Shadow and Bone attracted attention even before its release on Netflix. It was awaited both by fans of the original source – Leigh Bardugo's novels, and by fantasy lovers who had not read the books. However, as is often the case with Netflix projects, Shadow and Bone was canceled after its second season.
If you still miss that magical fantasy atmosphere, then these series are definitely for you.
1. Carnival Row, 2019-2023
Centaurs, fairies, fauns, and other fairytale creatures have increased the population of the city of Burgue, but the people are not too happy about their new neighbors. The city even has a separate area called Carnival Row, where non-humans live. An unknown madman has started hunting magical creatures, killing them and leaving almost no evidence.
The investigation is taken over by a former military man, now Detective Philostrate, almost the only police officer who does not feel hatred and contempt for the magical inhabitants.
If you still miss that magical fantasy atmosphere, then these series are definitely for you.
1. Carnival Row, 2019-2023
Centaurs, fairies, fauns, and other fairytale creatures have increased the population of the city of Burgue, but the people are not too happy about their new neighbors. The city even has a separate area called Carnival Row, where non-humans live. An unknown madman has started hunting magical creatures, killing them and leaving almost no evidence.
The investigation is taken over by a former military man, now Detective Philostrate, almost the only police officer who does not feel hatred and contempt for the magical inhabitants.
- 5/9/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Exclusive: Gersh has signed actor Ben Barnes for representation in all areas.
Barnes can be seen in BAFTA-winning director Anand Tucker’s crime drama The Critic, opposite Mark Strong, Ian McKellen, and Gemma Arterton, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival. It’s set for release in the UK on September 13.
Barnes is maybe best known for his lead role as General Kirigan in Eric Heisserer’s popular Netflix series Shadow and Bone, based on the bestselling novels by Leigh Bardugo.
Prior to Shadow and Bone, Barnes starred opposite Crispin Glover in a mind-bending episode of Guillermo Del Toro’s Emmy nominated anthology series, Cabinet of Curiosities and most recently played a lead role opposite Salma Hayek, Michael Cera, and Himesh Patel in the latest season of the award-winning Netflix series Black Mirror. His other recent credits include the lead role of Benjamin Greene in the BBC limited series Gold Digger,...
Barnes can be seen in BAFTA-winning director Anand Tucker’s crime drama The Critic, opposite Mark Strong, Ian McKellen, and Gemma Arterton, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival. It’s set for release in the UK on September 13.
Barnes is maybe best known for his lead role as General Kirigan in Eric Heisserer’s popular Netflix series Shadow and Bone, based on the bestselling novels by Leigh Bardugo.
Prior to Shadow and Bone, Barnes starred opposite Crispin Glover in a mind-bending episode of Guillermo Del Toro’s Emmy nominated anthology series, Cabinet of Curiosities and most recently played a lead role opposite Salma Hayek, Michael Cera, and Himesh Patel in the latest season of the award-winning Netflix series Black Mirror. His other recent credits include the lead role of Benjamin Greene in the BBC limited series Gold Digger,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series, has a huge fan base. With readers being extremely passionate about all her books as well as her style of writing, the fantasy series has taken up a special place in the hearts of readers. Considering just how beloved the series is, it was great news for fans when it was announced that the series would be getting adapted into a live-action series on Hulu.
Sarah J. Maas – Credits: Bloomsbury
While this news was announced in 2021, there has been a noticeable lack of updates until now, and the ones that have been coming in recent times, do not seem to be positive. There have even been some reports that the series has been scrapped, though that is yet to be confirmed by those involved.
It would seem that there could be a very definitive reason why the adaptation of this...
Sarah J. Maas – Credits: Bloomsbury
While this news was announced in 2021, there has been a noticeable lack of updates until now, and the ones that have been coming in recent times, do not seem to be positive. There have even been some reports that the series has been scrapped, though that is yet to be confirmed by those involved.
It would seem that there could be a very definitive reason why the adaptation of this...
- 2/17/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Shadow and Bone author Leigh Bardugo is sharing her thoughts after news broke that the Netflix fantasy television series adapting her books has been canceled after two seasons.
Bardugo took to Instagram on Wednesday to confirm that Shadow and Bone will not return for a third season, while a hoped-for Six of Crows spinoff is also not moving forward. Based on the Grishaverse novels, Shadow and Bone centered on orphan cartographer Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), who aims to use her unique gifts to save the war-besieged world.
“The news hit me hard,” Bardugo wrote. “I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I’m also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude. Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I’m one of the lucky few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy.”
The author,...
Bardugo took to Instagram on Wednesday to confirm that Shadow and Bone will not return for a third season, while a hoped-for Six of Crows spinoff is also not moving forward. Based on the Grishaverse novels, Shadow and Bone centered on orphan cartographer Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), who aims to use her unique gifts to save the war-besieged world.
“The news hit me hard,” Bardugo wrote. “I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I’m also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude. Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I’m one of the lucky few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy.”
The author,...
- 11/18/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Shadow and Bone cast is remembering their time on the fantasy series following Netflix’s cancellation after two seasons.
On Friday, Freddy Carter, who played Crows leader Kaz Brekker, wrote on Instagram that “maybe at some point I’ll have the right words to express the immense gratitude I feel to everyone who put their whole hearts into making, watching and supporting Shadow and Bone. Until then, I’ll just say, thank you.”
More from TVLineScott Pilgrim Takes Off: Inside Episode 5's Totally Unexpected 'Love Story'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Duo Explains the Netflix Premiere's Jaw-Dropping Twist Ending: 'It Felt...
On Friday, Freddy Carter, who played Crows leader Kaz Brekker, wrote on Instagram that “maybe at some point I’ll have the right words to express the immense gratitude I feel to everyone who put their whole hearts into making, watching and supporting Shadow and Bone. Until then, I’ll just say, thank you.”
More from TVLineScott Pilgrim Takes Off: Inside Episode 5's Totally Unexpected 'Love Story'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Duo Explains the Netflix Premiere's Jaw-Dropping Twist Ending: 'It Felt...
- 11/17/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
This article contains spoilers from the Grishaverse books.
The cancellation of Netflix’s Shadow and Bone is upsetting for many reasons. The series’ second season ends with several major cliffhangers. The fates of multiple characters are now eternally left up in the air. But mostly it’s because the world of Shadow and Bone has such potential, and it doesn’t feel like we were (or ought to have been) done with it yet. An excellent example of how to do a YA fantasy adaptation right, the series managed to stay remarkably faithful to the spirit of author Leigh Bardugo’s “Grishaverse” series of novels even as it made big changes from the source material.
Combining characters and storylines from multiple books was always going to be an unwieldy task—and the show admittedly did stumble under the weight of its many competing plots in its second season, which wasn...
The cancellation of Netflix’s Shadow and Bone is upsetting for many reasons. The series’ second season ends with several major cliffhangers. The fates of multiple characters are now eternally left up in the air. But mostly it’s because the world of Shadow and Bone has such potential, and it doesn’t feel like we were (or ought to have been) done with it yet. An excellent example of how to do a YA fantasy adaptation right, the series managed to stay remarkably faithful to the spirit of author Leigh Bardugo’s “Grishaverse” series of novels even as it made big changes from the source material.
Combining characters and storylines from multiple books was always going to be an unwieldy task—and the show admittedly did stumble under the weight of its many competing plots in its second season, which wasn...
