The fantasy series Shadow and Bone may see a third season if Netflix reconsiders its cancellation decision following the show’s strong viewer engagement. Despite the series gaining a significant fan base, Netflix ended the show abruptly in November 2023 after only two seasons, leaving fans and cast members hoping for its revival.
Shadow and Bone spent over six weeks ranked among the top 10 most searched shows worldwide across 86 countries, and it was the 15th most-watched series on Netflix during early 2023. Although its cancellation surprised audiences, the series’ loyal followers have remained vocal in their desire to see the story continue.
Lead actor Ben Barnes has openly expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the Grishaverse universe in future projects. Despite his character’s death in the second season, Barnes remains invested in the franchise and the potential to revisit its stories. He shared in a recent Radio Times interview:
I think they’d been working on a Six of Crows sort of story. So I was kind of excited, just on everyone else’s behalf, to see that come to life. But yeah, I mean, you never know. Maybe they do have another plan for how to adapt that story. And so I think, yeah, if there was ever… not that I would be involved in any sort of Six of Crows adaptations or anything.
—Ben Barnes, Actor
He also reflected on his connection to the series, saying,
But once you’ve been in something, you feel like that’s part of the patchwork of your story as well. So, you know, if anyone ever asks you to revisit something like that, it’s always very, very appealing to me to cement your part in whatever that thing was.
—Ben Barnes, Actor
Fans have not remained silent either, initiating petitions that have gathered more than 200,000 signatures demanding Netflix consider continuing the show. Given the evolving popularity of revival projects, there is cautious optimism that Shadow and Bone could join the ranks of renewed series on streaming platforms.
Other Streaming Platforms Embrace Series Renewals and Closures
While Netflix stands firm on its decision regarding Shadow and Bone, rival platforms like FX and Prime Video continue to capitalize on fan enthusiasm by renewing successful shows with scheduled release dates. FX recently announced a fifth season of The Bear, which will follow the recently released fourth season from June. Season 5 is planned for release in 2026.
Prime Video will also bring back its sci-fi comedy Upload for a fourth and final season after an 18-month hiatus since Season 3. MGM Studios confirmed that this concluding season will premiere on August 25, 2025, featuring four episodes that promise a definitive ending to the series.
These renewals highlight a trend toward delivering long-term story arcs with proper closure, appealing to viewers who value continuity. This revival trend raises questions about whether Netflix might eventually reconsider its approach, particularly as fan campaigns and cast interest remain strong for Shadow and Bone’s continuation.
Impact of Fan and Cast Support on Netflix’s Future Decisions
Despite being the gatekeeper for Shadow and Bone’s future, Netflix faces increasing vocal pressure to reassess its cancellation practices. The show’s devoted audience and the willingness of cast members like Ben Barnes to return provide a strong argument for revisiting the series. The continued momentum of successful revivals elsewhere adds to this pressure.
Should Netflix opt to greenlight a third season, it could reinvigorate the Grishaverse franchise and satisfy a passionate global audience eager for more content. Until then, fans must watch developments closely, hoping the streamer will unlock the story’s next chapter.
Shadow and Bone remains available to stream on Netflix in the USA, alongside FX’s The Bear and Prime Video’s Upload.
