Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy adventure series from Netflix, based on Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels. The narrative unfolds in a war-torn world, primarily in the country of Ravka, which is divided by a formidable darkness known as the Shadow Fold, teeming with monstrous creatures. The story follows Alina Starkov, a lowly mapmaker who discovers she possesses extraordinary power as the fabled Sun Summoner, believed to be the key to destroying the Fold and liberating her nation. Her journey intertwines with the cunning General Kirigan, also known as the Darkling, who wields dark magic, and a charismatic band of criminals known as the Crows.
Concerns
Violence
HighShadow and Bone features frequent and often graphic violence throughout its seasons, including intense battles, attacks by terrifying creatures, and significant character injuries and deaths. The depiction of violence can be explicit, with mentions of blood and dismemberment.
The Shadow Fold is home to Volcra, giant man-eating creatures whose attacks are described with detail, including men being carried off to be devoured and a body briefly seen dismembered, resulting in blood spatters. Characters routinely engage in armed combat using guns and knives, leading to numerous confrontations and casualties. An example of cruelty involves the Darkling cutting Alina's arm to extract her power, and a rumor attributes to him sealing a man's mouth shut as punishment to starve him to death.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighMagic is a foundational element of the 'Grishaverse' and is central to the plot. The abilities of the Grisha, the creation of the Shadow Fold, and the Darkling's powers involve manipulating elements and life forces, which are inherently supernatural and can be interpreted as occult practices within the series' lore.
The Grisha practice what is called 'Small Science,' allowing them to manipulate the physical world, elements, and even human bodies (e.g., Heartrenders who can control internal organs). Alina Starkov is the Sun Summoner, possessing the rare ability to summon light, a formidable magical power. The antagonist, General Kirigan (the Darkling), controls darkness and is responsible for creating the Shadow Fold, a massive expanse of unnatural darkness populated by magically corrupted, man-eating creatures called Volcra. Baghra, a powerful Grisha, explains the Volcra evolved from humans caught in the Fold's creation, illustrating dark magical transformation.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series contains significant scary and intense content due to monstrous creatures, dark and perilous environments, and frequent life-threatening situations. The atmosphere can be suspenseful and frightening, particularly when characters navigate dangerous magical threats.
The Volcra, monstrous winged creatures dwelling in the Shadow Fold, are a constant and terrifying threat, depicted attacking and preying on humans in visually intense scenes. The Shadow Fold itself is portrayed as a perpetually dark, dangerous, and oppressive environment that instills fear. Characters frequently face suspenseful and life-threatening situations, including intense battles, assassinations, and journeys through treacherous lands, leading to a consistently high level of tension and peril.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series includes openly bisexual characters and implied same-sex relationships, aiming to normalize LGBTQ+ representation within the fantasy genre. These representations are integrated into the storyline without being the sole focus of the characters' arcs, but they are clearly depicted through actions and dialogue.
Jesper Fahey, a sharpshooter, is explicitly bisexual. In Season 1, he has a "steamy make-out" with a stableman, which is highlighted as explicit gay content in episode 5. In Season 2, Jesper's bisexuality is further explored through his developing romantic relationship with Wylan Hendriks. Additionally, there are implied sapphic elements with "lingering glances and touches" between characters like Tamar Kir-Bataar and Nadia Zhabin in Season 2, suggesting attraction.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe series includes romantic storylines with passionate kissing and implied sexual encounters. While explicit sexual acts are generally avoided, partial nudity and suggestive scenes are present, conveying intimacy without graphic detail.
Scenes feature "heavy kissing" often leading to implied sexual activity, where characters are seen kissing before the scene cuts away, returning later to suggest intimacy has occurred. Partial nudity is present, including "topless shots" (though no explicit breasts are shown), "side nakedness," and a shot of a female's naked rear-end. One scene shows a male and female character lying under a blanket naked together, implying sexual intimacy for warmth. In the book, the Darkling and Alina share passionate kisses where he caresses her thigh, and intimacy is intimated to continue.
Profanity
MediumThe show contains a moderate amount of profanity, including common curse words. While not excessively pervasive, such language is present in dialogue across various characters and situations.
The series uses words such as "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "bastard." Reviewers note the presence of profanity, with some stating it is "minimal" but includes terms like "ba**ard," "d*mn," and "t*ts." One source reports approximately 13 obscenities in the first two episodes.
Substance Use
MediumCharacters in the series are depicted consuming alcohol, particularly within social and establishment settings like taverns and clubs. While not a central plot point, alcohol use is a recurring background element for various characters.
Jesper Fahey, a member of the Crows, is frequently shown in gambling dens and taverns where alcohol consumption is a common activity. The Crows, as a criminal gang, often operate in the underbelly of cities like Ketterdam, which inherently involves scenes set in bars and clubs where characters are seen drinking. While explicit intoxication is not heavily focused upon, the casual presence and consumption of alcohol by various characters are consistent with their environments.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe series prominently features characters who exhibit rebellious tendencies and disregard for authority, particularly within the criminal gang known as the Crows. Their actions often involve defiance of laws and societal norms as a core aspect of their characterization and plotlines.
The Crows, led by Kaz Brekker, are a central group of characters who are criminals and thieves, constantly acting outside the law and directly defying established governmental or societal authority figures. Kaz Brekker's role as a "kingpin" in Ketterdam's criminal underworld explicitly demonstrates a consistent rejection of legal and moral boundaries. Other members, such as Jesper Fahey, participate in these rebellious and law-breaking activities as integral parts of their roles within the gang.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe series presents a fantasy world with an invented religion that includes references to 'saints' and a 'pagan worldview,' rather than explicitly Christian themes. While not directly anti-Christian, the alternative religious and magical systems diverge from traditional Christian theology.
Movieguide describes the series as having a "mixed pagan worldview" with a "religion invented for the story," where characters pray to "saints" within this fictional framework. While aspects like churches and priests are mentioned, resembling Christian elements, the narrative's explicit statement is that there are "Christian Beliefs. None." in the world. The prevalent Grisha magic and supernatural powers operate entirely outside of a Christian theological context, which could be seen as conflicting with Christian doctrine by promoting alternative spiritualities.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The series is officially rated TV-14, but due to its consistent graphic violence, implied sexual content, mature themes, and depictions of dark magic, a recommendation for ages 16 and up is more appropriate. Some parental guides suggest it might even warrant a TV-MA rating. The complexity of the plot and the intensity of certain scenes could be overwhelming for younger viewers, necessitating a more mature audience.
Additional Notes
While Netflix officially rates "Shadow and Bone" as TV-14 for violence, language, and gore, several parental review outlets and viewer feedback suggest the content's intensity, particularly regarding graphic violence and implied sexual content, leans closer to a TV-MA rating. This discrepancy indicates that parents should exercise caution and be aware of the mature nature of many themes and depictions. Content escalation is notable with more developed queer relationships in Season 2 and continued intense themes.
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