- 11/17/2023
- by Lacy Baugher
- Den of Geek
Following a report that Shadow and Bone is one of five series that has been canceled at Netflix, the author of the books on which it was based, Leigh Bardugo, went on social media to address the news and express her gratitude for what she did see onscreen and the fans. “By now you’ve probably heard that there will be no Season 3 for Shadow and Bone and no Six of Crows spinoff. The news hit me hard. I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I’m also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude,” Bardugo wrote in a message she posted on Instagram with a broken heart emoji and “Love you” in the caption. “Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I’m one of the lucky few who can look at an adaptation with pride and ...
- 11/16/2023
- TV Insider
In sharing her disappointment about Shadow and Bone‘s recent cancellation at Netflix, book author Leigh Bardugo has revealed that the planned Six of Crows spinoff has also been scrapped.
“Friends, by now you’ve probably heard that there will be no Season 3 for Shadow and Bone and no Six of Crows spinoff,” Bardugo wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “The news hit me hard. I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I’m also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude.
More from TVLineShadow and Bone's Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li and Others React to Netflix Cancellation,...
“Friends, by now you’ve probably heard that there will be no Season 3 for Shadow and Bone and no Six of Crows spinoff,” Bardugo wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “The news hit me hard. I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, but I’m also trying to hold onto my very real gratitude.
More from TVLineShadow and Bone's Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li and Others React to Netflix Cancellation,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Shadow And Bone, Glamorous and Agent Elvis are among the five shows Netflix is cancelling, it’s been announced.
Netflix has announced that it’s cancelling a handful of its original TV shows in the wake of the recent Hollywood strikes. The shows affected are, in no particular order, Glamorous, Agent Elvis, Farzar, Captain Fall and Shadow And Bone.
Of these, Shadow And Bone is perhaps the most high-profile; a fantasy series based on the books by Leigh Bardugo, it was headed up by Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Heisserer (he wrote the script for Arrival). Featuring a sprawling ensemble cast which included Jessie Mei, Kit Young and Zoe Wanamaker, Shadow And Bone ran for two seasons and was generally well received, with Netflix – which is usually secretive about viewing figures – saying that the first season had been watched by 55m households worldwide.
All those households evidently weren’t enough to save Shadow And Bone,...
Netflix has announced that it’s cancelling a handful of its original TV shows in the wake of the recent Hollywood strikes. The shows affected are, in no particular order, Glamorous, Agent Elvis, Farzar, Captain Fall and Shadow And Bone.
Of these, Shadow And Bone is perhaps the most high-profile; a fantasy series based on the books by Leigh Bardugo, it was headed up by Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Heisserer (he wrote the script for Arrival). Featuring a sprawling ensemble cast which included Jessie Mei, Kit Young and Zoe Wanamaker, Shadow And Bone ran for two seasons and was generally well received, with Netflix – which is usually secretive about viewing figures – saying that the first season had been watched by 55m households worldwide.
All those households evidently weren’t enough to save Shadow And Bone,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
The live-action fantasy TV series "Shadow and Bone" based on "The Grisha Trilogy" novels "Shadow and Bone" and "Six of Crows Duology" by Leigh Bardugo, has been canceled after 2 seasons at Netflix :
"...in a world cleaved in two by a massive barrier of perpetual darkness...
"...where unnatural creatures feast on humans, young soldier 'Alina Starkov' (Jessie Mei Li) uncovers a power that might finally unite her country. But as she struggles to hone her power, dangerous forces plot against her. Thugs, thieves, assassins and saints are at war now, and it will take more than magic to survive..."
Click the images to enlarge... ...
"...in a world cleaved in two by a massive barrier of perpetual darkness...
"...where unnatural creatures feast on humans, young soldier 'Alina Starkov' (Jessie Mei Li) uncovers a power that might finally unite her country. But as she struggles to hone her power, dangerous forces plot against her. Thugs, thieves, assassins and saints are at war now, and it will take more than magic to survive..."
Click the images to enlarge... ...
- 11/16/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Leigh Bardugo, author of the bestselling Grishaverse novels that inspired the Netflix series Shadow and Bone, has reacted to news of the series cancellation after two seasons. The series had developed a devoted fan following and also spawned a video game franchise for the streamer, but disappointed in viewership.
In an Instagram post, Bardugo wrote that she was “heartbroken and deeply disappointed” after learning that there would be no Season 3 for Shadow and Bone, and no Six of Crows spinoff, “but I’m also trying to hold on to my very real gratitude.” She went on to say, “Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I’m one of the very few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy.”
“I am so grateful to our writers, our crew and our extraordinary cast who are not just wildly talented,...
In an Instagram post, Bardugo wrote that she was “heartbroken and deeply disappointed” after learning that there would be no Season 3 for Shadow and Bone, and no Six of Crows spinoff, “but I’m also trying to hold on to my very real gratitude.” She went on to say, “Most authors never get to see their work adapted. Many who do end up regretting the experience. I’m one of the very few who can look at an adaptation with pride and tremendous joy.”
“I am so grateful to our writers, our crew and our extraordinary cast who are not just wildly talented,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline has reported that Netflix has canceled a number of their shows, including Shadow and Bone, Agent Elvis, Glamorous, Farzar, and Captain Fall.
Unfortunately, a major factor in these cancelations has to do with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. With work at a standstill for several months, networks and streamers haven’t been able to make their projected launches, which means big gaps between seasons. This isn’t a problem for successful shows, but for ones that may have been on the bubble, not to mention expensive, it was the final nail in the coffin. We can certainly expect to see more of these cancelations as streaming services and networks take stock of their slate following the strikes.
Related Shadow and Bone Season 2 to cast a spell at Netflix
Shadow and Bone is based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grishaverse novels and takes place in a “war-torn world where...
Unfortunately, a major factor in these cancelations has to do with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. With work at a standstill for several months, networks and streamers haven’t been able to make their projected launches, which means big gaps between seasons. This isn’t a problem for successful shows, but for ones that may have been on the bubble, not to mention expensive, it was the final nail in the coffin. We can certainly expect to see more of these cancelations as streaming services and networks take stock of their slate following the strikes.
Related Shadow and Bone Season 2 to cast a spell at Netflix
Shadow and Bone is based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grishaverse novels and takes place in a “war-torn world where...
- 11/15/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
When the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes got underway earlier this year, many Netflix shows were left with fates up in the air.
Now that the strikes are over and Hollywood is getting back to normal, the series won't be making the cut for additional seasons are being revealed.
Deadline revealed Wednesday that Shadow & Bone, Glamorous, Agent Elvis, Farzar, and Captain Fall will not be returning.
Shadow & Bone is the highest profile of the five shows, having made it to a second season.
Despite the freshman season garnering considerable buzz, Shadow & Bone Season 2 launched earlier this year to little fanfare.
Based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone Season 2 follows Alina Starkov, who is now on the run.
The series stars Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Archie Renaux (Malyen Oretsev), Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), Amita Suman (Inej Ghafa), Kit Young (Jesper Fahey), Danielle Galligan (Nina Zenik...
Now that the strikes are over and Hollywood is getting back to normal, the series won't be making the cut for additional seasons are being revealed.
Deadline revealed Wednesday that Shadow & Bone, Glamorous, Agent Elvis, Farzar, and Captain Fall will not be returning.
Shadow & Bone is the highest profile of the five shows, having made it to a second season.
Despite the freshman season garnering considerable buzz, Shadow & Bone Season 2 launched earlier this year to little fanfare.
Based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone Season 2 follows Alina Starkov, who is now on the run.
The series stars Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Archie Renaux (Malyen Oretsev), Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), Amita Suman (Inej Ghafa), Kit Young (Jesper Fahey), Danielle Galligan (Nina Zenik...
- 11/15/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Netflix has cut several original series as it assesses its slate after the end of two industry strikes.
