Netflix has recently gone into a cancellation spree, canceling five of its shows, including Shadow and Bone after two seasons. Though the series is posed as the next big fantasy show on the streamer, this didn’t save it from being canceled. That said, Leigh Bardugo, the author of the epic fantasy book series on which the show is based, can’t help but react to the surprising cancellation, revealing she’s heartbroken about it.
In a post on Instagram, the creator knew fans had probably heard that there would be no Shadow and Bone Season 3 or even a Six of Crows spinoff. And just like the viewers, who have been clamoring to see the third installment, this news has also hit her hard. “I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed,” she said.
Despite that, Bardugo is still thankful for seeing her work adapted on TV, considering herself one of the lucky few to get this experience. She then extends her heartfelt gratitude to the show’s writers, crew, cast, and fans who have learned about Shadow and Bone on TV or in books.
“The Grishaverse is a better place because of you,” she continued. And as book people, she added that they would never stop imagining that magic could be real. She then bid goodbye as she was about to cry and drink while waiting for where the story would take them next.
You can read his post below:
Why did Netflix cancel Shadow and Bone?
Just when everybody thought that their favorite shows would soon return to the small screen after the SAG-AFTRA strike finally reached a resolution with AMPTP, Netflix canceled Shadow and Bone. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cancellation comes after the streamer and other outlets analyzed what’s on their lineup and how the long layoffs between the seasons may affect its performance.
Though TV production is restarting after the writers' and actors’ strikes, there may be no way these canceled shows will be released in late 2024, if not 2025. Aside from the Leigh Bardugo-created series, the service also canceled the TV drama Glamorous and the adult animated series Agent Elvis, Captain Fall, and Farzar.
For starters, after a strong first season, Shadow and Bone was quickly renewed for a second season, which was released in March this year. Though the show made it to the Top 10 and spent time in Nielsen’s streaming rankings, it reportedly “didn’t show much growth” in the U.S. Netflix also passed on the potential spinoff over a year ago.
As one of the good shows on Netflix, Shadow and Bone’s cancellation disappoints many. But with its solid fanbase, fans may do everything to continue the story of the Grishaverse. Who knows? Another streamer may pick this show later.
