Since the clock struck twelve and 2017 is upon us, it’s time for vacation to end, school to start, but more importantly- the winter premiere of our favorite television shows.
Shadowhunters is a TV adaption from Cassandra Clare’s “The Mortal Instruments” series. Originally the were planned to be adapted into a box office movies, but after one, the rest were cancelled as a TV show was green lighted. With a new cast, Shadowhunters season one premiered in 2016 on Freeform, and season two debuts January 2nd.
The books captivated millions of readers worldwide, here’s a few reasons why the television show might captivate you:
- A woman is the protagonist in the action and fantasy series. Clary Fray, played by Katherine McNamara is a teenager and gifted artist. Her world is turned completely upside down when she begins to see demons in New York City. Clary discovers the power within herself to aid and eventually help lead the Shadowhunters in an investigation and slaying demons.
- Shadowhunters has a diverse cast. Luke, Clary’s father figure was cast as a black man played by Isaiah Mustafa. Luke is a police officer, yet he has his own stake in the supernatural occurrences in the show. Izzy is played by Emeraude Toubia, a Canadian born, Mexican-American actress who plays an integral, kick-ass Shadowhunter. Magnus is played by Harry Shum Jr., a Costa-Rican Chinese-American who plays the high warlock of Brooklyn. Simon is played by Alberto Rosende, a Colombian and Cuban-American man. Simon has his own telling arc of his eventual role in the supernatural world. These are just a few examples of the main cast, it is a show with extensive POC representation.
- Sexuality is a largely covered topic on the show. One of the love interests in the show is between a gay man and bisexual man, one of whom goes through a pivotal self discovery arc. Even fictional institutions put pressure on these young men and their sexuality. Not only are these love interests a source of representation for the LGBTQ community, these men are instrumental in the action of the show. Instead of the stereotypical “gay best friend” trope, we have two men who are falling in love with each other saving the world.
January 2nd at 8/7c is the premiere of Shadowhunters season two, but if you would like to catch up, the entirety of season one is available to stream, here, (for free.)
