City of Shadows (Ciudad de Sombras) is a 2025 Spanish crime thriller series from director Jorge Torregrossa, adapted from El verdugo de Gaudí by Aro Sáinz de la Maza.
The six-episode Netflix series stars Isak Férriz, Verónica Echegui, Ana Wagener, Manolo Solo, and others. Set in Barcelona, the story follows disgraced detective Milo Malart as he returns to the Mossos d’Esquadra to investigate a horrifying murder staged on the façade of Gaudí’s Casa Milà.
The series blends police investigation, psychological tension, and Barcelona’s dark underbelly. Produced by Arcadia, the show releases globally on December 12, 2025, on Netflix.
City of Shadows Age Rating
City of Shadows is officially rated TV-MA on Netflix for strong violence, disturbing images, language, and mature themes. This rating reflects the series’ dark tone, graphic crime scenes, and psychological intensity. The thriller leans into its gritty realism, making it intended for mature audiences.
Violence & Peril
City of Shadows contains graphic crime scenes, including burned bodies, staged corpses, and forensic detail presented in a realistic manner. The opening murder—featuring a charred body hanging from Gaudí’s La Pedrera—sets a disturbing tone for the entire series. Characters are often shown in peril, with tense chases, interrogations, and emotionally charged confrontations. The show’s violence is not stylized but grounded, amplifying its grim police procedural tone.
Language
The series includes frequent strong language, consistent with intense police dramas. Characters use profanity during arguments and crime-scene discussions. Occasional crude insults appear, though no hate slurs are suggested by current promotional material. The tone remains adult and gritty.
Mature Themes
City of Shadows explores serial killings, corruption, psychological trauma, and the moral strain of law enforcement work. Themes of mental instability, obsession, and the emotional burden on the lead detective are central. There may be brief scenes involving alcohol, smoking, and nightlife environments. Sexuality is not a main focus, but the show may include brief suggestive references typical of dark thrillers.
Is City of Shadows Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: Not suitable. The disturbing imagery, burned bodies, and overall tension make the series inappropriate for children.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. While some mature teens may be drawn to crime dramas, the violent crime scenes and intense psychological themes make this too heavy for most viewers in this age range.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Older teens who enjoy dark thrillers may appreciate the complex investigation and character drama. Parents should still use discretion due to the disturbing violence and emotionally heavy material.
Final recommendation: City of Shadows is best suited for adults and older mature teens (16+) who can handle graphic crime content.
What Parents Can Do
Prepare teens for disturbing imagery, especially the graphic nature of the murder scenes set around iconic Barcelona landmarks.
Discuss emotional themes, including burnout, trauma, and how police work affects mental health.
Provide cultural and historical context, as the show’s depiction of Barcelona’s architecture and institutions may spark questions about Catalan society and its police force.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating for City of Shadows?
A: It is rated TV-MA for strong violence, disturbing images, language, and mature thematic content.
Q: Is City of Shadows appropriate for teens?
A: Only older teens (16+) may handle the mature content. The series is primarily intended for adults.
Q: Does the show contain graphic or scary scenes?
A: Yes. The opening murder and subsequent crime scenes are visually disturbing and may be frightening.
Q: How strong is the language in the series?
A: The show includes frequent strong profanity, fitting for a gritty police thriller.
Q: Is there nudity or sexual content?
A: The series may include brief suggestive elements, but sexuality is not a primary focus. Violence and psychological tension dominate the tone.
Q: Where will City of Shadows be available to watch?
A: City of Shadows will stream globally on Netflix starting December 12, 2025.