The Witcher

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 20, 2019
Season #: 4, 3.5, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2682 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,028 out of 2682
  2. Mixed: 201 out of 2682
  3. Negative: 453 out of 2682

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  1. Ford8484
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    Very solid Witcher adaptation. I didnt read the books but a big fan of the games, especially Witcher 3, and its basically an origin story for each of the 3 main characters. Well Geralt is less of an origin story per se, but similar. Acting is excellent, casting is great (remember, these are REAL people, not video game pixels), fight scenes are incredible. Some parts can come across asVery solid Witcher adaptation. I didnt read the books but a big fan of the games, especially Witcher 3, and its basically an origin story for each of the 3 main characters. Well Geralt is less of an origin story per se, but similar. Acting is excellent, casting is great (remember, these are REAL people, not video game pixels), fight scenes are incredible. Some parts can come across as a little "cheesy"- but it really fits into this world as its basically a higher fantasy version of other gritty, realistic fantasies.
    The timelines are a bit strange, but anyone with half a brain can figure it out. Critics probably still have tunnel vision on Game of Thrones, as this is NOT GOT, and should be taken as its own completely seperate thing. The EW review in particular is asinine, and that reviewer didnt watch all the episodes- its a joke. The usual anti-sjw snowflakes of course showed up because there are minorities in it- so in expected fasion, they review bombed it like the little insecure babies they are. Bottom line is though, if you liked the games, you'll like this most likely.    … Expand
  2. Armywild
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    Review en español, para mi gusto, no tenia ninguna idea de que trataria esta serie, pero me llamo la atencion despues de jugar the witcher 3(xbox one). Para ser una serie basada en un libro, esta bastante bien, sin mas, la mezcla de brujos y bestias por doquiera hace que la serie sea mas atractiva. Algo asi, lo que se vivio con el señor de los anillos. Sin mas, recomendada.
  3. cwatz
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    A bit obtuse and not necessarily the easiest watch for complete newcomers. For those with at least a toe dipped in to the Witcher world however, its fantastically engaging and a great time. Henry Cavill is also an incredible Geralt. I had doubts going in, but he absolutely proved me wrong. He completely owns it.
  4. TheWaffle
    Dec 23, 2019
    5
    Words I never thought I'd say: Henry Cavill is the best part of this show. There is a fight scene towards the end of episode one that got me real stoked for this show, but that turned out to be a flash of brilliance, and not a sign of things to come. And when the bad guys start shooting arrows at a literal castle wall, I realized that there was not much thought going into this show. TheWords I never thought I'd say: Henry Cavill is the best part of this show. There is a fight scene towards the end of episode one that got me real stoked for this show, but that turned out to be a flash of brilliance, and not a sign of things to come. And when the bad guys start shooting arrows at a literal castle wall, I realized that there was not much thought going into this show. The Witcher is fine, but forgettable.… Expand
  5. Elenedhel
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    Awsome show. Great casting, smart story, simplified - comparing to original books, but still nailing it. Do not compare it to GoT - it's a totally different world, but it fills the whole in fantasy movies perfectly. Just enjoy the ride!
  6. MScofield33
    Dec 23, 2019
    3
    Série bem fraca , não estou aguentando assistir. As partes de "comédia" com o Jasker são muito irritantes. As trilhas sonoras deixam a desejar. Gerald mal usa magia, só aard de vez em quando. A série não é envolvente.
  7. Trensch
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    I really like the first season of this show. I was astonished to see all of the negativity in reviews from both critics and users.