The streamer has canceled its dramas Shadow and Bone and Glamorous, along with a trio of adult animated series — Agent Elvis, Captain Fall and Farzar. Shadow and Bone ends after two seasons, while the other four are all one and done.
The cancellations come as Netflix, along with other outlets, considers what it has in its pipeline and how potentially long layoffs between seasons for its series might impact performance. Production on a number of series is restarting in the weeks after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike (and writers have been at work since late September, following the end of their labor action), but it’s unlikely any of the five canceled shows would have made it back onto Netflix screens before late in 2024 (if not 2025).
Shadow and Bone is...
The streamer has canceled its dramas Shadow and Bone and Glamorous, along with a trio of adult animated series — Agent Elvis, Captain Fall and Farzar. Shadow and Bone ends after two seasons, while the other four are all one and done.
The cancellations come as Netflix, along with other outlets, considers what it has in its pipeline and how potentially long layoffs between seasons for its series might impact performance. Production on a number of series is restarting in the weeks after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike (and writers have been at work since late September, following the end of their labor action), but it’s unlikely any of the five canceled shows would have made it back onto Netflix screens before late in 2024 (if not 2025).
Shadow and Bone is...
- 11/15/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has canceled five original series in the aftermath of the Hollywood double strike. The streamer decided not to renew live-action dramas “Shadow and Bone” and the Kim Cattrall-led “Glamorous,” along with animated series “Agent Elvis,” “Farzar” and “Captain Fall.”
The news comes as the streamer evaluates the impact of the long work stoppage related to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. There have been cancellations and un-renewals across the industry related to the production halt, with many freshman series particularly vulnerable since it would take too long for them to turn around new episodes and stay in the cultural conversation.
Exceptions include hit series like “The Night Agent” and “One Piece,” who’s impressive debuts guaranteed them quick renewals even during the strikes.
“Shadow and Bone” is the only sophomore series in the bunch. A hit in its first season, the show is inspired by the Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo.
The news comes as the streamer evaluates the impact of the long work stoppage related to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. There have been cancellations and un-renewals across the industry related to the production halt, with many freshman series particularly vulnerable since it would take too long for them to turn around new episodes and stay in the cultural conversation.
Exceptions include hit series like “The Night Agent” and “One Piece,” who’s impressive debuts guaranteed them quick renewals even during the strikes.
“Shadow and Bone” is the only sophomore series in the bunch. A hit in its first season, the show is inspired by the Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo.
- 11/15/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
“Shadow and Bone” and “Glamorous,” along with adult animated series “Agent Elvis,” “Farzaar,” and “Captain Fall” will not be returning for new seasons at Netflix, Variety has confirmed.
The announcement comes as Hollywood streamers and broadcasters continue to assess the impact left by the work stoppages due to the months-long WGA and SAG-Aftra strikes. Sources say Netflix’s decision to cancel stemmed from various reasons including performance and impact from the strike — as the industry evaluates production schedules, scheduling shifts, etc.
As Netflix has said about previous cancellations, the streamer continues to look at viewing versus cost as it evaluates shows. In the case of series like “Agent Elvis,” “Glamorous,” “Farzaar,” and “Captain Fall,” each show only ran for one season before its cancellation. While “Shadow and Bone” received a cancellation after running its second season, which arrived on the streamer in March.
Based on the Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo’s,...
The announcement comes as Hollywood streamers and broadcasters continue to assess the impact left by the work stoppages due to the months-long WGA and SAG-Aftra strikes. Sources say Netflix’s decision to cancel stemmed from various reasons including performance and impact from the strike — as the industry evaluates production schedules, scheduling shifts, etc.
As Netflix has said about previous cancellations, the streamer continues to look at viewing versus cost as it evaluates shows. In the case of series like “Agent Elvis,” “Glamorous,” “Farzaar,” and “Captain Fall,” each show only ran for one season before its cancellation. While “Shadow and Bone” received a cancellation after running its second season, which arrived on the streamer in March.
Based on the Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo’s,...
- 11/15/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
‘Shadow And Bone’, ‘Glamorous’ & ‘Agent Elvis’ Among 5 Series Canceled By Netflix Amid Strike Impact
Exclusive: Netflix will not be going forward with more seasons of live-action series Shadow and Bone and Glamorous and adult animated comedies Agent Elvis, Farzar and Captain Fall.
The decision was made a week after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike and a month and a half after the end of the WGA work stoppage as networks and platforms continue to evaluate the impact from the strike-related seven-month production shutdown.
While there had been a slew of series cancellations and un-renewals by linear networks and streamers during and immediately after the strikes, Netflix had largely refrained from making cancellation decisions during the past 6½ months while announcing a number of renewals, including One Piece (S2), Ginny & Georgia (S3 and S4); The Lincoln Lawyer (S3), Xo, Kitty (S2), Heartstopper (S2 and S3), The Night Agent (S2 picked up on the eve of the WGA strike), The Diplomat (S2), Fubar (S2), Sweet Magnolias...
The decision was made a week after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike and a month and a half after the end of the WGA work stoppage as networks and platforms continue to evaluate the impact from the strike-related seven-month production shutdown.
While there had been a slew of series cancellations and un-renewals by linear networks and streamers during and immediately after the strikes, Netflix had largely refrained from making cancellation decisions during the past 6½ months while announcing a number of renewals, including One Piece (S2), Ginny & Georgia (S3 and S4); The Lincoln Lawyer (S3), Xo, Kitty (S2), Heartstopper (S2 and S3), The Night Agent (S2 picked up on the eve of the WGA strike), The Diplomat (S2), Fubar (S2), Sweet Magnolias...
- 11/15/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Wheel of Time is Prime Video’s attempt at making a sweeping epic fantasy adventure series and for the most part, they are pretty successful in making The Wheel of Time a brilliant series that is an honest interpretation of the source material. The fantasy series has everything working for it from a brilliant cast to great creators and a storyline containing a story about a world-ending threat and a fight between good and evil. The Wheel of Time recently concluded its second season, so while you wait for any updates to come out on Season 3. Here are some similar shows you could watch until then.
The Witcher (Netflix) Credit – Netflix
Synopsis: Netflix, “The Witcher” is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny...
The Witcher (Netflix) Credit – Netflix
Synopsis: Netflix, “The Witcher” is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny...
- 10/6/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
From the pages of novels to the screens of our televisions, these fantasy series have captured all our hearts – offering an escape to extraordinary worlds filled with wonder and adventure.
This article will delve into twelve binge-worthy fantasy epics that have received acclaim and admiration from fans and critics alike.
Get ready to embark on unforgettable journeys to fantastical realms!
1 ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)
This incredible series is based on a book series written by George R.R Martin. “Game of Thrones” is one of television’s most iconic and influential fantasy epics.
Related: “House of the Dragon” vs. “Game of Thrones” (5 Major Differences)
The show took viewers on a complex journey through Westeros’s treacherous and politically charged land, where noble families vied for power and control of the Iron Throne.
With its gripping plotlines, intricate character development, and unexpected twists, “Game of Thrones” captivated global audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.
This article will delve into twelve binge-worthy fantasy epics that have received acclaim and admiration from fans and critics alike.
Get ready to embark on unforgettable journeys to fantastical realms!
1 ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)
This incredible series is based on a book series written by George R.R Martin. “Game of Thrones” is one of television’s most iconic and influential fantasy epics.
Related: “House of the Dragon” vs. “Game of Thrones” (5 Major Differences)
The show took viewers on a complex journey through Westeros’s treacherous and politically charged land, where noble families vied for power and control of the Iron Throne.
With its gripping plotlines, intricate character development, and unexpected twists, “Game of Thrones” captivated global audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.
