Austin Butler stars in the forgotten hit that is coming to ITVX next month
ITV has confirmed a much-loved television series from 2016 will land on its streaming service ITVX.
The Shannara Chronicles, which ran for just two seasons on MTV before coming to an abrupt end in 2018, is an adaptation of Terry Brooks’ fantasy novel trilogy The Sword of Shannara.
Despite being cancelled after two seasons, the sci-fi series proved hugely popular among fantasy fans and those who had read the books, with a score of 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb and 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.
ITV has confirmed that both series of The Shannara Chronicles will be available to stream on ITVX on July 12.
The first series introduces viewers to the universe. A synopsis reads: “Thousands of years after the destruction of our civilisation, Earth is divided into what is known as the Four Lands, whose inhabitants are 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 continuously reshape the future of the world.”
Meanwhile, the second series is set a year after the first, and the Four Lands are in chaos. The re-emergence of magic has the populace terrified, and an organisation called The Crimson is hunting down magic users, using fear and intimidation to sow discord among the races.
The Shannara Chronicles has a star-studded cast list, including a young Austin Butler, known for Masters of the Air, Dune: Part Two and Caught Stealing. The series also stars Poppy Drayton, Manu Bennett and John Rhys-Davies.
Some viewers who watched the series over 10 years ago labelled it “one of the best” television series. It also received praise for its beautiful costumes, landscapes and special effects.
One reviewer wrote on IMDb: “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!!”
While 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 on July 12.
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