll let it slide because it has Dustin from Stranger Things in it. Let's dive into all that below, as well as the young adult series that may dominate our lives come the month's end.

Prank Encounters (Season 2) - 4/1

Remember that Netflix show that featured Gaten Matarazzo that caused a lot of controversy? Well, apparently, that wasn't enough for the streamer to send Prank Encounters to the Upside Down, and now the show that viewers feared tricked people into thinking they got a job is back for another season. This time around, unsuspecting subjects will be exposed to premises that include ancient burial grounds and even a haunted mansion. Personally, I'm curious to see whether audiences will forget the original controversy or blow this show up all over again because of the premise.

The Serpent - 4/2

The Serpent takes on the real-life murders of Charles Sobhraj in the 1970s, which happened along the "hippie trail" in South Asia. The series stars The Looming Tower's Tahar Rahim and a face Doctor Who fans know well, Jenna Coleman. I can personally say I enjoyed the stuff I've seen both actors in, though they weren't thieves who killed and took people's identities just because they could. With the star power attached, I expect this series will draw some eyes and possibly be the next hit true-crime drama series we're all talking about next month.

Family Reunion (Part 3) - 4/5

The McKellan family is back and will prove yet again that love and family can conquer all kinds of heartaches, hardships, and loss in life. Of course, it's not all as heavy as it sounds, as Family Reunion gets up to the typical sitcom hijinx that fans who enjoyed the past episodes have grown fond of. Plus, Tia Mowry is a riot in this show, so definitely make a point to check this one out if you're looking for a fun and wholesome family drama.

The Wedding Coach - 4/7

Just on the heels of another marriage series, Netflix is at it again with The Wedding Coach. In this series, comedian Jamie Lee will mentor six engaged couples and help them navigate all the stressful moments that can come from planning and actually having a wedding. As someone who has been through the process, it sounds like a really ambitious series given the sheer amount of things that can and do go wrong on a big day. Wouldn't it just be easier to coach these couples in advance that it's not that big of a deal?

The Circle (Season 2) - 4/14

One of my favorite reality competitions since Big Brother is back, and I can't wait to see how Netflix's The Circle does in its sophomore season. I enjoyed Season 1, though I'm certainly hoping the next season of this weekly release series introduces more people willing to make waves in private chats, create a catfish persona, and stress a less "kumbaya" kind of vibe amongst other competitors. After all, this is a game with a good chunk of money on the line! We need more people willing to sabotage others for that cash, and do what they can to raise their popularity however possible!

Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! (Season 1) - 4/14

Jamie Foxx has a new series on Netflix, and for anyone looking for another family comedy to jump into, here's your sign. When his daughter comes to live with him, Brian Dixon does all he can to be there for her as she tackles all the big issues in life. Of course, he's got some help from his best friend, sister, and his dad. Based on the title, I'm assuming there's some embarrassment that happens through this, and it probably isn't Brian's father embarrassing him. That would be a great subversion of expectations though!

Life In Color With David Attenborough - 4/22

It's basically a rule now that if one sees David Attenborough's name attached to a series, they should expect a visually stunning docuseries. Life in Color with David Attenborough is exactly that, in which Attenborough travels the world in a three-part series unveiling the various ways that animals use color. It utilizes new camera technology that was made for the series, and the fact it airs on Earth Day makes it the perfect environmentally conscious series to watch on the day.

Shadow and Bone - 4/23

After lots of hype from Netflix, Shadow and Bone will finally arrive on Netflix in April. This young adult fantasy series centers around orphan mapmaker Alina Starkov after it's discovered she has an extraordinary power that could change her life and the lives of those around her. Of course, there are some dark forces that wish to put a stop to that power. Whether they'll be successful remains to be seen, as the book this series is adapted from is a trilogy, so there's a lot of source material for future seasons if it's a hit.

Headspace Guide To Sleep - 4/28

Netflix subscribers struggling with sleep may find the next Headspace series very helpful, as Headspace Guide To Sleep explores the various aspects of sleep. The meditation guide was very interesting, so I have to think the same will be true of this upcoming guide. With that said, maybe it's not something that someone who is suffering from sleep disorders should watch at night, lest they be too entertained and lose sleep because of it.

Catch all these shows and more on Netflix in the month of April. Of course, there are also many other shows and movies headed to the streaming service in April, so be sure to check out the full list of offerings right here.