    Is this the best show i've ever seen? No. It certainly has some flaws but to say that it is less than a 5 is crazy talk.
  8. JayBeee
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    Was not really sure how it would turn out with Henry Cavill, but this was better than I could ever hope for. Binged the whole season in one sitting.
  9. theboris
    Dec 23, 2019
    8
    The show is flawed, however if we are boiling it down to "Did you like it or not?" then the answer is, yes I loved it. I think Netflix managed to distill the show down well for fans of the series, but of course, the main issue is that they may not have done enough to bring in new fans. Even as someone who is a big fan, I still struggled to catch up with where a particular episode wasThe show is flawed, however if we are boiling it down to "Did you like it or not?" then the answer is, yes I loved it. I think Netflix managed to distill the show down well for fans of the series, but of course, the main issue is that they may not have done enough to bring in new fans. Even as someone who is a big fan, I still struggled to catch up with where a particular episode was taking place, or when it was taking place. They attempted to use "show not tell", but I think they could have told a little more.… Expand
  10. mrshaat12
    Dec 23, 2019
    8
    Nice. I love the witcher. Serial help remember all. I go play the witcher..
  11. Linus_Eolin
    Dec 23, 2019
    7
    Overall, the show is respecting the books and the videogames. You can feel the writers tried to recreate as much as possible the original look & feel. Sure, The Witcher has its flaws and will never compete with GOT but I enjoyed it, and it's the most important !
  12. Ghua
    Dec 23, 2019
    3
    Cavill really fits the role. Thats about it - all good things I can say about the series.
    The rest is... mediocre. There are good moments, but rather due to good original book material than to netflix.
  13. SilentNoise
    Dec 23, 2019
    0
    Ничего не ожидал от этого сериала после просмотра трейлеров. Актеры подобраны ужасно. Манера повествования ужасная, если зритель не читал книгу то он вообще не поймет что происходит. Да, это адаптация книги а не игры, но так бездарно все провалить нужно еще уметь.
    Первые серии еще можно смотреть, но чем дальше тем хуже. Когда я увидел Вильгефорца(главного антагониста книг), то захотел    Ничего не ожидал от этого сериала после просмотра трейлеров. Актеры подобраны ужасно. Манера повествования ужасная, если зритель не читал книгу то он вообще не поймет что происходит. Да, это адаптация книги а не игры, но так бездарно все провалить нужно еще уметь.
    Первые серии еще можно смотреть, но чем дальше тем хуже. Когда я увидел Вильгефорца(главного антагониста книг), то захотел заплакать и выключить сериал, это уже перебор. Можно много критиковать его, потому что он вышел действительно ужасным. Очень обидно за Ведьмака, очень. Пусть они лучше на этом и закончат, надеюсь если его разгромят то дальше первого сезона дело не пойдет. Одним словом ТОЛЕРАНТНОСТЬ !    … Expand
  14. Tiakin
    Dec 23, 2019
    0
    So what we have here) it is not a medieval Poland and Slavic mythology, we see a trivial American film. The authors have absolutely no idea about the fantasy culture that was in the game and the book. Those who conducted the casting, you are zero. You don't create the new, you spoil the good. The elves are Negros? Black dryads? Gypsies? To hell with, this tolerance pisses me off. AndSo what we have here) it is not a medieval Poland and Slavic mythology, we see a trivial American film. The authors have absolutely no idea about the fantasy culture that was in the game and the book. Those who conducted the casting, you are zero. You don't create the new, you spoil the good. The elves are Negros? Black dryads? Gypsies? To hell with, this tolerance pisses me off. And Yes! If you want to see a good movie, the poles also made a 2019 film about Witcher. Yes, it's Amateur, but they took it off with the soul, not for the money.… Expand
  15. howdareyou
    Dec 23, 2019
    0
    sjw propaganda , the cast choices , and other weird scenes , its just sad , boycott it
  16. Comrane
    Dec 23, 2019
    7
    Great series, would actually give it a solid 10 if not for two things... 1. The actress playing Triss - pathetic. 2. Most of the costumes - even worse that the actress playing Triss...
  17. ArhiDiablo
    Dec 23, 2019
    1
    Русский / English (google)
    Это сериал противопоставлялся "Игре престолов". Расхваливал себя на каждом углу! Потому снисхождения не заслуживает!
    Я не фанат "Ведьмака". Не читал все книги и играл только в третью часть ведьмака. Но даже у меня есть море вопросов по вселенной, придуманной сценаристами, не опираясь на вселенную книг и игр. Сценарий очень рваный и скомканный. Возможно его    Русский / English (google)
    Это сериал противопоставлялся "Игре престолов". Расхваливал себя на каждом углу! Потому снисхождения не заслуживает!
    Я не фанат "Ведьмака". Не читал все книги и играл только в третью часть ведьмака. Но даже у меня есть море вопросов по вселенной, придуманной сценаристами, не опираясь на вселенную книг и игр.
    Сценарий очень рваный и скомканный. Возможно его писали - просто вычёркиванием глав из книги, причём не особо задумываясь над тем, что остаётся. Потом, то что осталось - перемешали и вытянули наугад. Так получилась серия. Следом в неё добавили здоровое такое ведро феминизма. Из сильных (по логике здорового человека) женских персонажей сделали глупых куриц наделённых властью. Так получилась бабка Цири, например.
    Минусы этого сериала можно описывать бесконечно долго:
    - Отвратительная работа сценаристов.
    - Ужасный кастинг героев.
    - Слабая актёрская игра большинства персонажей.
    - Правильно сделали, что уволили костюмера.
    - Графика уровня прошлого века (вспомните резиновый костюм стрыги из 3-ей серии).
    - Ужасный монтаж с кучей киноляпов и, возможно, вырезанным чем-то важным. Ибо перескакивается всё настолько нелогично, что сложно проследить причинно-следсвтенную связь. Или это опять косяк сценаристов.
    - Очень глупый феминизм. Сильные женские персонажи из книг превратились в наиглупейших неадекватных истеричек наделённых властью.
    - Совершенно не уместная толерантность на грани тупой шутки, вызывающей недоумение.

