Summary

Shadow and Bone fans launch a petition and recording videos in an effort to revive the series for a third season after Netflix’s cancellation. Fans find the show relatable and diverse, and they are asking other streamers like Amazon, HBO, and Hulu to consider picking up the series. The cancellation may be due to a delayed season three and mixed reviews for the second season, despite positive reception for the first season and an Emmy nomination for visual effects.

Shadow and Bone fans are petitioning streamers to revive the series for a third season. Earlier this month, Netflix canceled the series (alongside shows Glamorous and the animated series Agent Elvis, Farzar and Captain Fall), and nixed a Shadow and Bone spinoff. A petition to save the series, launched on November 15, has now surpassed 125K signatures. Through a new video supporter tool on Change.org, fans of the fantasy series are recording videos discussing the show’s impact and significance on their lives. Many note they find the show relatable, largely due to the cast’s diversity.

Through the petition, fans ask that other streamers consider picking up the series for a third season. Petition creator Cryptical 723 writes:

“Netflix has prematurely cancelled any prospects of season 3 and the Six of Crows spinoff. The Crows and Alina deserve to have their stories finished, not left on a ridiculous cliff-hanger and left in the dust. This is a petition to gain attention of other streaming services, such as Amazon, Hulu, HBO, or any other streaming services so we can receive the third season like we deserve. Warrior Nun has done it; the Grishaverse is as large and passionate, and we can do it too. PLEASE SIGN so we get the season 3 and spinoff we deserve!”

Shadow and Bone was developed for Netflix by Eric Heisserer (known for his work on the sci-fi film Arrival) and based on Leigh Bardugo’s novels in the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. Set in the Grishaverse, the series follows young Alina Starkov, an orphan and cartographer of the Ravka nation’s First Army, who discovers she is a Grisha, one with special gifts. As dark forces conspire against Alina, she unleashes an extraordinary power that could change the fate of her war-torn world.

Related: Shows Like Shadow and Bone to Watch Next

What Lead to Shadow and Bone’s Cancelation?

According to Deadline, which called Shadow and Bone the “highest-profile series” in this group of cancelations, the decision to halt production of the series was likely a combination of a delayed season three (due to the WAG and SAG-AFTRA strikes) and that the show’s sophomore season didn’t do as well as the first season. The first season was praised by critics who commended the series’ storyline, costumes, and cast (lead by Jessie Mei Li as heroine Alina Starkov).

The second season mainly garnered positive reviews (and was revered by its loyal fanbase), but critics found fault with the follow-up season’s confusing storylines and pacing. The series earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Single Episode for its second season episode “Rusalye.”

News that the anticipated spinoff was canceled was confirmed by Bardugo on social media (via Instagram). The author noted that she was “heartbroken and deeply disappointed” but grateful that she could see an adaptation of her work that filled her with “pride and tremendous joy.”

Seasons one and two of Shadow and Bone, starring Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, and Ben Barnes, are available to stream on Netflix.