Summary
When Netflix canceledShadow and Bone, I was beyond disappointed, yet this recent update fromSan Diego Comic-Cononly made my heart ache more. In 2021, Netflix took on a television adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse. These fantasy book series followed multiple characters, and portrayed the trials and tribulations of magical individuals called Grisha. For two seasons, the show laid out the storylines of theShadow and Bonetrilogy and part of theSix of Crowsduology. Hopes were high forShadow and Boneseason 3, and theSix of Crowsspinoff. Yet, Netflix canceled everything.
AlthoughShadow and Bonewas seemingly canceled for viewership reasons, audiences were highly disappointed by this decision.Shadow and Bonemay not have had the record-breaking viewership of other series, but those who did watch the show were incredibly dedicated to it. The series garnered a passionate group of fans, including me, who were eager about the show’s future. However,Netflix never gaveShadow and Bonea chanceto adapt what was arguably the best storyline inShadow and Bone’s entire Grishaverse. Now, it is unclear whether we will ever see the Ice Court Heist plot come to life.
Shadow & Bone’s Cancellation & Potential Future Gets Emotional Response From Star: “We Hear The Love”
EXCLUSIVE: Shadow and Bone’s Lewis Tan responds to the popular series and its planned spinoff, Six of Crows, getting cancelled by Netflix.
Tolya Actor Lewis Tan Confirmed Shadow & Bone’s Cast Is Aware Of The Fan Support
Tan Proves Cast’s Passion For Shadow & Bone
What makes my disappointment even worse is the fact thatShadow and Bone’scastfeels our pain. At San Diego Comic-Con,Screen Rantinterviewed Lewis Tan, who played Tolya inShadow and Bone.His message made me yearn forShadow and Boneeven more. Tan said, “I’m sorry, guys, I know it’s really sad. Look, it still could happen. Anything could happen…And, also, the Shadow and Bone fanbase is really strong, and they’re really out trying to get it back and I appreciate that.“Tan acknowledging audiences' passiononly further confirms for me thatShadow and Boneshouldnever have ended.
Shadow and Bone
Siege and Storm
Ruin and Rising
Kaz and the Crows
Nikolai and Zoya, Nina
Rule of Wolves
Shadow and Boneis just one of countless shows that Netflix has axed over the years. Though the streaming service is bloated with content, it feels like the shows with the most promise are nipped in the bud.Shadow and Bone’scancelation is particularly hard because of the stories that were coming. As Tan expressed at SDCC,Six of Crowsis one of the best Leigh Bardugo books, yet Netflix didn’t give it a chanceto enjoy the spotlight. There’s no doubt that audiences would have watched it either. The show’s cancelation has only proven how dedicated the fans are.
Shadow & Bone’s Fan Support Proves The Netflix Adaptation Was On the Right Path
Shadow & Bone’s Viewership Could Have Soared
Now that audiences are trying desperately to reviveShadow and Bone,it is clear thatNetflix made the wrong move when it canceled the show. Often, TV adaptations don’t have the same dedicated fan base thatShadow and Bonedoes. Audiences find major faults in how their favorite stories are portrayed. In particular, Netflix suffers from this problem. Although viewers loved the book-to-TV adaptationThe Witcherwhen it first premiered, it has since faced intense backlash. Yet, four seasons in, and Netflix still hasn’t canceled the show. That begs the question: why cancel a show that people love?
Six of Crowsis so beloved that the spinoff certainly could have enjoyed increased viewership.
If Netflix had letShadow and Boneseason 3 or theSix of Crowsspinoffhappen, I believe it would have made up for whatever Netflix thought the series was lacking.Six of Crowsis so beloved that the spinoff certainly could have enjoyed increased viewership. Furthermore, withShadow and Bonelikely transitioning into Leigh Bardugo’sKing of Scarsduology, this also could have helped the show. In reality,theShadow and Bonebook series is more of a starting pointto get to the better Grishaverse stories. Unfortunately, now those stories aren’t being given the chance to happen.
Shadow & Bone’s Scrapped Six Of Crows Spinoff Still Hurts, Too
Six Of Crows Deserves An On-Screen Adaptation
In reality,Six of Crows’cancelation is what really hurts the most. Though I enjoyedShadow and Bone,Six of Crowsis my true favorite.Kaz and the otherSix of Crowscharactersbring an edgy ambiance that isn’t present in the other Grishaverse novels. The relationships between characters are both heartwarming and devastating. Meanwhile,Six of Crow’splotlines are Bardugo’s best. She manages to mix massive stakes with smart, twisty schemes that always have me at the edge of my seat. I really loved what Netflix began withShadow and Bone’scast, yet we might never see those actors reprise these roles again.
In the end, I just hope thatSix of Crowscan one day get an on-screen adaptation.Shadow and Boneproved that there’s an audience for it, so hopefully Netflix will change its mind, or another company will pick it up someday. The Crows deserve to be brought to life, no matter what streaming service it appears on.
Cast
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series set in a world divided by a barrier of darkness. Released on August 08, 2025, it follows a young soldier who discovers a unique power that could reunite her country amid a backdrop of scheming forces, including thugs, thieves, and assassins.
