Freeform's "Shadowhunters" (Season 1)

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The Mortal Instruments Heads to Television as Shadowhunters

ABC Family announced today that they’re developing a small-screen take on The Mortal Instruments franchise with their first scripted saga-to-series, “Shadowhunters.” Tom Ascheim, President, ABC Family and Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, ABC Family made the announcement, revealing that the series will go into production this May in Toronto.

Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, “Shadowhunters” follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters – human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother Jocelyn is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery 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 Ascheim. “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.”

“Clary is a strong, dynamic and captivating character that our audience will immediately identify with,” adds Burke. “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.”

“I’m excited to see ABC Family bring the world of the Shadowhunters to life,” says Clare. “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” is produced by Constantin Film, and Ed Decter will serve as executive producer and showrunner. Check back for casting information as soon as it becomes available.