Shadow and Bone's epic season 1 finale is not the end of the story, as Netflix has reportedly already renewed the fantasy series for a second season. Here's what we know so far about its possible release date and what else to expect from Shadow and Bone season 2.
Based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo and adapted for TV by Eric Heisserer, Shadow and Bone is set in a war-torn world that is scarred by a great expanse of darkness called the Shadow Fold. Crossing the Fold is a dangerous endeavor due to the monsters swarming inside it, but a chance to destroy it arises in the form of a humble mapmaker called Alina Starkov, who discovers that she is the Sun Summoner - a powerful Grisha with the ability to summon light.
Having been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews upon its release, Shadow and Bone shows all the signs of being a young adult fantasy hit for Netflix. Here's what we know so far about Shadow and Bone season 2.
Shadow and Bone Season 2 Renewal
Though Shadow and Bone season 2 has not yet been officially announced, What's On Netflix reports that the show has already "quietly been renewed behind the scenes." The show's lavish budget was already indicative of Netflix being heavily invested, and the positive critical response also bodes well. Netflix already has an ongoing high-profile fantasy series in The Witcher, but Shadow and Bone can potentially draw in a broader audience due to its PG-13 action, young protagonists and strong romantic storylines.
Shadow and Bone Season 2 Release Date
Though some Netflix series have a fast turnaround, big-budget sci-fi and fantasy shows tend to have a longer wait in between seasons - typically around 18 months. For example, The Umbrella Academy season 1 released in February 2019, and season 2 arrived in July 2020. If Shadow and Bone has already been renewed for a second season then the next chapter of the story may already be in development. Based on Netflix's typical production schedule, Shadow and Bone season 2 will most likely release in Fall 2022.
Shadow and Bone Season 2 Story Details
Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Shadow and Bone season 1.
Though it takes its name from the first book in Bardugo's original Grisha trilogy, Shadow and Bone also heavily mixes in elements and haraters from the Six of Crows duology, in which the main characters are Kaz Brekker and his crew, alongside Heartrender Nina Zenik, and former witch-hunter Matthias Helvar. Shadow and Bone season 1 roughly serves as a prequel to the events of Six of Crows, so season 2 can be expected to adapt the first book in that duology while also continuing Alina and Mal's story into the events of Siege and Storm, the second book in the trilogy.
Shadow and Bone season 1 leaves off with Alina going into hiding after General Kirigan used their combined powers to expand the Fold over the harbor town of Novokribirsk. With the help of Mal and the Crows, Alina was able to prevent Kirigan from doing more damage than that, but a Heartrender attack left her too weak to try and eliminate the Fold entirely. In Shadow and Bone season 2 Alina will be searching for a way to become strong enough to take down the Fold, while also trying to keep her identity as the Sun Summoner secret. Unfortunately, Kirigan survived being attacked by the Volcra inside the Fold and emerged from it angrier than ever, and with a small army of monsters in tow. As Alina attempts to destroy the Gold, Kirigan will no doubt be looking for more ways to weaponize it. And all the while, the war in Ravka rages on.