- 8/7/2023
- by Pia Vermaak
- buddytv.com
Author Leigh Bardugo, whose “Shadow and Bone” series was adapted into a young adult Netflix drama series, organized a day of action and “Grishaverse March” at the WGA picket lines in front of Netflix’s Los Angeles headquarters Tuesday.
After coordinating with writers on the show, Shelley Meals and Christina Strain, the author set up camp outside the Sunset Bronson Studios on Sunset, across the street from two of Netflix’s main buildings. Bardugo signed books for fans, spoke to them individually and posed for photos before taking time to speak with TheWrap, video of which you can watch above.
“I hope that [fans are] seeing and feeling the community that surrounds people who love stories. I wasn’t sure if people would come, so seeing people show up and support our writers and support this cause, I just feel like I have an extraordinary group of readers out there and you...
After coordinating with writers on the show, Shelley Meals and Christina Strain, the author set up camp outside the Sunset Bronson Studios on Sunset, across the street from two of Netflix’s main buildings. Bardugo signed books for fans, spoke to them individually and posed for photos before taking time to speak with TheWrap, video of which you can watch above.
“I hope that [fans are] seeing and feeling the community that surrounds people who love stories. I wasn’t sure if people would come, so seeing people show up and support our writers and support this cause, I just feel like I have an extraordinary group of readers out there and you...
- 6/13/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Some of the greatest movies and TV shows have come from books, whether they be adult fiction, historical fiction, romance or Young Adult fantasy or dystopia. Without their authors, these adaptations — and whole worlds — would certainly not exist, so it only makes sense that they should get a chance to appear on screen in their stories, even for a moment.
Netflix has featured many author cameos in young adult adaptations of films or shows — from Soman Chainani in “The School for Good and Evil” to Leigh Bardugo in the first season of “Shadow and Bone.” Jenny Han has appeared in her “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” films, as well as the first season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Prime Video. She also appears in “Xo, Kitty,” her newest series starring Anna Cathcart. Judy Blume makes an iconic appearance in the theatrical release of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Netflix has featured many author cameos in young adult adaptations of films or shows — from Soman Chainani in “The School for Good and Evil” to Leigh Bardugo in the first season of “Shadow and Bone.” Jenny Han has appeared in her “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” films, as well as the first season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Prime Video. She also appears in “Xo, Kitty,” her newest series starring Anna Cathcart. Judy Blume makes an iconic appearance in the theatrical release of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
- 5/21/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
When TV shows aren’t popular, they get canceled — at least that’s the precedent set by years of broadcast and cable programming. But in the current era of streaming services, a surplus of shows, and an evaporating pile of cash, has created an overwhelming wave of cancellations completely at odds with shows’ viewership, popularity, or quality. For the average viewer, this might just mean pressing play on something new. But online, small but tight-knit fandoms have taken it upon themselves to face down streaming giants over their beloved shows.
- 5/1/2023
- by CT Jones
- Rollingstone.com
Season 2 of the Netflix fantasy series Shadow and Bone is now available for streaming, and fans can’t get enough of The Darkling (Ben Barnes) and Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter).The pair lead a cast of dark and fantastical characters as they evoke supernatural powers creating mystical worlds and alternate dimensions. The highly-successful series is based on the Grishaverse novels by author Leigh Bardugo. While both men portray characters from a different universe, the author claims two popular disco tracks would be perfect karaoke songs for the fan-favorite actors.
The premise of ‘Shadow and Bone’ Leigh Bardugo attends Netflix’s “Shadow And Bone” Season 2 Los Angeles Premiere I Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
In 2021, the first eight episodes of the Shadow and Bone fantasy series hit the Netflix streaming platform. It became an instant hit, but fans had to wait two years for the release of eight more episodes, which finally...
The premise of ‘Shadow and Bone’ Leigh Bardugo attends Netflix’s “Shadow And Bone” Season 2 Los Angeles Premiere I Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
In 2021, the first eight episodes of the Shadow and Bone fantasy series hit the Netflix streaming platform. It became an instant hit, but fans had to wait two years for the release of eight more episodes, which finally...
- 4/11/2023
- by Mama Rita
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Netflix recently released the second season of Shadow and Bone, a highly-anticipated fantasy series based on a book series by Leigh Bardugo. Though the series can be intense and dramatic, the actors on set are anything but. Two Shadow and Bone actors recently shared a hilarious story about an in-joke they developed after a number of acting mishaps.
Season 2 of ‘Shadow and Bone’ is now streaming Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, Jack Wolfe, Danielle Galligan and Calahan Skogman arrive for the “Shadow And Bone” Season 2 premiere I Lisa O’Connor/Afp via Getty Images
Prominent characters in the successful series include General Kirigan, better known as The Darkling, who plays a sinister role in Shadow and Bone. Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter) is the leader of the Crows, a ragtag group of scoundrels and thieves.
Kaz has had to continuously fight for survival, entering season 2 with a vendetta to pursue. With...
Season 2 of ‘Shadow and Bone’ is now streaming Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, Jack Wolfe, Danielle Galligan and Calahan Skogman arrive for the “Shadow And Bone” Season 2 premiere I Lisa O’Connor/Afp via Getty Images
Prominent characters in the successful series include General Kirigan, better known as The Darkling, who plays a sinister role in Shadow and Bone. Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter) is the leader of the Crows, a ragtag group of scoundrels and thieves.
Kaz has had to continuously fight for survival, entering season 2 with a vendetta to pursue. With...
- 4/9/2023
- by Mama Rita
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After fans waited almost two years for new episodes, the second season of Shadow and Bone premiered on March 16 on Netflix. The new season adapts Leigh Bardugo’s Siege and Storm as well as Ruin and Rising, bringing the novelized Shadow and Bone trilogy to a close.
However, the source material for Bardugo’s Grishaverse does not end with that core trilogy. Rather, it continues with two more duologies: Six of Crows and King of Scars. Unlike King of Scars, some details from the Six of Crows books have already crept into the Shadow and Bone series. And as it turns out, scripts for a Six of Crows spinoff series have already been completed.
What happens in ‘Six of Crows’? Freddy Carter attends Netflix’s “Shadow And Bone” Season 2 Los Angeles Premiere I Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Set two years after the conclusion of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, Six...
However, the source material for Bardugo’s Grishaverse does not end with that core trilogy. Rather, it continues with two more duologies: Six of Crows and King of Scars. Unlike King of Scars, some details from the Six of Crows books have already crept into the Shadow and Bone series. And as it turns out, scripts for a Six of Crows spinoff series have already been completed.
What happens in ‘Six of Crows’? Freddy Carter attends Netflix’s “Shadow And Bone” Season 2 Los Angeles Premiere I Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Set two years after the conclusion of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, Six...
- 4/8/2023
- by Deisy Ventura
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Netflix’s Shadow and Bone has taken the world by storm, capturing the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Based on the popular Grishaverse series by author Leigh Bardugo, the show has gained a dedicated fanbase thanks to its stunning visuals, gripping storyline, and talented cast.
After two long years, Season 2 of the show arrived on Netflix on March 16. The epic fantasy series takes a bold turn from its source material, ending on another enormous cliffhanger. Jessie Mei Li, who plays Alina Starkov on the show, recently spoke about the differences between the series and the books, describing it as a “remix. “
‘Shadow and Bone’ Season 2 deviates from the source material Kit Young, Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes attend Netflix’s “Shadow & Bone” Season 2 Premiere. I Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Netflix
The first season of Shadow and Bone remained closely faithful to the events of the first book of the Grishaverse series,...
