The essential episodes of Shadowhunters

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Shadowhunters — each pick states its reason.

  1. 01

    S01E01 · Pilot · January 12, 2016 · 41m

    The Mortal Cup7.4

    One young woman realizes how dark the city can really be when she learns the truth about her past.

  2. 02

    S01E02 · Season 1 peak · January 19, 2016 · 43m

    The Descent Into Hell Isn't Easy7.5

    With the knowledge that Valentine is alive and on the hunt for The Mortal Cup, the Institute is on high alert. Not wasting any time, Jace jumps into action and figures Clary’s memories are the key to finding Jocelyn and The Mortal Cup. Unfortunately, Clary’s memories were wiped leaving her without any recollection of this other life that could help her and the team. With only one other option remaining, Jace, Isabelle and a very reluctant Alec take Clary to the City of Bones to face the powerful Silent Brothers. Meanwhile, Luke continues his search for Clary, and Simon tries to come to terms with his best friend’s new life.

  3. 03

    S02E03 · Top rated · January 16, 2017 · 44m

    Parabatai Lost8.4

    Already cut off from the Institute and his friends, Jace finds his situation worsen when he becomes a target for the New York wolf pack who believe Jace to be a killer. And don’t forget about Aldertree and the Shadowhunters who continue their own hunt for Jace! With Jace becoming the most wanted man in New York, can his friends get to him before everyone else? Meanwhile, Simon is on a search of his own as Raphael puts pressure on him to find Camille.

  4. 04

    S02E06 · Top rated · February 6, 2017 · 45m

    Iron Sisters8.4

    To help get answers to what Valentine may be planning, Isabelle and Clary are sent on a mission to visit the Iron Sisters. Once there, more truths may be revealed than Izzy and Clary planned. On a mission of their own, Simon and Maia are determined to find Luke who is still missing after the demon attack at the Institute. Meanwhile, Magnus and Alec finally go on their first date.

  5. 05

    S02E07 · Top rated · February 13, 2017 · 44m

    How Are Thou Fallen8.3

    Luke’s sister shows up at the Jade Wolf claiming innocence about the recent attack. But with Luke not trusting a word Cleo says, he finds himself at odds with Clary who sees an opportunity to get to Valentine. Yet how far will Clary go to prove she is right about Cleo? Meanwhile, Simon gets dating advice from a surprising source as Isabelle takes a dangerous path.

  6. 06

    S02E08 · Top rated · February 20, 2017 · 44m

    Love Is a Devil8.4

    Tasked with arranging his brother Max’s Rune Ceremony, Alex decides this would be the perfect opportunity for his family to get to know Magnus. But with tensions flying among the different Shadowhunters, Max’s big event quickly becomes an evening where they all must face their biggest fears. Meanwhile, Simon makes a bold move as Isabelle finds an unlikely new ally.

  7. 07

    S02E09 · Top rated · February 27, 2017 · 44m

    Bound by Blood8.4

    With word getting out that Clary is a key part of Valentine’s plan, the Downworlders are at odds on how to handle the issue. But when Iris activates her blood oath, Clary has more to worry about than hiding from Valentine and the Downworlders. Meanwhile, Isabelle and Raphael get closer as Alec tries to figure out what’s going on with his sister.

  8. 08

    S02E10 · Top rated · March 6, 2017 · 44m

    By the Light of Dawn8.4

    The New York Institute is under attack as Valentine’s plan for The Soul Sword is getting dangerously close to coming to fruition. The Shadowhunters must act fast to save their loved ones and the rest of the Downworld. Meanwhile, some of the Downworlders have their own plan to stop Valentine and their target is Clary.

  9. 09

    S02E12 · Top rated · June 12, 2017 · 44m

    You Are Not Your Own8.5

    Clary feels pressured between choosing Jace or Simon. Izzy settles things with Raphael. Sebastian breaks his father out of prison.

  10. 10

    S02E14 · Top rated · June 26, 2017 · 43m

    The Fair Folk8.4

    Alec has big plans to mend fences with the Downworlders, while Jace and Clary are summoned by the Seelie Queen.

  11. 11

    S02E15 · Top rated · July 10, 2017 · 43m

    A Problem of Memory8.2

    Simon goes down a dark path while Alec and team prepares to transport Valentine.

  12. 12

    S02E16 · Season 2 peak · July 17, 2017 · 43m

    Day of Atonement8.8

    With everything that Simon has gone through this past year, a family dinner for Yom Kippur – the Jewish Day of Atonement – poses as a real challenge. How can he come clean about being a vampire and especially about what just happened to his family? And if he is stressed out, what if he can’t control his vampire urges? Looking to take care of this himself, Maia insists on helping him out whether he likes it or not. Meanwhile, Clary and Jace go on an unsanctioned mission and test out their newfound rune powers.

  13. 13

    S03E01 · Top rated · March 20, 2018 · 44m

    On Infernal Ground8.2

    Secrets abound as the Shadowhunters and Downworlders try to get back to normal after Valentine's death. Clary struggles with keeping her secret about Raziel's wish, while Alec pushes Jace to come clean about whatever Jace and Clary are hiding. Luke must use tough love to keep his secret hidden from Ollie who is on a war path for answers. And Magnus hides his true feelings about his new position in the Warlock community from Alec. Meanwhile, Lilith sets a plan in motion in New York City as Simon spend stime in the Seelie Court.

  14. 14

    S03E20 · Season 3 peak · April 29, 2019 · 43m

    City of Glass8.7

    Alec, Jace and Isabelle make a plan to finally get Clary back and stop Jonathan—much to Luke’s and Simon’s chagrin. Meanwhile, an emotionally raw Magnus struggles to deal with his father’s reappearance and Maia must make a tough decision that could affect the rest of her life.

  15. 15

    S03E22 · Series finale · May 6, 2019 · 1h 2m

    All Good Things... (2)8.5

    Jonathan begins his reign of vengeful terror as the Shadowhunters try to find a way to stop him. With only one hope, Clary must make a sacrifice that could have long-lasting implications for all. Meanwhile, wedding bells are in the air for one special couple.

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