    Этот сериал - оскорбление всем здравомыслящим людям, которых сочли за всеядных дураков авторы сериала.
    ---------------------------------

    This series was contrasted with Game of Thrones. Praised himself on every corner! Because condescension does not deserve!
    I'm not a Witcher fan. I did not read all the books and played only in the third part of the witcher. But even I have a sea of ​​questions about the universe invented by the scriptwriters, not based on the universe of books and games.
    The script is very ragged and crumpled. Perhaps they wrote it - simply by deleting the chapters from the book, and not really thinking about what remains. Then, what was left was mixed and pulled at random. So it turned out a series.
    The relationship of the characters, apparently, occurred on those discarded pages of books. Their motivation and logic remained there. The stupidity of the consequences spilled over onto the audience, which he must somehow try to realize and relate, having thought up the universe on his own. It is worth noting here that those who know the universe spit right away, and those who do not know spit a little later.
    Cons of this series can be described indefinitely:
    - The disgusting work of the scriptwriters.
    - Awful casting of heroes.
    - Weak acting of most characters.
    - They did the right thing to fire the dresser.
    - Graphics of the level of the last century (remember the rubber suit of the scruff from the 3rd series).
    - Awful installation with a bunch of kinolapov and, possibly, cut out something important. For everything jumps so illogical that it is difficult to trace a causal relationship. Or is it again a jamb of screenwriters.
    - Very stupid feminism. Strong female characters from books turned into the stupidest inadequate tantrums endowed with power. if I were a woman - I would be offended by such humiliation of female heroes
    - Absolutely inappropriate tolerance on the verge of a dumb joke that causes bewilderment.