After two long years, Season 2 of the show arrived on Netflix on March 16. The epic fantasy series takes a bold turn from its source material, ending on another enormous cliffhanger. Jessie Mei Li, who plays Alina Starkov on the show, recently spoke about the differences between the series and the books, describing it as a “remix. “
‘Shadow and Bone’ Season 2 deviates from the source material Kit Young, Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes attend Netflix’s “Shadow & Bone” Season 2 Premiere. I Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Netflix
The first season of Shadow and Bone remained closely faithful to the events of the first book of the Grishaverse series,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Deisy Ventura
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Leigh Bardugo has signed with WME for representation, Variety has learned exclusively.
WME will now rep the New York Times bestselling author for film and TV rights services. New Leaf Literary & Media represents Bardugo for publishing and will now co-represent her with WME in all other areas.
Bardugo is best known for writing the so-called Grishaverse novels, which consists of nine books total beginning with the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy. Her books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and have been translated into nearly 50 different languages.
Netflix currently airs the series version of “Shadow and Bone,” which is based on the three books of the trilogy as well as Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” duology. The cast of the series includes Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, Danielle Galligan, Calahan Skogman, and Ben Barnes. The series launched on Netflix in April 2021 and was renewed...
WME will now rep the New York Times bestselling author for film and TV rights services. New Leaf Literary & Media represents Bardugo for publishing and will now co-represent her with WME in all other areas.
Bardugo is best known for writing the so-called Grishaverse novels, which consists of nine books total beginning with the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy. Her books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and have been translated into nearly 50 different languages.
Netflix currently airs the series version of “Shadow and Bone,” which is based on the three books of the trilogy as well as Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” duology. The cast of the series includes Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, Danielle Galligan, Calahan Skogman, and Ben Barnes. The series launched on Netflix in April 2021 and was renewed...
- 3/27/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“Shadow and Bone” sharpshooter Jesper Fahey (Kit Young) keeps his guns close, but he keeps his past and true identity even closer.
In “Shadow and Bone” Season 2, Jesper and the Crows are back in action, set mostly against the plot of “Siege and Storm” and “Ruin and Rising” by author Leigh Bardugo. Jesper remains the talkative one who has a flare for theatrics and the dramatic, but it turns out that he still has parts of him left to be revealed.
“Jesper’s quite unique in the Grishaverse in that he’s kind of the only secret Grisha,” Young told TheWrap. “Everybody’s on some level, if not out and proud, then it’s known, it’s something that is known about people and so to be hiding that about yourself, as it says quite a lot, I think, in this world.”
Also Read:
‘Shadow and Bone’ Showrunner Hopes a...
In “Shadow and Bone” Season 2, Jesper and the Crows are back in action, set mostly against the plot of “Siege and Storm” and “Ruin and Rising” by author Leigh Bardugo. Jesper remains the talkative one who has a flare for theatrics and the dramatic, but it turns out that he still has parts of him left to be revealed.
“Jesper’s quite unique in the Grishaverse in that he’s kind of the only secret Grisha,” Young told TheWrap. “Everybody’s on some level, if not out and proud, then it’s known, it’s something that is known about people and so to be hiding that about yourself, as it says quite a lot, I think, in this world.”
Also Read:
‘Shadow and Bone’ Showrunner Hopes a...
- 3/24/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
“Shadow and Bone” Season 2 expands an already complex universe by taking on more source material from Leigh Bardugo’s books, unfurling the fictional fantasy map to explore countries in the Grishaverse and four completely new characters. And in an exclusive new behind-the-scenes featurette, costume designer Wendy Partridge explains how the season’s costumes helped tell the story.
Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux and the original Crows Freddy Carter, Kit Young and Amita Suman return alongside brand new characters. Both new and returning characters continue to shed layers of identity as the story develops, and these characters’ costumes reflected subtle shifts in their roles as well for Season 2.
As for where the show is headed, some of the characters’ costumes hint at that as well. Costume Designer Wendy Partridge kicked off the season by coordinating colors between Alina and Mal as they became more open about their affection for each other.
Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux and the original Crows Freddy Carter, Kit Young and Amita Suman return alongside brand new characters. Both new and returning characters continue to shed layers of identity as the story develops, and these characters’ costumes reflected subtle shifts in their roles as well for Season 2.
As for where the show is headed, some of the characters’ costumes hint at that as well. Costume Designer Wendy Partridge kicked off the season by coordinating colors between Alina and Mal as they became more open about their affection for each other.
- 3/24/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
“Shadow and Bone” Season 2 expands an already complex universe by taking on more source material from Leigh Bardugo’s books, countries in the Grishaverse and four completely new characters.
Ben Barnes’ General Kirigan returns as the central antagonist, a looming presence not always onscreen but more psychologically. Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) and Mal Oretsev (Archie Renaux) also drive the plot in their search for two more magical creatures to amplify Alina’s powers so that she can tear down the fold once and for all. The two Keramzin orphans ultimately accomplish these goals, but not without some unexpected sacrifices and revelations.
The second and third amplifier creatures — the Sea Whip and the Firebird — come from the books, as does the plot twist that Mal is actually the Firebird because he has Morozova’s bloodline. Showrunner Eric Heisserer credited Bardugo’s books for the road map that he and co-showrunner...
Ben Barnes’ General Kirigan returns as the central antagonist, a looming presence not always onscreen but more psychologically. Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) and Mal Oretsev (Archie Renaux) also drive the plot in their search for two more magical creatures to amplify Alina’s powers so that she can tear down the fold once and for all. The two Keramzin orphans ultimately accomplish these goals, but not without some unexpected sacrifices and revelations.
The second and third amplifier creatures — the Sea Whip and the Firebird — come from the books, as does the plot twist that Mal is actually the Firebird because he has Morozova’s bloodline. Showrunner Eric Heisserer credited Bardugo’s books for the road map that he and co-showrunner...
- 3/23/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Netflix’s Shadow and Bone is currently one of the most watched shows on the platform. Considering how captivating and thrilling this magical drama is, this isn’t surprising for fans. The series is based on the young adult fantasy novels of the same name by Leigh Bardugo. The Shadow and Bone trilogy, and is set in the fantasy universe and takes place in Ravka, a world full of magic. Thanks to the charming cast led by Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, and Archie Renaux. The series also feature storylines from Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology. Already binge-watched Shadow and Bone? The good...
- 3/21/2023
- by Isabel k
- TVovermind.com
This post contains spoilers for Netflix's "Shadow and Bone," and Leigh Bardugo's novel series of the same name.
The latest season of "Shadow and Bone" brings greater stakes and grander action to the table, while tautly weaving Alina Starkov's (Jesse Mei Li) path to reuniting Ravka by destroying the Shadow Fold. Although season 2 of "Shadow and Bone" has its merits, it is guilty of making a hamfisted attempt to combine too many storylines from Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse books, leading to a rushed, fragmentary series of events that barely manage to cohere in the end.
Viewers new to the Grishaverse might not find season 2 shoddily constructed, but those acquainted with Bardugo's novels understand that a lot has been glossed over and retrofitted, robbing standout character moments of their weight due to the lack of proper context. A good example of this would be the omission of Inej's (Amita Suman) traumatic experiences at the Menagerie,...
The latest season of "Shadow and Bone" brings greater stakes and grander action to the table, while tautly weaving Alina Starkov's (Jesse Mei Li) path to reuniting Ravka by destroying the Shadow Fold. Although season 2 of "Shadow and Bone" has its merits, it is guilty of making a hamfisted attempt to combine too many storylines from Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse books, leading to a rushed, fragmentary series of events that barely manage to cohere in the end.
