The realm of fantasy-based TV series based on novels has been a topic of discussion for a long time. While there have been many iconic shows and movies based on the fantasy world in the past, there are some Netflix originals that have established their place in the hearts of fans. Adding to the list of iconic series is Henry Cavill starrer The Witcher which is one of the most talked about shows on Netflix. Following his exit and how he was treated by the creators in season 3 did not sit well with the fans. But this is paving the way for other fantasy shows to rise to the top.

Shadow and Bone, known for its striking visuals and amazing storyline, may replace The Witcher’s place and make up for the Cavill’s exit heartbreak. The show has everything a fantasy show might need to surpass the legacy of Hissirich’s Witcherverse. But what exactly makes Shadow and Bone different from The Witcher?

Unlike The Witcher, Shadow and Bone is not a one-man show

Adapted from the novel of the same name and Six of Crows, both by Leigh Bardough, Shadow and Bone, focuses on Alina Starkov. Jessie Mei Li plays the main character of the show who grew up an orphan of the Border Wars. It also brought a few characters in the second season that fans can’t get enough of. Some of the main characters around which the story revolved were The Darkling, Baghra, Nina Zenik, Zoya Nazyalensky, and many others. 

On the other hand, The Witcher was heavily dependent on Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt of Rivia. Though Geralt has the foremost duty to look after Ciri, even then, the show has been more about him until the last season where Ciri emerged as the lead. Along with Henry Cavill’s Geralt on monster hunts, it shows Anya Chalotra’s character Yennefer on the journey to becoming a sorceress. Shadow and Bone, on the other hand, is balanced in taking all characters forward together. 

Shadow and Bone’s timeline is less complicated than White Wolf’s universe

Showrunner Eric Heisserer and Bardugo deliberately chose to combine the two novels for the Netflix series and consolidate the timelines. In the series, Netflix has also tried to avoid confusing storylines as was the case The Witcher. Parallely running timelines were confusing for fans to understand, which complicated things for fans not well-versed with the books.

Hissirich purposely kept the three different timelines for Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt for viewers to be acquainted with them. However, in Shadow and Bone, Heisserer on purpose combined characters and arcs post Grisha’s trilogy in a new timeline to simplify the complexity. This too gives Shadow and Bone an edge over Hissirich’s prowess that even saw a fall in its ratings for season 3 despite ‘staying true’ to the source material. 

Shadow and Bone is more accurate to its source than The Witcher

The first season of Shadow and Bone was critically acclaimed, and one of those rare examples of a series that stayed true to its source material. However, for The Witcher, lore lovers have been criticizing the creators for playing with major events like Jaskier romancing Radovid. 

Shadow and Bone also took creative freedom into its hands by intertwining the two worlds of the books together or changing Mal. But that did not end well for Witcher as per fans, it changed the entire essence of the characters. 

It cannot be denied that the shortcomings of Witcherverse were the strengths of Grishaverse. Keeping this in mind, there are higher chances that Shadow and Bone might fill in the void created post Cavill’s exit. However, if Hissirch is successful in transitioning Liam Hemsworth to the role, then Heisserer’s prowess may fall short. 

Both the shows aired their last seasons this year and only time can tell if Shadow and Bone will overpower The Witcher? What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below.