Fans of Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments are in for a major surprise as the popular fantasy series is officially scheduled to leave Netflix worldwide on January 1, 2026. This departure is particularly notable because the show is labeled as a Netflix Original in many countries outside the United States. With its global exit now confirmed, viewers have only until December 31, 2025, to stream the series on Netflix in international regions.
In this detailed report, we break down why Shadowhunters is leaving, its history on Netflix, the show’s enduring popularity, and what viewers can expect next.
A Decade of Shadowhunters: Why the Series Is Leaving Netflix
As the series approaches its 10th anniversary, Netflix has confirmed that all three seasons and 55 episodes of Shadowhunters will be removed from the platform globally. Although branded as a Netflix Original internationally, the streaming rights for the show are not owned by Netflix. The series originally aired on Freeform in the United States, where Netflix only held the international distribution rights, not ownership of the content.
Like many licensed titles, these agreements are time-limited. With the international rights coming to an end, Shadowhunters is now set to leave Netflix entirely. The streaming giant has increasingly focused on fully owned global originals, making deals like this much less common today.
A Quick Recap: What Shadowhunters Is All About
Based on Cassandra Clare’s bestselling YA book series The Mortal Instruments, Shadowhunters follows the journey of Clary Fray, played by Katherine McNamara. On her 18th birthday, Clary discovers that she is part of an ancient lineage of human-angel hybrids known as Shadowhunters, whose sole purpose is to protect the world from demons.
Thrown into the hidden “Shadow World,” Clary must navigate a mystical underground filled with:
- Warlocks
- Vampires
- Werewolves
- Demons
- Secret societies
Along the way, she teams up with the skilled and charismatic Jace Herondale (Dominic Sherwood), along with fan-favorite characters Alec, Isabelle, Simon, and Magnus Bane.
The show combines action, romance, supernatural elements, and emotional depth, creating a devoted fanbase that continues to grow even years after its finale.
Why Shadowhunters Never Streamed on Netflix in the US
Although Shadowhunters is a Netflix Original in many countries, it never became available on Netflix in the United States. The reason is simple: US streaming rights for the show have always remained with Hulu, where the series is still available today.
This kind of split distribution was common during the mid-2010s, when Netflix frequently picked up international streaming rights for US cable and network shows. However, this model became less popular once studios began launching their own global streaming platforms.
A Controversial End: Cancellation and Fan Campaigns
The cancellation of Shadowhunters remains one of the most debated decisions in modern television history. After airing for three seasons, the series was canceled by Freeform, and the story concluded with a two-hour finale special.
Behind the scenes, reports indicated that the cancellation was influenced by Netflix ending its output deal with Constantin Film, which financed the show’s production. With the financial structure collapsing, Freeform could not continue on its own.
This sparked one of the largest fan campaigns in recent memory: the #SaveShadowhunters movement, which trended globally for months. Fans organized petitions, billboards, charity events, and social media rallies—but Netflix and Freeform ultimately declined to revive the series.
Shadowhunters Is Still Popular: 34.7 Million Views Recently
Even years after its finale, Shadowhunters remains a strong performer on Netflix in international regions. According to the Netflix Engagement Reports, the series accumulated 34.7 million views between January 2023 and June 2025. This impressive number shows that the series continues to attract new viewers and rewatchers around the world.
Its steady popularity makes its departure even more disappointing for fans who rely on Netflix for easy global access.
Why Netflix Is Removing More Shows Every New Year
Netflix typically undergoes a major library clean-up every January as multiple content licenses expire. While Shadowhunters is one of the most notable departures for 2026, several other popular titles are also leaving regional Netflix libraries.
For example:
- UK viewers will lose shows like Suits, Friends, Rick & Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Mad Men, and Law & Order.
- US viewers will see the removal of titles such as Evil, School Spirits, Lost, and Tacoma FD.
This rotation is part of Netflix’s larger shift toward prioritizing globally owned originals rather than licensed content.
What Happens After Shadowhunters Leaves Netflix?
While there has been no official announcement about where Shadowhunters will stream next globally after leaving Netflix, fans can expect the series to move to another streaming service or return to the library of its original distributor. In the US, Hulu will continue to hold the exclusive rights.
For now, fans outside the US should take note of the final streaming date and complete any rewatches before the show disappears from Netflix’s international catalog.
Final Thoughts: Will You Miss Shadowhunters on Netflix?
The departure of Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments from Netflix marks the end of a significant streaming era for international fans. Whether you’re a long-time viewer or someone planning to start the series before it leaves, now is the best time to revisit Clary, Jace, and the rest of the Shadow World.
Are you sad to see Shadowhunters leaving Netflix? Share your thoughts—many fans are already expressing disappointment as the countdown begins.
