Is Shadowhunters Worth Watching?

When I first decided to watch Shadowhunters, I found the series to be quite a departure from the books. After the first season, I couldn’t stand its cheesy feel and the acting could be a bit off for some actors. However, I decided not to give up on the show, and I’m glad I didn't. The show began with a lot of potential but also had some issues, such as lacking in special effects and a script that lacks in some areas.

The Show’s Evolution

While Shadowhunters did have its issues throughout season 1, it gradually evolved and improved with each episode. By the finale, the progression was clear, and the show continued to deliver. It’s evident that the creators and production crew worked hard to make sure the show was a success. For those who miss out on this adaptation because of its crudeness, misrepresentation, or simple hate from the book series, I strongly urge you to reconsider. The show is much better than you might expect.

Comparison to the Source Material

Compared to other book-to-TV adaptations, Shadowhunters stayed very true to the source material. Despite the change in the storytelling approach, the characters and the storyline were mostly loyal to the books. The show managed to capture the essence of the story while providing an entirely new perspective. Characters like Simon, Simon's journey, and the Lightwood family dynamic were given ample screen time, making it easier for those familiar with the books to experience the series as new fans might.

Character Development and Relationships

Shadowhunters did a particularly good job with the Mralec arc. The initial meeting of Magnus Bane and Alec and their journey to becoming a close couple was strongly portrayed. The episode "1x12: Malec" is often considered one of the best. The series also tackled several issues better than the books, such as depicting the relationship between Jace and Alec as healthy rather than just a love story. The issues of slut shaming and pedophilia were handled more sensitively in the show.

Conclusion

While Shadowhunters might not follow the books perfectly, it certainly is worth watching. Seasons 2 and 3 of the series were praiseworthy, and the show took some of the more problematic aspects of the book series and improved upon them. It’s a much better show than it’s often made out to be, and it’s definitely worth giving a chance to those who haven’t watched the series yet.

To watch Shadowhunters, you can follow this link here.