Those Shadowhunters fans who’ve been desperately trying to convince Freeform to renew the show ever since the supernatural series was canceled this summer (it will return for its final 12 episodes in February) were in for a rude awakening this weekend during the network’s broadcast of Toy Story.
Per TVLine, fans reported spotting something that mocked them in Freeform’s airing of Toy Story as part of its “25 Days of Christmas” programming package, which includes an add-on called “POPnKnowledge” (sort of a Pop-Up Video for the modern era). In a scene where Woody consults his Magic 8-Ball, the tacked-on bubble reads, “Will Freeform save Shadowhunters if I keep tweeting about it?” The answer, as contained in the original film scene, was “Don’t count on it.”
Ouch.
Naturally, the die-hard #SaveShadowhunters campaigners were pretty peeved by being mocked on the network.
For You – Xfinity Stream – Google Chrome 12_15_2018 4_10_43 PM.mp4
This item will be shared. pic.twitter.com/GngqaKHyFl— bobbi (@bobtwo999) December 16, 2018
As one fan pointed out, the #SaveShadowhunters campaign hasn’t just been about tweeting at the network incessantly, but they have also raised thousands of dollars in charitable donations for organizations such as the Trevor Project to show their commitment to the show and appreciation for its LGBTQ representation.
I like the people I know at @FreeformTV but to mock #Shadowhunters fans during their pop up version of #ToyStory was so tacky. Whoever made this “trivia” really needs to apologize to the #SaveShadowhunters crowd who raised so much money for good causes to support their show. pic.twitter.com/mdtGbCwib5
— KSiteTV (@KSiteTV) December 16, 2018
Freeform declined TV Guide’s request for comment, but a source from the network told TVLine that the inclusion of the super-snarky joke was “a mistake.” Nevertheless, fans of the series are still hurt by what they saw on Saturday.
The thing is, they are obsessed with Shadowhunters. It made zero sense to add that while airing Toy freaking Story. They cared more about the show to drag the campaign than to actually promote it the way it deserved. Man, this just speaks about the type of company they are.
— David ✨ #SaveSH (@IconicNephilim) December 16, 2018
Shadowhunters deserves better. #SaveShadowhunters #SHDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/uFfgAtW7Mk
— Bane Lightwood (@BaneLightwood_) December 16, 2018
Shadowhunters will conclude its run with the second half of Season 3, including a two-hour series finale, starting Feb. 25 on Freeform.