    The authors of the series wanted to go on trends, but they don’t know at all how to do it. As a result - a series that offends any sane person.    … Expand
  18. superbmikey
    Dec 23, 2019
    2
    I am giving this a 2 only because Henry did a good job. The rest of the show is garbage. I am not sure why its called The Witcher. It should have been named 'The Yennefer show that does not give a **** about source material' WOKE edition gold. Plot is superficial, dialogues are superficial. I had my hopes so high and yet netflix delivered another sjw mush without any deep.
  19. badtactic
    Dec 23, 2019
    1
    You would think by now that production companies would have learned that a viewer must also be familiar with the books, games, etc to enjoy a series - than it shouldn't be made. But, in the case of the Witcher, it seems like the creators have either blatantly ignored this lesson - or simply not understood it.

    The Witcher presents a slew of issues: a groaning and bland performance from    You would think by now that production companies would have learned that a viewer must also be familiar with the books, games, etc to enjoy a series - than it shouldn't be made. But, in the case of the Witcher, it seems like the creators have either blatantly ignored this lesson - or simply not understood it.

    The Witcher presents a slew of issues: a groaning and bland performance from Cavill, a film stylistic choice more reminiscent of a CW tween show, an exceptionally mundane storyline, and more.

    If you're looking for something to skip - this is one of them.    … Expand
  20. ocko7
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    I can't say anything but praise for Cavill's Geralt, Chalotra's Yennefer and Allen's Ciri, I thought everything they did with the characters was perfect. Geralt is the perfect blend between book and game Geralt, and his fight scenes are amazing. Although the cuts were jarring at times, I overall liked the jumps in time in the story. I have recently read the books, so I think that helped,I can't say anything but praise for Cavill's Geralt, Chalotra's Yennefer and Allen's Ciri, I thought everything they did with the characters was perfect. Geralt is the perfect blend between book and game Geralt, and his fight scenes are amazing. Although the cuts were jarring at times, I overall liked the jumps in time in the story. I have recently read the books, so I think that helped, without the knowledge of the material it might have been confusing. Still, overall I had a great time, and encourage everyone to give it a chance.… Expand
  21. PawelG
    Dec 23, 2019
    8
    I think it's good for people who haven't read books series, while hardcore fans can be disappointed. I went through all the books about 7 or 8 years ago but I remember main parts of the story and I think they are adapted very well. Many reviewers stress out chaotic narration, but I think it's really easy to conclude that some events take place in different points of time (the books areI think it's good for people who haven't read books series, while hardcore fans can be disappointed. I went through all the books about 7 or 8 years ago but I remember main parts of the story and I think they are adapted very well. Many reviewers stress out chaotic narration, but I think it's really easy to conclude that some events take place in different points of time (the books are written in the same way). You need to know that this is a pilot so don't expect fireworks (check out the first season of the Walking Dead, zombie's makeup was really poor). One thing I believe reviewers are right about - casting could be better, Triss Merigold (the mage) doesn't look like the woman everyone imagined while reading the books :) (I don't want to offend the actress, just want to say the original character seemed to be completely different)… Expand
  22. JoaoLanca
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    I thought "The Witcher" is one of the best series of 2019. One of his greatest achievements is to contemplate all audiences. Someone unfamiliar with the universe feels well introduced to the big picture, but can also appeal to the franchise's most avid fans with the small details. One of the biggest criticisms of the series is the timelines, but personally I thought this issue was quiteI thought "The Witcher" is one of the best series of 2019. One of his greatest achievements is to contemplate all audiences. Someone unfamiliar with the universe feels well introduced to the big picture, but can also appeal to the franchise's most avid fans with the small details. One of the biggest criticisms of the series is the timelines, but personally I thought this issue was quite well explored and presented without over-explanation. But it is only in this case that the series does not resort to excessive explanation as in the case of explaining order and chaos. It is only for this reason that my rating is not a 10. But under no circumstances does this little detail get me out of the fantastic universe version of "The Witcher" created by Netflix.… Expand
  23. QACritic
    Dec 23, 2019
    5
    TL;DR :Bad choices in story telling and casting make the Witcher series lose what made the Witcher books/games interesting.