Another month’s worth of entertainment and social media discussion is on its way, thanks to Netflix unveiling the lineup for April 2021. In what’s supposed to be a banner year for the streaming platform, there’s always the potential for the next Bridgerton-level hit to make its way to the masses. In the wake of March 2021’s cache of titles, the anticipation for this next month is running at a high. If you want to take a moment and see what came online last month, as well as the highlights of the film titles that joined the library, you can catch up with those titles before heading in. Otherwise, let’s take a look at what the showers of April 2021 are bringing to the garden known as the Netflix streaming queue.

Week of April 1

Magical Andes: Season 2 - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/1/21

Prank Encounters: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/1/21

Tersanjung the Movie - NETFLIX FILM - 4/1/21

Worn Stories - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/1/21

2012 - 4/1/21

Cop Out - 4/1/21

Friends with Benefits - 4/1/21

Insidious - 4/1/21

Legally Blonde - 4/1/21

Leprechaun - 4/1/21

The Pianist - 4/1/21

The Possession - 4/1/21

Secrets of Great British Castles: Season 1 - 4/1/21

The Time Traveler's Wife - 4/1/21

Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family - 4/1/21

White Boy - 4/1/21

Yes Man - 4/1/21

Concrete Cowboy - NETFLIX FILM - 4/2/21

Just Say Yes - NETFLIX FILM - 4/2/21

Madame Claude - NETFLIX FILM - 4/2/21

The Serpent - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/2/21

Sky High - NETFLIX FILM - 4/2/21

Escape from Planet Earth - 4/3/21

Week of April 4

What Lies Below - 4/4/21

Coded Bias - 4/5/21

Family Reunion: Part 3 - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/5/21

The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/6/21

The Big Day: Collection 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/7/21

Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/7/21

Snabba Cash - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/7/21

This Is A Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/7/21

The Wedding Coach - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/7/21

The Way of the Househusband - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/8/21

Have You Ever Seen Fireflies? - NETFLIX FILM - 4/9/21

Night in Paradise - NETFLIX FILM - 4/9/21

Thunder Force - NETFLIX FILM - 4/9/21

The Stand-In - 4/10/21

Week of April 11

Diana: The Interview that Shook the World - 4/11/21

New Gods: Nezha Reborn - NETFLIX FILM - 4/12/21

Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn: Seasons 1-4 - 4/12/21

The Baker and the Beauty: Season 1 - 4/13/21

Mighty Express: Season 3 - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/13/21

My Love: Six Stories of True Love - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/13/21

The Circle: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/14/21

Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/14/21

Law School - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/14/21

The Soul - NETFLIX FILM - 4/14/21

Why Did You Kill Me? - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/14/21

Dark City Beneath the Beat - 4/15/21

The Master - 4/15/21

Ride or Die - NETFLIX FILM - 4/15/21

Arlo the Alligator Boy - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/16/21

Ajeeb Daastaans - NETFLIX FILM - 4/16/21

Crimson Peak - 4/16/21

Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Season 4: Mexico - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/16/21

Into the Beat - NETFLIX FILM - 4/16/21

Rush - 4/16/21

Synchronic - 4/16/21

Why Are You Like This - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/16/21

The Zookeeper's Wife - 4/16/21

Week of April 18

Luis Miguel - The Series: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/18/21

Miss Sloane - 4/19/21

PJ Masks: Season 3 - 4/19/21

Izzy's Koala World: Season 2 - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/20/21

Zero - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/21/21

Life in Color with David Attenborough - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/22/21

Stowaway - NETFLIX FILM - 4/22/21

Heroes: Silence and Rock & Roll - 4/23/21

Shadow and Bone - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/23/21

Tell Me When - NETFLIX FILM - 4/23/21

Week of April 25

August: Osage County - 4/27/21

Battle of Los Angeles - 4/27/21

Fatma - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/27/21

Go! Go! Cory Carson: Season 4 - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/27/21

Sexify - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/28/21

Headspace Guide to Sleep - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/28/21

Things Heard & Seen - NETFLIX FILM - 4/29/21

Yasuke - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/29/21

The Innocent - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/30/21

The Mitchells vs. The Machines - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/30/21

Pet Stars - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/30/21

The Unremarkable Juanquini: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL - 4/30/21

April TBD

The Disciple - NETFLIX FILM

Searching For Sheela - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

Netflix’s Movie Highlights For April 2021

As if to anticipate her role in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder, Netflix gave Melissa McCarthy superpowers. Which is perfect, because Octavia Spencer looks like she’s having fun with her newly metahuman friend in the heroic comedy Thunder Force. Though you may want to watch that before the machines take over, as the Netflix original/Chris Miller and Phil Lord produced The Mitchells vs. The Machines has been given a prime release date at the end of the month.

