City of Shadows: Should you watch or skip the latest Netflix crime drama? A viewer's guide 

City of Shadows is set in Barcelona and is a Spanish crime thriller. The trailer suggests a high-profile murder of a construction company CEO being burnt alive from a balcony of La Pedrera. This is one of Antoni Gaudí's most iconic buildings, while the astonishing part is that the public murder is filmed, staged, and meant to be seen. It was not a random killing, but was also made more symbolic.

Now the police invite Milo Malart, a brilliant but volatile detective who is currently suspended for assaulting a colleague. Milo comes with a mental health history and is impulsive and hot-tempered. What Milo's journey might be like is unfolded in the six episodes that premiered together on December 12, 2025.

Many viewers are still spiraling over whether to watch the show, and if you are someone who can't decide, you must read on.

Why you must watch City of Shadows?

The trailer of City of Shadows gives a glimpse into the case and also suggests that the killings aren't random. The CEO is just a beginning, and another high-profile abduction has also come forward. This points towards involvement of a serial killer. Therefore, Milo isn't another crime drama but has strong political and social layers. Milo is seen being paired with Rebeca Garrido, a National Police detective from Madrid. Their relationship often shows friction from the beginning.

So if you are someone who likes some politics combined with crime, this show must be on your watchlist. Moreover, City of Shadows comes with the grit and tone of typical European crime dramas. So if you liked The Bridge, along with Money Heist’s darker arcs, you will enjoy the new Netflix show as well.

The murder emerges to be tied to Barcelona's architectural history. Corruption is proliferating in urban development, and possibly a twisted moral code is linked to purifying the city. The killer isn't just murdering people but also making a statement and is cleaning the filth by eliminating corrupt people, giving out a statement about power, greed, and legacy.

The city of Barcelona becomes a character while the camera depicts historical landmarks and Narrow Gothic streets. The architecture shown in City of Shadows adds to the film world, and if you are someone who enjoys dramas where place matters, like Dark or Baby Berlin, this show will definitely appeal to you.

The show also has a mental texture with Milo's mental health and backstory, which complicates the case. So if you like the trouble cop trope, where the officer is initially not trusted and then ends up doing something extraordinary. If you enjoy these kinds of journeys, the Netflix show is for you.

Why you might skip or wait before watching City of Shadows?

The Netflix show is a slow burn, with its first episode 1 being more about buildup and momentum. It lacks fast twists and pacing; therefore, if you can't bear with such storytelling, the show might feel restrained or sluggish to you. Moreover, the show has used symbolism over surprise. The show is about quiet signals and not loud surprises.

It is a familiar trope, but done with a unique style. So if you are looking for something very unique in terms of story, this show might not excite you. If you are tired of seeing damaged male detective stories, skip the show. The show doesn't have tight plotting and depicts emotional bleakness.

If you are someone who likes warmth over emotionally darker plots, this show isn't for you. Also, the show is rated TV-MA and is only for mature audiences, making it unsuitable to watch with family and kids.

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Hope this has helped you make a better decision. Stay tuned for more such pieces.

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