Shadow and Bone Season 3: Everything We Know So Far

Based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo and created by Eric Heisserer, Shadow and Bone is a live-action fantasy series from Netflix that has been mounted on a massive scale.

It stars Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, and Ben Barnes in pivotal roles. In the show, which is set in the Grishaverse, we are introduced to a young soldier named Alina Starkov, who tries to use her extraordinary magical powers to unite the world against lethal forces.

With a plot so gripping, it was only given that the series would create waves among fans of the genre. Indeed, its captivating storyline and gripping characters managed to make an impression.

Add to that the fact that the Crows in the story ended up playing a dynamic character; one that makes you believe that they could’ve had a spin-off series of their own.

Official Announcement of Shadow and Bone Season 3

The first season of the show landed on Netflix in April 2021, but the second season was only released two years later. Now that the last season has culminated on a big cliffhanger, fans can’t help but wait for the third season with bated breath.

Even though the finale of the second season promises an exhilarating Season 3, it is imperative to mention that there has been no official announcement yet. What truly is confusing is that there was no mention of the show or its spin-off series at TUDUM 2023 or during Netflix’s virtual upfronts presentation.

Needless to say, it is uncommon for the streaming platform to delay a fresh season for such a long time. As you’d have guessed by now, it has left ardent fans of the show a tad unsettled, to say the least.

Be that as it may, Sophie Holland, the series’ casting director, has gone on to mention that the show has its dedicated following, which might just push its makers to launch a third season in the near future.

She believes that it’s been faithful to its source material and has, therefore, successfully shown critical events from the Shadow and Bone trilogy and even Six of Crows. So, what we can do at the moment is wait, hope, and rewatch our favourite episodes from the first two seasons.

Also, let’s not forget to keep our fingers crossed.

Previous Seasons and Episodes of Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone’s fresh and up-and-coming cast has done its best to ensure that their beloved show remains loyal to the books it is inspired by. And, those who have seen the two seasons agree that they pretty much are.

Thanks to its source material, it does carry the element of surprise and has substantial material to pull from. When the second season of the program was released in April 2021, its loyal fans binge-watched it and got eager to know what was going to transpire in the third season.

One reason why the second season showcased so many developments was that it followed the last two books in Alina’s story, namely Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. So, which episodes in the first two seasons do you think we liked the most?

Well, if you truly do intend to take our word for it, we’d like you to watch out for these episodes when you are binging the series: Show Me Who You Are (Season 1 – Episode 5), The Heart Is An Arrow (Season 1 – Episode 6), No Mourners (Season 1 – Episode 8), Meet You in the Meadow (Season 2 – Episode 7), and The Unsea (Season 1 – Episode 7).

The average run time of the episodes is about 55 minutes, with some even lasting for more than an hour.

Where to Watch Shadow and Bone

Fans will be elated to know that the big-budget fantasy series is available for streaming on Netflix in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, respectively.

Google Trends Data Analysis for Shadow and Bone Season 3

Since Netflix is due to comment on the possible renewal of the show for the third season, the search trends related to the same on Google have seen a drastic decline in the recent past.

While we certainly do see a rise during March 2023, the months succeeding and preceding March have shown poor results. It wouldn’t be wrong on our part to assume that the March peak happened because the second season was released during the month.

However, as of September 2023, the show remains in limbo, and that pretty much shows on its constantly declining trends online. Those who have been speaking on the network’s behalf are certain that Shadow and Bone’s renewal depends heavily on the numbers it manages to garner this year.

At present, though, things do not look very optimistic for the fans of the show. That being said, one has to take note of the fact that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have also been playing a major role in the show’s future.

If the strike is not resolved anytime soon, it’ll be tough for the writers on the show to finally return to work. Also, if its creators decide to take a gap of a good couple of years before greenlighting the series, chances are that the viewers may be a lot less interested in its return by then.

