Freeform has announced that they’ve opted to not renew fantasy drama Shadowhunters for a fourth season, opting instead to produce a two-hour finale to air in 2019 that will wrap the series.
“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. “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 twelve episodes will air in spring of 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.”
Shadowhunters wrapped the first half of its third season in May, with the second half (which has already been shot) to come in spring 2019 and the two-hour finale presumably that summer. The current season of the show is based on the fourth and fifth books in the Mortal Instruments series; the finale would center around the sixth and final installment.
Ratings for Shadowhunters season 3A were down 45% from season two. While the GLAAD Award winner enjoys a loyal and vocal online fan base, as well as an international Netflix deal (that The Hollywood Reporter said was lost), its weakening L+SD numbers going along with approaching the final book in the series its based on helped seal its fate.
This is the second final season/cancellation announcement from Freeform that includes a wrap-up special, as Shadowhunters joins family drama The Fosters in getting a goodbye sendoff. After dropping the planned Greek reunion movie over budgetary issues, the network also has a Young & Hungry movie in the works.
