ITV has announced that the beloved fantasy television series The Shannara Chronicles will arrive on its streaming platform ITVX next month. Originally airing on MTV from 2016 to 2018, the show is an adaptation of Terry Brooks' acclaimed book trilogy The Sword of Shannara.
Series Overview
Despite being cancelled after just two seasons, the series garnered a dedicated following among fantasy enthusiasts and book fans, achieving a 7.1 rating on IMDb and 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. Both seasons will be available to stream on ITVX starting July 12.
The first season introduces viewers to a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been reshaped into the Four Lands, inhabited by elves, dwarves, trolls, gnomes, and humans. The story centers on the Shannara family, whose descendants wield ancient magic and whose adventures shape the future of the world.
The second season, set a year later, finds the Four Lands in turmoil as magic re-emerges, causing fear among the populace. An organization called The Crimson hunts magic users, sowing discord among the races.
Cast and Reception
The series features a star-studded cast including a young Austin Butler, known for Masters of the Air and Dune: Part Two, alongside Poppy Drayton, Manu Bennett, and John Rhys-Davies.
Viewers have praised the series as "one of the best" television adaptations, highlighting its beautiful costumes, landscapes, and special effects. One IMDb reviewer wrote: "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." Another added: "A really beautiful fantasy. A lovely series. With fantasy, action, and some science fiction. Beautiful characters. It deserved to be longer."
The Shannara Chronicles will be available to stream on ITVX from July 12.