Social Media Engagement for Shadow and Bone Season 3

The silence from Netflix about Shadow and Bone Season 3 or its associated spin-offs seems to be showing its side effects. The network’s decision to cancel the show, especially after having shown crucial events from the Shadow and Bone trilogy and even Six of Crows in the second season, is flabbergasting, to say the least.

Indeed, those who have seen the show have taken to social media to voice their opinion concerning the cancellation. While many have shared posts on X (Twitter) hoping for the series to be renewed for a third season, others have been vocal about how disappointed they will be if that ceases to happen.

Some of the show’s fans are even of the opinion that they’ll be fine watching a possible spin-off so long as it is associated with Shadow and Bone. That said, the number of users engaging with the topic peaked during March 2023 when the second season was released.

However, their interest seems to have dropped a bit off late, and we cannot possibly blame them. So, let’s wait and see if Alina Starkov will be back to make full use of her new shadow powers.

Expected Plot of Shadow and Bone Season 3

If you are hoping for a third season, there is a possibility that you must already be sketching a plot in your mind. So, allow us to make things a tad easier for you.

Since we get to see a slightly different side to Alina in the second season, an exploration of the same in a new season can turn out to be exciting.

Not only that but it’d also be nice to see her travelling to different places in the Grishaverse world. That being said, rumours are rife that Season 3 might follow Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows series.

However, this speculation has been strongly denied by showrunner Eric Heisserer. Another theory suggests that a fresh season of Shadow and Bone could draw from the King of Scars series, which follows Nikolai Lantsov as king of Ravka.

Therefore, if Season 3 ever gets to see the light of day, we may catch the man battling his inner darkness. Needless to say, there is enough room for the makers to explore the story further if they truly intend to.

Top Characters in Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone, which takes the viewers into the Grishaverse, comprises a ton of characters that are based in different countries. The people who are born into this intricate and fantastical world with magic powers are referred to as Grisha.

Over time, these characters go on to form a connection with each other.

1. Jesper Fahey

It is easy to single out Jesper Fahey from a distance for the man is seldom seen without his signature twin revolvers or his ultra-cool top hat. While he has an affinity for gambling and one-night stands, he also likes to show off his impressive trick shots to those around him proudly.

However, his bad habits often end up landing him and his Crows in trouble. Be that as it may, he loves to live and derive as much pleasure as he can from it.

However, that doesn’t mean that he won’t stand for his pals when they need him to be on their side.

2. Inej Ghafa

Believe us when we tell you that you wouldn’t want to mess things up with the Wraith. In the show, she serves not only as the Crow’s spy but also as an infiltration specialist and ruthless assassin.

As the story progresses, it is revealed that she was abducted as a child and forced to work at a brothel. These past experiences seem to have turned her into an empathetic individual.

We see her having faith in the saints and following her convictions audaciously. Even though she is a great friend, she can easily take a stand against them if she feels that their actions go against her faith.

3. Kaz Brekker

Make way for the owner of the Crow Club in Keterdam, Kaz Brekker, who has dedicated a major part of his precious life trying to take down local crime boss Pekka Rollins.

One of the most likeable and compassionate characters in the series, he does his best to get the contract of kidnapping Alina. However, what truly separates him from the other characters is that he can give up on everything close to him to protect his Crows.

4. Nikolai Lantsov

Nikolai Lantsov is the second and illegitimate prince of Ravka, who can mostly be seen spending time at sea in disguise. Indeed, as the privateer Sturmhond, he is able to keep a check on what is happening in other parts of the world.

That’s precisely how he manages to develop experimental technology to assist his beloved country. The man devises a plan to find Alita and help her realize her potential. That said, spending time in groups has probably made him have an appetite for adventures and glory.

However, he isn’t someone who would risk sacrificing his men for ludicrous reasons. In fact, he is acknowledged for being able to defuse tense situations.

5. Tolya Yul-Bataar

Even though Tolya Yul-Bataar is introduced in the second season, he manages to make an impression rather quickly. He, and his twin sister Tamar, are Grishan Heartrenders who serve on the crew of Prince Nikolai Lantsov.