Viewers new to the Grishaverse might not find season 2 shoddily constructed, but those acquainted with Bardugo's novels understand that a lot has been glossed over and retrofitted, robbing standout character moments of their weight due to the lack of proper context. A good example of this would be the omission of Inej's (Amita Suman) traumatic experiences at the Menagerie,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Everything came down to Alina, with the help of her close allies.
The final battle ensued between darkness and light on Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 8, with one prevailing over the other.
Alina made a difficult choice, and the resulting action managed to end the fight once and for all.
Mal started dying. There was no avoiding that fate, but Alina had a difficult decision.
Would she kill her best friend, Male, the final amplifier, before he died from Kirigan's wounds?
If Mal succumbed to the wounds that Kirigan left him, then Mal's amplifier ability may have gone to Kirigan instead of Alina.
Mal handed Alina a dagger, and she finally decided to do the right thing: she decided to stab him in the heart.
It's weird to say that stabbing her best friend and love interest through the heart was the right thing to do, but in the heat of the moment,...
The final battle ensued between darkness and light on Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 8, with one prevailing over the other.
Alina made a difficult choice, and the resulting action managed to end the fight once and for all.
Mal started dying. There was no avoiding that fate, but Alina had a difficult decision.
Would she kill her best friend, Male, the final amplifier, before he died from Kirigan's wounds?
If Mal succumbed to the wounds that Kirigan left him, then Mal's amplifier ability may have gone to Kirigan instead of Alina.
Mal handed Alina a dagger, and she finally decided to do the right thing: she decided to stab him in the heart.
It's weird to say that stabbing her best friend and love interest through the heart was the right thing to do, but in the heat of the moment,...
- 3/19/2023
- by Michael T. Stack
- TVfanatic
This post contains spoilers for "Shadow and Bone" season 2, up to the season finale.
The first season of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone" did an impressive job streamlining Leigh Bardugo's lore-intensive fantasy novels for viewers who hadn't yet burned through the book series. The show's second season, which debuted this week, had a more daunting task ahead of it: cramming the entire contents of two of Bardugo's books together in just eight episodes. It's a decision that makes for an often overwhelming viewing experience, as the show's mythology flies by faster than most average viewers can catch it.
I haven't finished Bardugo's whole bibliography yet, and while I enjoy "Shadow and Bone," I admit I found myself scratching my head a bit during the new season. The series is still thrilling, but some of its world-building seemed to be spread a bit too thin to keep non-book-readers on board.
The first season of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone" did an impressive job streamlining Leigh Bardugo's lore-intensive fantasy novels for viewers who hadn't yet burned through the book series. The show's second season, which debuted this week, had a more daunting task ahead of it: cramming the entire contents of two of Bardugo's books together in just eight episodes. It's a decision that makes for an often overwhelming viewing experience, as the show's mythology flies by faster than most average viewers can catch it.
I haven't finished Bardugo's whole bibliography yet, and while I enjoy "Shadow and Bone," I admit I found myself scratching my head a bit during the new season. The series is still thrilling, but some of its world-building seemed to be spread a bit too thin to keep non-book-readers on board.
- 3/19/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The third to last episode of Shadow and Bone's second season did not disappoint.
Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 6 saw a central character's death and the epic Firebird reveal.
The Crows also dealt with their significant discovery while repairing some relationships in Durat fashion.
We got no update on Matthias besides him burying his old cellmate killed by Pekka Rollins, but we hope Nina can find a way to free him soon.
If they are following the end of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy adaptation with Six Of Crows, Matthias may have to wait the rest of the season out in Hellgate.
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy is quickly wrapping up on the television show, with the Firebird's identity being revealed and the final battle with Kirigan looming.
This battle promises to be an epic showdown, with the fight between light and darkness taking center stage.
Before we get there,...
Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 6 saw a central character's death and the epic Firebird reveal.
The Crows also dealt with their significant discovery while repairing some relationships in Durat fashion.
We got no update on Matthias besides him burying his old cellmate killed by Pekka Rollins, but we hope Nina can find a way to free him soon.
If they are following the end of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy adaptation with Six Of Crows, Matthias may have to wait the rest of the season out in Hellgate.
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy is quickly wrapping up on the television show, with the Firebird's identity being revealed and the final battle with Kirigan looming.
This battle promises to be an epic showdown, with the fight between light and darkness taking center stage.
Before we get there,...
- 3/18/2023
- by Michael T. Stack
- TVfanatic
Shadow and Bone viewers have called on Netflix to renew the series for another season amid uncertainty over the show’s future.
The fantasy series, adapted from books by Leigh Bardugo, has claimed the No 1 spot in Netflix’s “most watched chart”, usurping the serial killer drama You.
Despite this, the series is yet to be renewed for a third run of episodes.
Following the release of the second season on 16 March, fans of the series are petitioning the streaming service to commission a season three, with plenty of Bardugo’s source material still yet to make it to screen.
“I finished [Shadow and Bone season two] and just wow. Last episode was complete and total chaos they really threw every storyline in there but i’m soooo here for it,” one fan wrote. “Plz plz @netflix renew @shadowandbone_ bc i Need Need more of this in my life.”
“Pls...
The fantasy series, adapted from books by Leigh Bardugo, has claimed the No 1 spot in Netflix’s “most watched chart”, usurping the serial killer drama You.
Despite this, the series is yet to be renewed for a third run of episodes.
Following the release of the second season on 16 March, fans of the series are petitioning the streaming service to commission a season three, with plenty of Bardugo’s source material still yet to make it to screen.
“I finished [Shadow and Bone season two] and just wow. Last episode was complete and total chaos they really threw every storyline in there but i’m soooo here for it,” one fan wrote. “Plz plz @netflix renew @shadowandbone_ bc i Need Need more of this in my life.”
“Pls...
- 3/18/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
This post contains spoilers for season 2 of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone."
"Oh, I do love a challenge," says Jesper Fahey (Kit Young) in season 1 of "Shadow and Bone," before twirling his dual pistols and blasting away at enemies. An expert sharpshooter who never misses his mark, Jesper is a vital member of the Crows of Ketterdam, who are on a mission to aid Alina Starkov (Jesse Mei Li) in the latest season of the Netflix fantasy series. When not busy gambling his hard-earned Kruge away and hugging Milo the goat, Jesper spends most of his time being effortlessly skillful during tense shootouts and dangerous missions.
While the first season hinted that there's more than meets the eye to Jesper's impressive abilities, season 2 confirms that he's Grisha — a Fabrikator who can manipulate metals, among other things, to change their texture and composition.
Those acquainted with Leigh Bardugo's "Six of...
"Oh, I do love a challenge," says Jesper Fahey (Kit Young) in season 1 of "Shadow and Bone," before twirling his dual pistols and blasting away at enemies. An expert sharpshooter who never misses his mark, Jesper is a vital member of the Crows of Ketterdam, who are on a mission to aid Alina Starkov (Jesse Mei Li) in the latest season of the Netflix fantasy series. When not busy gambling his hard-earned Kruge away and hugging Milo the goat, Jesper spends most of his time being effortlessly skillful during tense shootouts and dangerous missions.
While the first season hinted that there's more than meets the eye to Jesper's impressive abilities, season 2 confirms that he's Grisha — a Fabrikator who can manipulate metals, among other things, to change their texture and composition.
Those acquainted with Leigh Bardugo's "Six of...
- 3/17/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Note: This article contains major spoilers for "Shadow and Bone" season 2 and Leigh Bardugo's novel "Ruin and Rising."
