ABC Family has ordered “Shadowhunters,” a series based on “The Mortal Instruments” franchise, Variety has learned.
The project marks the cabler’s first scripted “saga-to-series,” based on the bestselling book series by Cassandra Clare, who commented, “I’m excited to see ABC Family bring the world of the ‘Shadowhunters’ to life. As a huge fan of long-form television drama, I can’t wait to see the story unfold and for the fans to have more time with the world and the characters.”
“Shadowhunters” follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is, and she comes from a long line of Shadowhunters — human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When Clary’s mother Jocelyn is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a self-discovery journey, as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.
“‘Shadowhunters’ is a big epic saga that will resonate with viewers who come to ABC Family for the ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Hunger Games,’ and ‘Twilight’ franchises,” said Tom Ascheim, president, ABC Family. “A New York Times bestseller for 122-consecutive weeks, with over 35 million copies in print worldwide, ‘Shadowhunters’ is the perfect story to share with our audience.”
Karey Burke, exec vice president, programming and development, ABC Family, commented, “Clary is a strong, dynamic and captivating character that our audience will immediately identify with. They will want her to succeed and will root for her on her journey to become who she was always meant to be. The series has a passionate fan base and an expansive universe that can sustain multiple seasons to come.”
The saga’s 2013 big screen adaptation, “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” starred Lily Collins as Clary, and Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace.
