Shadowhunters: Canceled at Freeform after Three Seasons!
Carissa Pavlica
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We are smack-dab in the middle of Shadowhunters Season 3 and lives are on the line, but we know one thing for certain:
The franchise is coming to an end of Freeform.
That's right, not only will viewers have to wait until Spring of 2019 to see the remainder of the third season, but it will be closed out with a two-hour movie ending the series altogether on the youth-oriented network.
Surprisingly, this is a case of the series being too costly for the network to continue.
And before you start your "Netflix, save Shadowhunters!" campaign, you should know that the loss of a partnership with Netflix is partially to blame for the show's pending demise.
Related: Shadowhunters Midseason Finale Review: The Monster Rises
A company called Constantin Film produces the fantasy drama, and when they lost their output deal with Netflix, who helped fund the pricey series, Constantin Film hoped Freeform would put up additional money to make up the difference.
The network, which loved the show, apparently just didn't have the cash available to make the deal, so they reached into the pockets for a compromise.
Knowing fans wouldn't be pleased with Series 3 ending and no further word from the complex storyline or the characters fans have grown to love on the popular offshoot from the Mortal Instruments movie, they agreed to the two-hour movie to finish off the story.
"We are very proud of Shadowhunters, a series that broke new ground in the genre world and became a fan favorite,” the network said in a statement.
Related: Shadowhunters Season 3 Episode 8 Review: A Heart of Darkness
“However, along with our partners at Constantin, we reached the very difficult decision not to renew the show for a fourth season. But as big supporters and fans ourselves, Freeform insisted on and championed the filming of a special two-part finale that would give devoted fans a proper ending.
"The 12 episodes will air in spring 2019. We want to thank our talented creators, producers, cast, and crew along with our colleagues at Constantin for their hard work and dedication and to Cassie Clare for her incredible book series. We look forward to the final chapter of this breakthrough drama."
Freeform's newest genre series, Siren, has already been renewed for a second season, and other shows on the network include The Bold Type, the upcoming Marvel's Cloak and Dagger, upcoming spinoff Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, Grown-ish, Alone Together, and new series Besties.
Related: The Fosters Spinoff: Title Revealed!
Famous in Love is awaiting word of its fate and The Fosters is saying goodbye this month and will receive a spinoff titled Good Trouble.
So tell us, what do you think of this news, and does the addition of a two-hour ending to give Shadowhunters a proper send-off good enough for you?
Will you continue to watch Shadowhunters online or petition another network to pick up the series?
Related: Enjoy UNLIMITED access to thousands of Movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video
Share your thoughts on all things related to Shadowhunters and Freeform below!
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