The very premise of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone" series is the fight between good and evil, i.e. the Sun Summoner Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) and the Shadow Summoner General Kirigan/The Darkling/Aleksander Morozova (Ben Barnes). In the small screen adaptation of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels, the once-great country of Ravka has been torn into two by a swath of impenetrable darkness, and Alina must save the people from the Darkling, a malevolent figure who plans to use her power and harness it while enslaving everyone with total darkness (save for those who give in to him "willingly").
At the end of season 1, we see Alina move closer to realizing her full potential as the Sun Summoner when she channels the power of the stag amplifier fused to her body,...
The very premise of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone" series is the fight between good and evil, i.e. the Sun Summoner Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) and the Shadow Summoner General Kirigan/The Darkling/Aleksander Morozova (Ben Barnes). In the small screen adaptation of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels, the once-great country of Ravka has been torn into two by a swath of impenetrable darkness, and Alina must save the people from the Darkling, a malevolent figure who plans to use her power and harness it while enslaving everyone with total darkness (save for those who give in to him "willingly").
At the end of season 1, we see Alina move closer to realizing her full potential as the Sun Summoner when she channels the power of the stag amplifier fused to her body,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Fatemeh Mirjalili
- Slash Film
The good ol' Grishaverse returns in Netflix's "Shadow and Bone" season 2, an adaptation of author Leigh Bardugo's young adult fantasy adventure novels. Starring Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddie Karter, Kit Young, Amita Suman, Danielle Galligan, and Calahan Skogman, among others, the series tells the story of a country divided by the Shadow Fold, a path of unnatural darkness that is home to gnarly, flesh-eating monsters. As Alina Starkov (Mei Li) discovers the once-dormant magic she possesses that makes her a Grisha, she endeavors to tear down the Fold — but it's not easy when its creator is working equally hard to expand it.
In season 2, we meet many new characters, perhaps the most fascinating being Patrick Gibson's Sturmhond/Nikolai Lantsov. The 27-year-old Irish actor nails the role; it's like watching the character jump off the book's pages and onto the screen. He's charming, he's persuasive,...
In season 2, we meet many new characters, perhaps the most fascinating being Patrick Gibson's Sturmhond/Nikolai Lantsov. The 27-year-old Irish actor nails the role; it's like watching the character jump off the book's pages and onto the screen. He's charming, he's persuasive,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Fatemeh Mirjalili
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for season 1 of Shadow and Bone
Season 1 of Shadow and Bone introduced us to the expansive world of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse and its large cast of characters. Like any good fantasy world, Shadow and Bone gives us many characters to root for, and others to root against. Season 2, which premiered on Netflix March 16, is poised to be even bigger with Alina struggling to bring new and old allies together to take down the Fold once and for all. Here are the Grishaverse characters you can expect to see this season and how they fit into the story.
Jessie Mei Li is Alina Starkov
Alina Starkov was a mapmaker for the First Army before discovering that she was a rare Grisha known as the Sun Summoner. Going from humble beginnings to instant saint status left Alina trying to find the balance between her old life and...
Season 1 of Shadow and Bone introduced us to the expansive world of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse and its large cast of characters. Like any good fantasy world, Shadow and Bone gives us many characters to root for, and others to root against. Season 2, which premiered on Netflix March 16, is poised to be even bigger with Alina struggling to bring new and old allies together to take down the Fold once and for all. Here are the Grishaverse characters you can expect to see this season and how they fit into the story.
Jessie Mei Li is Alina Starkov
Alina Starkov was a mapmaker for the First Army before discovering that she was a rare Grisha known as the Sun Summoner. Going from humble beginnings to instant saint status left Alina trying to find the balance between her old life and...
- 3/17/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
The latest season of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone" just dropped, in which the Crows of Ketterdam play a major role in assisting the Sun Summoner Alina Starkov (Jesse Mei Li). Series showrunner Eric Heisserer has taken an unorthodox route when it comes to adapting Leigh Bardugo's fantasy novel series by combining the storylines of the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy and "The Six of Crows" duology, leading to a complex, intertwining story that directly impacts the fate of the Grishaverse. As the Crows have emerged as one of the strongest aspects of the Netflix adaptation, Heisserer has been quietly developing a "Six of Crows" spin-off series, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Bardugo's duology exclusively focuses on the Crows, who are forced to take up a perilous mission after a drug named jurda parem is on the verge of being circulated across Kerch. The implications of this drug falling into the...
Bardugo's duology exclusively focuses on the Crows, who are forced to take up a perilous mission after a drug named jurda parem is on the verge of being circulated across Kerch. The implications of this drug falling into the...
- 3/17/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for season 2 of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone."
Fantasy, as a genre, brims with standard tropes refashioned to suit the tone and depth of respective narratives, wherein some stories dare to soar higher than baseline expectations. While such tropes can be retrofitted into thrilling, compelling stories, the genre often finds itself plagued with hackneyed executions of the chosen one, deliberate slow-burns that are often infuriating, and interpersonal dynamics that look like Wattpad fanfictions come to life.
However, the moment fantasy tales ground their characters with convincing motivations, true magic happens. For that, one need look no further than Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Witcher" saga, which revolves around a morally-complex hero and a child of prophecy who grapples with the weight of her purpose. Leigh Bardugo's YA Grishaverse novel series, which includes the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy and the "Six of Crows" duology among others, manages...
Fantasy, as a genre, brims with standard tropes refashioned to suit the tone and depth of respective narratives, wherein some stories dare to soar higher than baseline expectations. While such tropes can be retrofitted into thrilling, compelling stories, the genre often finds itself plagued with hackneyed executions of the chosen one, deliberate slow-burns that are often infuriating, and interpersonal dynamics that look like Wattpad fanfictions come to life.
However, the moment fantasy tales ground their characters with convincing motivations, true magic happens. For that, one need look no further than Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Witcher" saga, which revolves around a morally-complex hero and a child of prophecy who grapples with the weight of her purpose. Leigh Bardugo's YA Grishaverse novel series, which includes the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy and the "Six of Crows" duology among others, manages...
- 3/17/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for Shadow and Bone season 2.
It’s understandable that before fans get into a Netflix show nowadays, they want to know whether the show will have another season or whether they’ll be stuck with another cliffhanger ending that will never be continued. Yes we’re talking about Julie and the Phantoms, First Kill, Partner Track, and so much more. But with a show like Shadow and Bone, where we have a whole universe’s worth of stories to pull from and a strong fan base, viewers will be happy to hear that back when showrunner Eric Heisserer pitched the show for Netflix, he told them his ideas for a three-season series.
If you’re yet to start Shadow and Bone or have forgotten the premise since season one, Shadow and Bone is Alina Starkov’s (Jessie Mei Li) story based on a book series of...
It’s understandable that before fans get into a Netflix show nowadays, they want to know whether the show will have another season or whether they’ll be stuck with another cliffhanger ending that will never be continued. Yes we’re talking about Julie and the Phantoms, First Kill, Partner Track, and so much more. But with a show like Shadow and Bone, where we have a whole universe’s worth of stories to pull from and a strong fan base, viewers will be happy to hear that back when showrunner Eric Heisserer pitched the show for Netflix, he told them his ideas for a three-season series.
If you’re yet to start Shadow and Bone or have forgotten the premise since season one, Shadow and Bone is Alina Starkov’s (Jessie Mei Li) story based on a book series of...
- 3/17/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The following contains major spoilers from Shadow and Bone’s second season (including the finale), which is now streaming on Netflix. Proceed accordingly.
The Fold may be gone, but the trouble is only just beginning for our heroes at the center of Shadow and Bone.