    I see a lot of fans reviewing unrealistically either giving it a 10 because they ae fans and love the Witcher games/books and want this to succeed or a 0 by the fans who are pissed of that the show is kind of average virtue signaling bs that does not work with the    TL;DR :Bad choices in story telling and casting make the Witcher series lose what made the Witcher books/games interesting.

    I see a lot of fans reviewing unrealistically either giving it a 10 because they ae fans and love the Witcher games/books and want this to succeed or a 0 by the fans who are pissed of that the show is kind of average virtue signaling bs that does not work with the Witcher setting. The reality is that this show is just average TV with nothing to recommend to anyone new and disappointing for existing fans. So a rating of 5 to 7 is the best it cloud do given the production company the show runner that does not understand the source material and Slavic mentality that produced the Witcher books and what made them unique as compared to the **** of similar fantasy drivel available by native English speakers.

    The only character from this show that are good are: the actors for Geralt, Queen Calante, Mousesack, Eist.Pavetta and Tissaia everyone else is not portrayed well either due to directing/writing or bad acting (although this is not much of an issue).
    Very little left of what made the books and games interesting (read all and played all). I had low expectations due to the "diversity hires" (which make for some WTF moments) but that is the least of the problems in the show. The main problem is the story telling, you get most of the end at the beginning which could work if the series was a movie and moved way faster than it does. The bad interweaving of the different story line makes things even worse because it is just pointlessly confusing especially for people new to the series (if you are one of those please read the books they are much better). The really missed opportunity is that the first two books that this season is based on are composed of short stories that could have made good introductory season.. After that there is enough content for at least 2-3 seasons.
    Yennefer should have been a supporting character until she was needed for the story instead we got a lot of torture porn that ruined her character based on a few lines of guessing by Geralt in the books, it does not help that the actress cannot convey a character that has age and experience hiding behind a pretty face instead we have a petulant child as Yennefer.

