City of Shadows: Underrated Netflix Crime Thriller Is Global Streaming Hit

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A Spanish crime drama is quickly becoming a hit on Netflix around the world. It launched on December 12th and is currently a top 10 show in 33 countries, even reaching number three in Uruguay, according to FlixPatrol. While it hasn’t yet broken into the top 10 in the United States, it could be a hidden treasure for fans of the genre who are searching for something fresh.

A shocking crime has occurred in Barcelona: a burned body was discovered on the facade of the famous Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. Inspector Milo Malart, recently suspended from the Catalan police force (Mossos d’Esquadra) for inappropriate behavior, is brought back to investigate, partnering with Sub-Inspector Rebeca Garrido to uncover the killer.

The new series, City of Shadows, features Isak Férriz (known for Bank Under Siege, Burning Body, and Below Zero) and Verónica Echegui (Intimacy, Dr. García’s Patients). Jorge Torregrossa (Burning Body, Fariña, Intimacy) directs. Supporting actors include Ana Wagener (The Innocent), Manolo Solo (The Fury of a Patient Man), and Jordi Rico (Fuerte Apache).

Arcadia created the six-part series City of Shadows, which is based on the novel by Aro Sáinz de la Maza – the author also known for the Milo Malart books published by Destino (part of Grupo Planeta). Jorge Torregrossa directed the series and worked with writers Carlos López and Clara Esparrach to develop the screenplay.

City of Shadows Could Be Your Next Crime Show Binge

Okay, so I have to tell you about City of Shadows. When it first came out, it was a total critical darling – seriously, 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes! It’s still holding strong with an 83% positive rating, which is pretty incredible. It’s clearly a show that critics are really enjoying, and it continues to be well-received.

According to reviews, ‘City Of Shadows’ is an okay show, but doesn’t really stand out from other similar programs. Decider describes it as decent but familiar, while LeisureByte.com simply calls it a ‘solid crime show’.

Critics generally agree that City of Shadows is a well-made and engaging Spanish Netflix series, though it doesn’t necessarily break new ground. Ready Steady Cut notes its solid production quality and familiar genre elements, while Digital Mafia Talkies praises the performances and finds the murder mystery satisfactory, though not spectacular. The series also features some anti-capitalist themes and competent visual storytelling.

Currently, City of Shadows doesn’t have enough audience reviews to generate a Popcornmeter score. The reviews it does have are mixed. One viewer praised the show, saying it had a good plot, interesting characters, and beautifully showcased the art and architecture of Barcelona.

Subscribe for deeper looks at shows like City of Shadows

Subscribe for deeper looks at shows like City of Shadows

Some viewers weren’t impressed, with one commenting that the story moved slowly and felt unrealistic. They felt the characters could have connected more deeply, and the mystery’s solution was easy to guess. Overall, they found it a difficult and unenjoyable experience.

City of Shadows (a.k.a. Ciudad de Sombras) is available to stream now on Netflix.

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2025-12-24 02:36