More from TVLineThe Great British Baking Show: ITV's Alison Hammond Named New Co-HostPeloton's Ally Love on Hosting Netflix's Dance 100 and How a 'Reminder to Boss Up' Helped Her Get the GigKeri Russell Drama The Diplomat Lands Netflix Release Date -- Get a First Look
In the Season 2 finale, Alina was forced to stab...
The Fold may be gone, but the trouble is only just beginning for our heroes at the center of Shadow and Bone.
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In the Season 2 finale, Alina was forced to stab...
- 3/17/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
The following contains Shadow and Bone spoilers.
The second season of Shadow and Bone is absolutely jam-packed with big moments of both the emotional and the magical variety, adapting the events of two of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels (Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising) and adding multiple shocking new twists entirely of its own making along the way.
Let’s break down what happened in the Shadow and Bone Season 2 finale and all the questions we have about what it might mean for the show going forward.
Surprise! Mal is the Firebird — and a Descendent of Morozova
Alina’s mission during much of Season 2 is to find the two other ancient mystical creatures tied to Ilya Morozova, a character from Bardugo’s books that the show has sort of mentioned multiple times in passing but never fully explained in any great detail. Suffice it to say, the three creatures—the Stag,...
The second season of Shadow and Bone is absolutely jam-packed with big moments of both the emotional and the magical variety, adapting the events of two of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels (Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising) and adding multiple shocking new twists entirely of its own making along the way.
Let’s break down what happened in the Shadow and Bone Season 2 finale and all the questions we have about what it might mean for the show going forward.
Surprise! Mal is the Firebird — and a Descendent of Morozova
Alina’s mission during much of Season 2 is to find the two other ancient mystical creatures tied to Ilya Morozova, a character from Bardugo’s books that the show has sort of mentioned multiple times in passing but never fully explained in any great detail. Suffice it to say, the three creatures—the Stag,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Lacy Baugher
- Den of Geek
Fans quickly fell for the cast of "Shadow And Bone" when the show first premiered on Netflix in 2021, and now that the fantasy series is back for a second season, there are even more characters to love as four new stars have joined the cast. Lewis Tan has signed on as Tolya Yul-Bataar; Anna Leong Brophy as Tamar Kir-Bataar; Patrick Gibson as Nikolai Lantsov; and Jack Wolfe as Wylan Hendriks. They join original cast members Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Ben Barnes (General Kirigan), Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), Amita Suman (Inej Ghafa), Kit Young (Jesper Fahey), Archie Renaux (Malyen "Mal" Oretsev), Danielle Galligan (Nina Zenik), Sujaya Dasgupta (Zoya Nazyalensky), and Calahan Skogman (Matthias Helvar).
Showrunner and executive producer Eric Heisserer shared a breakdown of what viewers can expect from the upcoming season in an interview with Netflix's Tudum in March, confirming that the new characters will play a big part in the plot.
Showrunner and executive producer Eric Heisserer shared a breakdown of what viewers can expect from the upcoming season in an interview with Netflix's Tudum in March, confirming that the new characters will play a big part in the plot.
- 3/16/2023
- by Jessica Vacco-Bolanos
- Popsugar.com
Strip away all the CGI smoke monsters and cultural pastiches and invented languages from “Shadow and Bone” and it’s still, at its heart, a tale of Chosen One vs. Dark Lord. Now in its Season 2, the Netflix series is the kind of handsomely made fantasy epic that networks could once build a whole lineup around. There’s a dense mythology of lore and palace intrigue and a love triangle or two for good measure. The show debuted in early 2021 in the midst of a TV world still dotted by question marks and pointed to a possible future for effects-driven literary adaptations.
But for all its heroes and villains linked by destiny — living saint Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) mentally communicating with her sworn enemy the Darkling (Ben Barnes) — and CGI centerpieces — a massive dark-matter entity called The Fold that divides an entire nation in two — there’s a better...
But for all its heroes and villains linked by destiny — living saint Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) mentally communicating with her sworn enemy the Darkling (Ben Barnes) — and CGI centerpieces — a massive dark-matter entity called The Fold that divides an entire nation in two — there’s a better...
- 3/16/2023
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
“Shadow and Bone” showrunner Eric Heisserer has already assembled a writers room to plan for a potential “Six of Crows” spinoff series, which he hopes could follow Season 2 of the Netflix fantasy show.
The first two seasons of “Shadow and Bone” adapt both the trilogy of the same name by Leigh Bardugo and the “Six of Crows” duology set in the same universe, coralling characters from both books together. Season 2 continues to adapt “Shadow and Bone,” but the finale sets the stage for a bigger plot from the Crows side of things.
“The story of ‘Six of Crows’ is a heist in the Ice Court, which is deep in Fjierda and it is around a sacred holiday of theirs called Hringkälla,” Heisserer told TheWrap. “The whole book of ‘Six of Crows’ is devoted to that, and what we’ve done in Season 2 was essentially set that up as the next crow story.
The first two seasons of “Shadow and Bone” adapt both the trilogy of the same name by Leigh Bardugo and the “Six of Crows” duology set in the same universe, coralling characters from both books together. Season 2 continues to adapt “Shadow and Bone,” but the finale sets the stage for a bigger plot from the Crows side of things.
“The story of ‘Six of Crows’ is a heist in the Ice Court, which is deep in Fjierda and it is around a sacred holiday of theirs called Hringkälla,” Heisserer told TheWrap. “The whole book of ‘Six of Crows’ is devoted to that, and what we’ve done in Season 2 was essentially set that up as the next crow story.
- 3/16/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
This article contains spoilers for season 1 of Shadow and Bone
Based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels, Netflix’s fantasy series Shadow and Bone is set in a world where a shadowy vale full of monsters known as The Fold divides the land. The country of Ravka suffers the most from this division. Not only is the country split in half by The Fold, but other countries like Fjerda and Shu-Han have used The Fold as an excuse to declare war on Ravka. Because of threats from The Fold and outside it, East and West Ravka put a lot of resources into their military – the First Army made up of humans and the Second Army made up of matter manipulators known as Grisha.
Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) as she discovers powers she didn’t know existed and learns that she might be the key to...
Based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels, Netflix’s fantasy series Shadow and Bone is set in a world where a shadowy vale full of monsters known as The Fold divides the land. The country of Ravka suffers the most from this division. Not only is the country split in half by The Fold, but other countries like Fjerda and Shu-Han have used The Fold as an excuse to declare war on Ravka. Because of threats from The Fold and outside it, East and West Ravka put a lot of resources into their military – the First Army made up of humans and the Second Army made up of matter manipulators known as Grisha.
Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) as she discovers powers she didn’t know existed and learns that she might be the key to...
- 3/16/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
One of the biggest changes between Leigh Bardugo's novels and the Netflix adaptation of "Shadow and Bone," which released its second season on March 16, involves protagonist Alina Starkov, whose background was updated to be half-Shu. "I live in East Ravka, but I've never been welcomed here because I looked like my mother and she looked like the enemy," Alina explains during the first episode. Why Ravka is at war with Shu Han is never fully explained by the time Alina is being mistreated and mocked for the way she looks.
According to the Ravkan government, Shu Han is known for both its scientific advancements and harsh treatment of its Grisha. To aid in their research and capture Grisha, the Shu created human weapons known as Khergud. Ruled by the Taban family, they are a matriarchal monarchy and have a penchant for falcons and the color green. Like the other nations in the Grishaverse,...
According to the Ravkan government, Shu Han is known for both its scientific advancements and harsh treatment of its Grisha. To aid in their research and capture Grisha, the Shu created human weapons known as Khergud. Ruled by the Taban family, they are a matriarchal monarchy and have a penchant for falcons and the color green. Like the other nations in the Grishaverse,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Grayson Gilcrease
- Popsugar.com
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