    Comparing this to GOT is a joke since this is a 3 compared to seasons 1-4 of GOT and barely better than season 8.    … Expand
  24. hhf2
    Dec 23, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I spent like 5000 hours on the game, even though I hated it at first. Just like the game, the series takes time to get into, no matter if you roughly know what's going on or not. The did a really poor job at signposting that all the episodes play at different timelines, with the mother of Ciri, Pavetta, looking so similar to her that I was totally lost when she got married to a hedgehog knight. In general I love the tone of the movie between brutality and humor, but especially when you have played the third game, you'll find the colour of the series a bit flat and bland. The world painted in the books and games was very beautiful and colourful in its glory (Toussaint) or misery (Vellen). Here it looks mostly meh. Still, the characters are awesome and i dug the way they did Geralt, Yennefer and the supporting cast. I for one cannot wait for Season 2 after the final battle of season 1. This was a very promising opener and hints at a potentially awesome franchise.… Expand
  25. palebluelight
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    Wow. Firstly it’s not perfect but as a fan of the books and games it’s everything I wanted. I’m not a diversity person I don’t care for forced things but this was really natural and fitting I did it care out the racial changes. Henry is Geralt he knows him in and out and it’s an awesome series. Want more after watching all of it the opening day. Watch it it’s great.
  26. FinFlik
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    К слову, книга писалась в 1986 году. Сериал-это адаптация тех произведений. И естественно адаптация под Американского зрителя в первую очередь из-за большего объема рынка. И естественно адаптация нужна потому, что если дословно идти за первоисточником-умрете от скуки, несовременности и странности рассказов из первых двух книг. Да, многое не канон, не рассказывают толком о Ведьмаках иК слову, книга писалась в 1986 году. Сериал-это адаптация тех произведений. И естественно адаптация под Американского зрителя в первую очередь из-за большего объема рынка. И естественно адаптация нужна потому, что если дословно идти за первоисточником-умрете от скуки, несовременности и странности рассказов из первых двух книг. Да, многое не канон, не рассказывают толком о Ведьмаках и истории Континента, да много взято из головы (история Йен, Мышавура, Кагыра и слабака Вильгефорца) и сделано это ради увеличение хронометража. Да, встречается мист каст. Но это шоу, если относится к нему как к шоу и закрыть глаза на то, на что действительно необходимо их закрыть, получилось оно зрелищным и красивым.… Expand
  27. veilen
    Dec 23, 2019
    3
    Everything except the visuals and, probably, music is just not good enough for the source material potential. Poor acting and screenplay
  28. Starfey1
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    Geile Serie, und die ganzen Arschlöcher die hier eine 0 vergeben sollen doch bitte erblinden. Absolut lächerlich wie manche Menschen die Serie in den Dreck ziehen, obwohl sie keine Ahnung haben. Da werden referenzen zu den spielen gesucht, die die Serie gar nicht haben will. Aber Hauptsache die Leute ballern dann eine 0 raus. Auch sind die Leute zu dumm um die Story zu verstehen, sry dasGeile Serie, und die ganzen Arschlöcher die hier eine 0 vergeben sollen doch bitte erblinden. Absolut lächerlich wie manche Menschen die Serie in den Dreck ziehen, obwohl sie keine Ahnung haben. Da werden referenzen zu den spielen gesucht, die die Serie gar nicht haben will. Aber Hauptsache die Leute ballern dann eine 0 raus. Auch sind die Leute zu dumm um die Story zu verstehen, sry das ihr mal euer Hirn nutzen müsst um die Zeitlinien zu verstehen. Lasst es einfach gehen, stellt euch wieder an euer Fließband und lasst euch von anderen 0815 Baller Filmen berieseln.… Expand
  29. Mangoost51
    Dec 23, 2019
    1
    В целом - отвратительно. Единственное что более менее радовало - боёвка и ряд второстепенных персонажей. Главные персонажи - просто отвратительные, чернокожие рыцари, Йен индийской внешности... Трисс какая-то мулатка с тёмными волосами... Чёрные эльфы... Смотреть противно лишь по причине того, что специально протолкнули свою токсичную толерантность во все моменты картины, причём этим неВ целом - отвратительно. Единственное что более менее радовало - боёвка и ряд второстепенных персонажей. Главные персонажи - просто отвратительные, чернокожие рыцари, Йен индийской внешности... Трисс какая-то мулатка с тёмными волосами... Чёрные эльфы... Смотреть противно лишь по причине того, что специально протолкнули свою токсичную толерантность во все моменты картины, причём этим не просто веет, а именно несёт... Расизмом не страдаю, но такое наплевательское отношение к здравому смыслу в скором времени это может изменить...Посмотрел весь сезон, единственное что хотел это напиться и забыть этот ужас, ну и поставить вообще 0 баллов из 10, но предел для этого сериала 2 из 10.… Expand
  30. rawdawg313
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    Awesome series that stays very true to the books! Not sure what all the hate is about casting... it doesn't detract from the story what-so-ever. If you're not familiar with the witcher world approach it like game of thrones - power through the first few episodes and you'll get past that initial feeling of being overwhelmed.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
77
#77 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Nick Hilton
    Jan 3, 2020
    40
    The Witcher is a messy tangle of plotlines in a world underdeveloped to the point of obscurity.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    60
    As a mindless fantasy rollercoaster, Geralt’s journey is five stars all the way to tea-time. Sadly, for those who like brains with their brawn, it may be more of a slog.
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  3. Time
    Reviewed by: Judy Berman
    Dec 20, 2019
    30
    It takes a while for viewers to learn how these characters are connected, via an exasperating Westworld-esque narrative knot that takes much of the season to unfurl. ... The Witcher heightens our confusion by fumbling details that would have helped it set a cohesive tone. Dialogue vacillates, from line to line, between theatrical fantasy-speak and modern colloquialisms (“Dragons are, in fact, a thing!”).
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