However, we catch the former leaving his sister midway through season two to assist the Crows in their tough journey to the nation of Shu Han. That being said, it is imperative to mention that Tolya is a fine mixture of a philosopher and a sailor.

Not only can the man slay his foes but he is also equally adept at reciting a verse of poetry, depending mostly on the situation. Unsurprisingly, he is able to form a strong bond with the people he is touring.

Top Crew Members of Shadow and Bone

1. Eric Heisserer

Eric Heisserer is an excellent writer, filmmaker, television writer and producer, who won critical acclaim for having written the screenplay of Arrival, which earned him a well-deserved Best Adapted Screenplay nomination at the 89th Academy Awards in 2016.

The man serves as the creator, head writer, showrunner, and executive producer of Shadow and Bone.

2. Mairzee Almas

This Canadian filmmaker and television director has helmed the maximum number of episodes of Shadow and Bone. She has had vast experience within the entertainment industry and has directed numerous popular television shows over time, such as Y The Last Man, The Sandman, Locke & Key, Outlander, Impulse, Jessica Jones, and 12 Monkeys.

3. Vanya Asher

Vanya Asher, who is known for his work as a writer and producer, was born in Zagreb, Croatia. Aside from serving as the executive story editor on Shadow and Bone, he has also worked on projects such as Electric Easy and The Sandman.

4. Joseph Trapanese

The music in Shadow and Bone has been diligently composed by Joseph Trapanese, who seems to have done a good job given the theme of the series. Also an arranger and producer, he has composed for films, television, records, theatre, concerts, and interactive media.

The man is acknowledged for blending his classical training abilities with his skill of producing electronic music.

5. Owen McPolin, David Higgs, and Petra Korner

Owen McPolin, David Higgs, and Petra Korner have served as a cinematographer in at least four episodes each. In addition, award-winning VFX Supervisor Ted Rae also went through plenty of shots in the series to ensure that it looked seamless and epic and, therefore, did justice to its production cost.

Shows Similar to Shadow and Bone

If you truly can’t get enough of Netflix’s hit fantasy series Shadow and Bone, chances are that you’ll end up enjoying these shows equally or, in fact, even more.

1. Lockwood & Co.

In this supernatural action series, we are introduced to a psychic girl who ends up joining a ghost-hunting agency, which is run by two teenage boys. The trio comes together to defend their beloved London-adjacent town from threatening spirits and ghosts.

However, they do most things on their own, sans adult supervision.

2. Shadowhunters

Based on the popular The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare, Freeform’s Shadowhunters chronicles the exciting journey of teen Clary Fray, who, on her birthday, discovers that she comes from a long line of human-angel hybrids called Shadowhunters.

What truly astounds her is the fact that they are known to be bonafide demon hunters. As she seems to be making sense of her reality, her mother gets abducted and Fray is instantaneously pushed into the world of demon-hunting.

3. The Wheel of Time

Headlined by the ravishing Rosamund Pike, The Wheel of Time tracks the terrific and equally dramatic journey of a member of a magical organization, who crosses paths with five young people and takes them on an adventurous journey.

She holds the opinion that one of them might just be a reincarnation of the Dragon; one so powerful that it can save or destroy the world at will.

4. Teen Wolf

MTV’s Teen Wolf not only went on to become a fan-favourite show over time but it also turned its lead actors Tyler Posey and Dylan O’Brien into household names. In the story, we catch Posey’s Scott discovering that he’s a werewolf.

After this realization dawns upon him, he is left with no option but to learn how to adapt to his new identity. What makes the storyline exciting is that we find him battling a ton of supernatural entities to protect his mates.

5. The Sandman

If you think that a dream cannot control a dream, think again! In the Netflix series The Sandman, we follow Dream, a.k.a the Sandman, being able to control all dreams.

However, he attempts to fix the craziness that ensued while he was imprisoned for more than a century. To set things straight, he has to trespass on different timelines and withstand a ton of difficulties.