While this is a family-friendly robot apocalypse, it still looks pretty dangerous; therefore, you may want to unplug your smart devices before you sit down to watch that colorful blockbuster. Finally, if peril in space is something you’re into, then Stowaway fits that bill. Streaming dominator Anna Kendrick has to puzzle out survival in the deep dark void, alongside cast members Shamier Anderson, Toni Colette, and Daniel Dae Kim.

Netflix’s TV Highlights For April 2021

After a first season that saw some backlash visited upon its premiere, Stranger Things star Gaten Materazzo’s Prank Encounters is returning for its second season on Netflix. Who knows what pranks will pop up in this brand new outing? Regardless, if you’re looking for some hidden camera shenanigans, you don’t have to wait much longer. Though should your tastes run a little more dramatic and war torn, then the long-awaited adaptation of Shadow and Bone should do the trick.

Based in the universe of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse Novels, this YA fantasy will see warfare and magic collide, with a bit of flesh eating creatures on the side.

Netflix has it all for subscribers in the month of April! But you’re still going to want to pay close attention to the list of incoming titles throughout the month, as everything is subject to change and availability. As always, contents may shift during the passage of time. So stream safely and smartly, and we’ll see you back here around this time next month, with May 2021’s titles on display for everyone’s excitement.

Netflix’s newest fantasy series, Shadow and Bone, premieres next month, and it’s another series that literature fans will want to watch. The show is based on the book of the same name, which is part of the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. However, when the series was picked up, Netflix announced the show would include the book’s sequel, Six of Crows. Now, showrunner Eric Heisserer has explained exactly how that will work.

While Netflix has cast the major characters from both books, the events of Six of Crows in the novel take place two years after the final book in the Shadow of Bone trilogy, Ruin and Rising. Eric Heisserer told TV Guide this approach was employed to avoid messing with anything in Leigh Bardugo’s timeline. Heisserer explained:

Even though Six of Crows is mostly separate from Shadow and Bone while still being part of the same universe, Eric Heisserer mentioned that with the show, the Six of Crows characters fit into Shadow and Bone as its own prequel. The showrunner further explained:

One can probably imagine that balancing all of this wasn't easy for Eric Heisserer and his collaborators. Nevertheless, it sounds like they managed to really make it all work and tell a cohesive story.

There have been attempts in the past to bring the spellbinding fantasy-adventure novel to life, including a planned film adaptation (from a Harry Potter producer), which was scrapped. However, it seems Netflix was the better option anyway. With the series including two of Leigh Bardugo’s novels, book lovers everywhere will finally be able to travel to fantasy and experience the Grisha trilogy that will be coming to life very soon. It’ll be refreshing to see characters from two beloved novels interacting with each other. Shadow and Bone premieres on April 23 on on Netflix.

A little less than nine years after the publication of Shadow and Bone, the first novel in Leigh Bardugo’s fantasy-adventure Grisha trilogy, the spellbinding literary franchise is finally getting an adaptation on Netflix in spring 2021. There have been attempts in the past to bring Bardugo’s celebrated novel to life, including a planned film adaptation from a Harry Potter producer that never materialized, but at long last Shadow and Bone is coming to Netflix. And best of all, there is a lot we already know about the YA fantasy series.

As show creator Eric Heisserer (whose screenwriting credits include Arrival and Bird Box), executive producers Shawn Levy and Leigh Bardugo prepare for Shadow and Bone’s upcoming release, they’ve gone on a tear sharing all sorts of details about the show, what we can expect to see, and how much work and effort has been put into adapting one of the most notable YA fantasy series of the past 10 years. We have a lot to cover so let’s get into it already.

Shadow And Bone Premieres April 23 On Netflix

Before we get into the nitty gritty of this fantastical series about a young soldier gifted with powers that might unite her world against sinister forces, it might be best to disclose just when we’ll be able to watch Shadow and Bone for ourselves. Well, we don’t have to wait too much longer because all eight one-hour episodes of the YA fantasy series will be available Friday, April 23 on Netflix.

Based On Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse Novels, Shadow And Bone Is Set in A War-Torn Fantasy World

Shadow and Bone is very much a fantasy series, but as writer Leigh Bardugo explained when Netflix revealed details about the show in January 2021, it’s not your typical type of fantasy with broadswords set in Medieval England. Instead, the writer of the original source material (and other books that are being included with the Netflix adaptation) said to instead think of Imperial Russia with repeating rifles and the style of dress and attitudes that has more in common with modern times than the days of knights on horses.

