If you’ve spent any time on BookTok or scrolling through the "supernatural romance" tags on streaming services lately, you’ve likely stumbled upon the magnetic, academic world of Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont. It’s got everything: ancient libraries, wine-sipping vampires, and a massive, sprawling mystery involving an enchanted manuscript. But for someone just jumping in, the structure of the show can be a little confusing, especially with how it was distributed across different networks like Sky, AMC+, and Shudder. You’re probably wondering how many seasons are there of A Discovery of Witches before you commit your weekend to a marathon.
The short answer? Three. That’s it.
There are exactly three seasons of A Discovery of Witches. It wasn't canceled, and it didn't overstay its welcome. It was designed from the jump to follow a very specific roadmap. The show is a direct adaptation of Deborah Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy. Since there are three books—A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life—the producers at Bad Wolf decided early on that three seasons would be the magic number. One book per season. It’s a clean, intentional narrative arc that actually finishes the story it started. Honestly, in an era where Netflix cancels shows on a cliffhanger after one season, having a completed three-season journey feels like a rare gift.
The Breakdown: Why Only Three Seasons?
When people ask how many seasons are there of A Discovery of Witches, they often follow up with, "Wait, is that all?" It’s a valid question. The world feels huge. Between the Congregation, the different species of creatures, and the time-traveling shenanigans, it feels like it could go on for a decade. But sticking to the three-book structure was a creative choice made by showrunners and Harkness herself to ensure the quality didn't dip.
Season 1 introduces us to the Bodleian Library in Oxford. We see Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, stumble upon Ashmole 782. This season covers the entirety of the first book. It’s moody, atmospheric, and establishes the forbidden romance between Diana and the vampire Matthew. If you’re looking for 8 episodes of tension and world-building, this is where it begins.
Then things get weird. Season 2 shifts the vibe entirely by moving the setting to Elizabethan London. This is the adaptation of Shadow of Night. It’s a much denser season. There are more characters, more historical cameos (hello, Mary Sidney and Queen Elizabeth I), and a lot more magic. Because the second book is the longest in the trilogy, some fans felt the season was a bit rushed, but it still fits the "one book, one season" mandate.
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Finally, Season 3 brings everything back to the present day to wrap up the revolution. It adapts The Book of Life. This season deals with the fallout of the genetic "blood rage" and the final stand against the Congregation. It’s high stakes. It’s emotional. And most importantly, it actually provides a series finale. You won't be left wondering what happened to the characters because the show puts a definitive period at the end of the sentence.
Distribution and Where to Find the Complete Series
Understanding how many seasons are there of A Discovery of Witches is only half the battle; the other half is finding them. This show had a bit of a fragmented release schedule depending on where you live. In the UK, it was a Sky Original. If you’re in the US, it bounced around between Sundance Now, Shudder, and AMC+.
Right now, the most reliable way to watch all three seasons in one place is through an AMC+ subscription or by purchasing the seasons individually on platforms like Apple TV or Amazon. There was a brief period where it lived on Max (formerly HBO Max) as part of a content sharing deal, but those deals change constantly. Basically, if you see all three seasons listed, you’ve got the whole story. There are no secret spin-offs or "lost" seasons hiding on other platforms.
The "Fourth Season" Rumors and The Serpent's Mirror
You might see chatter online about a fourth season. Let's clear that up. Technically, there is no Season 4 of the main show. However, Deborah Harkness didn't stop writing after the third book. She released a spin-off/sequel novel called Time’s Convert, which focuses heavily on Marcus Whitmore’s backstory and his life with Phoebe Taylor.
There is also a fifth book in the works (or recently released, depending on when you’re checking the shelves) titled The Serpent’s Mirror. This book returns the focus to Diana and Matthew. Because of this extra source material, fans have been clamoring for a revival or a spin-off series.
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- Is a spin-off happening? There has been "talk" for years.
- Is there a confirmed Season 4? No.
- Could we see Marcus and Phoebe again? It’s possible, but the original A Discovery of Witches series is officially closed.
The cast, including Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode, have largely moved on to other massive projects. Palmer has been busy with various film roles and her own wellness brand, while Goode is... well, Matthew Goode. He’s always in high demand. Reassembling the coven for a new season would be a logistical nightmare, though never say never in the world of streaming reboots.
Why the Three-Season Limit Worked
Looking back, the fact that we only have 25 episodes total (8 in Season 1, 10 in Season 2, and 7 in Season 3) is actually a strength. It prevents the "filler episode" syndrome that plagued older network TV shows. Every minute of screen time is dedicated to moving the plot forward or developing the bond between the leads.
The production value remained incredibly high because they weren't trying to stretch a budget over 22 episodes a year. The costumes in Season 2 alone looked like they belonged in a big-budget period drama. By keeping the season count low, they maintained a cinematic quality that most urban fantasy shows just can't touch.
It’s also worth noting the pacing. By Season 3, the show becomes a tight political thriller mixed with sci-fi elements (genetics and DNA play a huge role). If they had tried to squeeze five seasons out of three books, the tension would have evaporated. Instead, we got a concentrated dose of magic that respects the viewer's time.
Final Practical Steps for New Viewers
If you're ready to dive in now that you know how many seasons are there of A Discovery of Witches, here is how you should approach it to get the best experience.
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First, check your local library or a digital bookstore for the All Souls Trilogy. While the show is a fantastic adaptation, it has to cut a lot of the deep alchemical lore that makes the books so unique. Reading the first book alongside Season 1 adds a layer of "Easter egg" hunting that's really satisfying.
Second, verify your streaming access. If you’re signing up for a free trial of AMC+ just to watch this, make sure you have enough time to get through all 25 episodes. It’s about 20-22 hours of content total. You can easily knock that out over two long weekends if you’re dedicated.
Lastly, don't go looking for a Season 4 trailer. You'll likely find fan-made concept videos on YouTube that look very real but are just clever edits of the actors' other movies. Stick to the official channels.
The story of Diana and Matthew is a complete journey. It starts with a discovery, moves through the shadows of the past, and ends with a new beginning for all creatures. It’s a rare example of a fantasy series that actually knows how to say goodbye.
Start with Season 1, Episode 1. Watch the chemistry between the leads. Pay attention to the colors—the show uses a specific palette for each species. Most of all, enjoy the fact that you’re starting a show that actually has an ending. In the current TV climate, that’s the real magic.
Check your current streaming apps for "A Discovery of Witches" to see if it's included in your existing bundles before paying for a standalone subscription, as AMC+ often partners with Prime Video and Roku. Once you finish the third season, look for "Time's Convert" at your local bookstore if you aren't ready to leave the world of the de Clermonts just yet.