Freeform has officially renewed GLAAD Award-winning drama Shadowhunters for a third season, which should premiere in early 2018. Though it’s not been confirmed yet, the show’s status on the network hierarchy should give it another 20 episodes, matching its second season order and allowing it to air in both winter and summer.
Ratings for Shadowhunters might’ve been a little softer in season 2A, but it still generates significant buzz and comes with a loyal online fan base. Despite the ratings drops this season, the show is one of the best lead-ins on Freeform right now and will become that much more important once Pretty Little Liars airs its final episodes later this year. With the network in the middle of a transitional time, both in terms of show losses (Liars, Switched at Birth, etc.) and being in the second year of a rebrand, a show like Shadowhunters should allow Freeform the breathing room necessary to find its feet again.
The lone 2016 Freeform freshman drama to survive, as Recovery Road, Dead of Summer, and Guilt all met their untimely demise, Shadowhunters stars the likes of Katherine McNamara (Happyland), Dominic Sherwood (Vampire Academy), Matthew Daddario (Delivery Man), Emeraude Toubia (Tattooed Love), and Harry Shum Jr. (Glee).
The second half of Shadowhunters season two is set to premiere Monday, June 5th at 8:00 on Freeform, where it’ll lead into the third season premiere of Stitchers.