The series is set in a war-torn land of Ravka, a world divided by the Shadow Fold, a barrier of total darkness that is infested with not only greedy and power-hungry politicians and generals, but creatures that feed on human flesh and fear. But there is one thing that can potentially unite both sides of the dark void.

Shadow And Bone Features Two Armies — One Magic, The Other Not — Working Together

In Shadow and Bone there are two armies that have a rivalry that is at times hostile but not enough to keep them from working against one another in their battles against outside threats. There is the First Army, which is the more ordinary of the two armies and sometimes has a certain level of mistrust for the Second Army, which consists of soldiers with certain magical abilities given to them by the Grisha power. These two armies, despite their differences, work together in order to hold off threats brought on by both man and beast.

Jessie Mei Li Stars As Alina Starkov, An Orphan With An Incredible Power

Shadow and Bone will center on Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) an orphan and ordinary soldier in the First Army who initially thinks that’s all she’ll ever be before discovering she possesses an incredible power that could potentially fend of the Shadow Fold and unite Ravka and the other outlying civilizations she once found herself fighting.

Along the way, Alina Starkov will find herself torn between her old life and new as she enters an intense training program with the Grisha in the Second Army where she will attempt to get a better grasp on her newfound powers.

Ben Barnes, Of The Chronicles Of Narnia, Portrays The Leader Of The Magical Second Army

Ben Barnes, who is no stranger to the fantasy genre having appeared in 2008’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as the titular prince and then again in the 2010 followup, will be front and center throughout Shadow and Bone as the mysterious and powerful General Kirigan, the Grisha leader of the magical Second Army. When Barnes, who also appeared on Netflix’s The Punisher, was first announced for the role back in October 2019, EW reported on the fan intrigue for his role due to the fact the character was known as the Darkling in the original novels. In those books, the Darkling was hellbent on defeating the Shadow Fold and freeing his people from fear and death, no matter what it cost.

Leigh Bardugo’s Six Of Crows Heist Duology Is Also A Major Part Of The Show

The Netflix adaptation of Shadow and Bone won’t focus solely on the characters and events of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels as it will also incorporate characters and storylines from the author’s other series, the Six of Crows duology. This fantasy heist series was something show creator Eric Heisserer was excited to pursue as he revealed during a January 2021 conversation with EW, in which he described the series as “Ocean’s Eleven meets Game of Thrones.”

When addressing the combination of the two storylines for Shadow and Bone, Eric Heisserer told the publication that it will be exciting for fans of the novels to see how it plays out.

Various Languages Were Created For Shadow And Bone

With a series rich in lore as much as Shadow and Bone you wouldn’t expect to see all of the characters from different civilizations and backgrounds to all speak the same language. That being said, it should come as no surprise that the show’s producers enlisted the services of David Peterson, whose previous work includes creating the Dothraki and Valyrian languages in Game of Thrones and who is also working on the latest adaptation of Dune.

All of this should be enough to help you start adding coal to the Shadow and Bone hype train that will surely continue to build more steam as we work our way to its April 23 premiere. But if you want to know what else is coming out on Netflix (before and after the release of the new fantasy series) check out CinemaBlend’s 2021 Netflix Release Guide.

Mention Harry Potter and big-screen adaptation, and the bean counters at the major Hollywood studios are going to feel their pulses race. But Jo Rowling doesn’t have a new chapter in the boy wizard’s story to tell (not yet, anyway). Instead, Potter producer David Heyman has gone looking for the next big YA fantasy sensation, and he believes he has found it in Shadow and Bone.

Novelist Leigh Bardugo published the book, the first in a reported trilogy, back in June. Now Deadline states that Heyman has snatched up rights to the series and will co-produce with Jeffrey Clifford.

The plot follows a young girl coming to terms with some newfound powers who must master her abilities if she hopes to protect her country for a dark force known as the Shadow Fold, which the trade describes as “a creature-filled darkness.” That sounds like it could translate into a fascinating visual.

Said DreamWorks production president Holly Bario about the project, "We found not just a fantastic story [in Shadow and Bone], but one set in a mystical and fascinating world that will translate well to the big screen. We are excited to begin adapting this book and look forward to working with David Heyman who has unparalleled proven success in this genre.”

That’s an understatement. Obviously, since the Potter franchise broke the bank (several banks, to be more accurate), Hollywood has been looking for something to fill the void. Audiences flocked to The Hunger Games, and that four-part series will roll on with three additional films. Could the hero of Bardugo’s literary series become the next Katniss Everdeen? And who will Heyman find for the film’s coveted roles? Deadline says the second book in the series, titled Siege and Storm is due to hit stands June 2013. Could the film adaptation of Shadow be in theaters shortly after?