Netflix’s ‘Shadowhunters’ Thrives After Departure from Service

The fantasy series Shadowhunters, originally available on Netflix, has found renewed popularity after its removal from the streaming platform on January 1, 2026. Previously a staple in Netflix’s catalog, the series now ranks among the top 10 streamed shows in countries such as Canada and France via premium video on demand (PVOD) on the Apple TV Store, according to data from Flixpatrol.

Based on the bestselling young adult book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Shadowhunters first premiered on Freeform and quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase. The show follows the story of Clary Fray, who discovers her hidden heritage as a human-angel hybrid, known as a Shadowhunter, tasked with hunting demons. The narrative deepens as she seeks to rescue her kidnapped mother, aided by fellow hunters, including the enigmatic Jace and her best friend, Simon.

While Shadowhunters has seen success, it is not the first adaptation of Clare’s work. In 2013, the film The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones attempted to bring the story to life but only captured part of the first book’s plot. The film, which starred Lily Collins as Clary and Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace, received a lukewarm reception, reflected in its 13% score on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, Shadowhunters achieved a much stronger 76% rating, showcasing its appeal among audiences and critics alike.

The series, which aired from 2016 to 2019, made a concerted effort to develop supporting characters more fully than the film. In addition to Collins and Bower, the cast included Matthew Daddario as Alec, Emeraude Toubia as Izzy, and Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane. These characters were granted significant screen time, allowing for a richer narrative experience.

Despite its popularity, Shadowhunters concluded after three seasons, leaving fans yearning for more. The final season achieved a perfect 100% critics’ score, a testament to the show’s quality and the strong connection it forged with its audience.

Following its exit from Netflix, Shadowhunters is currently available for purchase on various PVOD platforms and can still be streamed on Hulu in the United States. The show’s resurgence in viewing figures highlights the unpredictable nature of audience engagement in the streaming landscape, where shows can find new life beyond their original platforms.