The fantasy series Shadow and Bone has garnered a strong following over its

Based on Leigh Bardugo's fantasy novels, Shadow and Bone was brought to life for Netflix by Eric Heisserer and first aired on the platform in 2021. The series was met with high praise from both viewers and critics, leading to a second season in March 2023.

However, by November of the same year, it was revealed that the show had been axed by the streaming behemoth.

Set in the fantastical Grishaverse, Shadow and Bone tells the tale of Alina Starkov, an orphan and skilled cartographer, who uncovers her magical Grisha powers late in life. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that Alina is the key to rescuing her war-ravaged world, as she faces off against formidable dark forces.

The inaugural season of the show adapted Bardugo's 2012 novel Shadow and Bone, while also incorporating an original storyline featuring the Crows - a lovable gang of criminals at the heart of Bardugo's Six of Crows duology, reports the .

Despite increasing fan support, Shadow and Bone was cancelled after just two seasons, much to the disappointment of the show's dedicated fans.

Bafflement has arisen among Reddit users over Netflix's decision to cancel certain shows, with one user expressing confusion saying: "Because it didn't have stranger things success. They cancel many expensive shows if they're not as popular as they want them to be. The show was first place in my country for at least a month (both seasons) so I don't get Netflix's choice."

Another pointed out the paradox of the platform's choices: "It seems like it's one of the most viewed shows they ever canceled. The budget must be crazy."

Some devotees took drastic measures, with one fan noting their protest by cancelling their subscription: "I had an HD Netflix account. I cancelled it as soon as I read that Shadow and Bone S3 and Six of Crows weren't getting made. When the exit survey asked why I was canceling, I selected 'other' and typed in 'Shadow and Bone canceled'."

Distrust towards Netflix was also voiced by viewers who are wary of getting invested in a new series, as one detailed: "I mean, this isn't the first time Netflix has given us a fantastic S1 of something, an alright S2 and then used that as an excuse to cancel the series before it wraps up. It's gotten to the point where I don't trust them enough to start most of their original series. I know it probably won't do anything but I don't think it hurts to show them that people have noticed and that they're tired of being left hanging."

And there was apparent bewilderment regarding programming decisions, as echoed by a fan: "Absolutely baffling that they dropped this show but renewed Emily in Paris for a fifth season."

Devotees of the series have ignited campaigns battling to reverse its cancellation, with one fresh fan championing the cause: "I'm new to the Shadow and Bone fanbase. Even more new to the disappointment of no season 3. So I created a petition. I'm aware that many petitions were already made. But I haven't seen one from this year yet. Let's try again and see if we can change Netflix's mind. No mourners, no funerals!!"

Both seasons of Shadow and Bone are available to stream on Netflix.