ITV has announced that the beloved television series The Shannara Chronicles will arrive on its streaming platform ITVX. The show, which originally aired on MTV in 2016, adapts Terry Brooks' fantasy novel trilogy The Sword of Shannara. Despite being cancelled after two seasons in 2018, the series earned acclaim among fantasy enthusiasts and readers of the source material, achieving a rating of 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb and 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.
When Will The Shannara Chronicles Premiere on ITVX?
ITV has confirmed that both seasons of The Shannara Chronicles will become available for streaming on ITVX from 12 July, as reported by The Mirror. Viewers can binge-watch the entire series from that date.
Plot Synopsis of The Shannara Chronicles
The first season introduces viewers to a fictional world set thousands of years after the destruction of our civilisation. Earth is divided into the Four Lands, inhabited by a mix of races including elves, dwarves, trolls, gnomes, and humans. At the centre is the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continually reshape the future of the world.
The second season takes place a year after the first, with the Four Lands engulfed in turmoil. The return of magic has sparked widespread fear among the population, while an organisation known as The Crimson pursues those with magical abilities, exploiting terror and intimidation to spread division across the races.
Cast and Reception
The Shannara Chronicles boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring a young Austin Butler, recognised for his roles in Masters of the Air, Dune: Part Two, and Caught Stealing. The series also stars Poppy Drayton, Manu Bennett, and John Rhys-Davies. Viewers who experienced the series over a decade ago have hailed it as "one of the best" television programmes, particularly praising its stunning costumes, scenery, and visual effects.
One reviewer on IMDb commented: "Truly one of the best TV series I have seen in a very long time. The makeup and costumes were great. The acting was great. The whole feel of the show was mystical as it should have been. Told a few people about it, and now they are addicted to the show, and I really hope they do a season 2. It would be a great loss if they don't. I grew up reading Terry Brooks' books, and they kept me entertained as a child. I am so glad that they are finally putting his work to film. And think it was done really well. I hope to see them continue on with the chronicles. Great job!"
Another viewer remarked: "A really beautiful fantasy. A lovely series. With fantasy, action, and some science fiction. Beautiful characters. It deserved to be longer."
How to Watch
The Shannara Chronicles will be available to stream on ITVX from July 12. Fans of fantasy and Terry Brooks' novels can look forward to rediscovering this addictive series.
