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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User Reviews

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  1. Boorberry
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    The show is really good, high production value, good acting jobs by the cast all around and lots of action scenes.

    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, can't wait for Season 2!!
  2. smentek
    Dec 21, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Acting is good but nothing spectacular. Including Cavill as Geralt. But he convinced me, and I think I will see him in more positive light later in show Freya Allan is actually very good.
    It looks to me like most of the comments here giving 10.0 is artificial. Nothing justify that high score! Not if you are fan of books/game and it is even less likely if you new to it. The show is rather bad. But if you are teen or big fan of fantasy, then you may still like it. But giving it 10? No way. I watched first episode and may continue it another day, but without enthusiasm. One of the best short stories from the books, is trimmed mercilessly in order to push some well known 'fall of the kingdom' drama cliche into episode. It could be add later on, in couple of short scenes, as retrospective. But no. We have to say it all "again" at start, to have that "grand opening" that someone envisioned. I'm really open to new ("old" I should say) ideas, but it have to work well. Instead it ends up with utter lack of tension! They had great book do adapt, and safe would be to keep plot close to it. Even if it would end up being miniseries. The problem is: Sapkowski short stories are really well written. There is not much to cut off or trim from it without destroying it utterly.
    Fighting scenes do not work either. All bogus. It lacks of speed it lacks of "reality" - that may not the best word for it, as some better CGI is also needed. But above all much more production time and effort! Also stunt doubles. Martial art masters? Would it be so difficult to hire some? We do not need Cavill doing it all by himself. Without high quality fighting choreography this show will not fly. Unfortunately money went on horses instead. But not for the music, is terrible! Violence and sex all PG-13. That I can understand. But some of the stuff i do not get at all. For instance in first episode Geralt is being told by other characters that he needs new clothes (repeatedly - It may be that they "think" he stinks, after bath in the swamp, but it ended up about cloths in dialogues. Magician door is open for everyone. Guarded only by illusion. But worst is that in last scene Geralt leaves market first, in result allowing Sorcerer to continue his intended work. What kind of men would do that?! So our main character is compromised already. Not the Geralt I like or respect.    … Expand
  3. samkaz
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    If you read the books, comics and/or played the video game (and liked those) you will love the Witcher. The cinematography, writing, characters and pacing make it more of a Game of Thrones epic saga than a cheap video game spin-off. The casting is impeccable (Cavill is perfect) and the European style storytelling is interesting, charming, moving and gripping all at once. Ignore theIf you read the books, comics and/or played the video game (and liked those) you will love the Witcher. The cinematography, writing, characters and pacing make it more of a Game of Thrones epic saga than a cheap video game spin-off. The casting is impeccable (Cavill is perfect) and the European style storytelling is interesting, charming, moving and gripping all at once. Ignore the negative reviews on here; most of their gripes are about the supporting casts' skin colour. Atrocious. I loved this show. Cannot wait for the sequel(s). If you're looking for a great new fantasy franchise, this is it. Best TV show of the year for me, hands down.… Expand
  4. stevej7
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Rare to see an actor with so much passion about the character he's playing. I feel it shows in his performance and was definitely pleasantly surprised.
    I understand that this is getting and probably going to continue getting review bombed because it doesn't stay 100% true to the books but neither did the Lord of The Rings films or Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. I enjoy this and all of    Rare to see an actor with so much passion about the character he's playing. I feel it shows in his performance and was definitely pleasantly surprised.
    I understand that this is getting and probably going to continue getting review bombed because it doesn't stay 100% true to the books but neither did the Lord of The Rings films or Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. I enjoy this and all of those others because they are their own thing. I don't need a scene by scene replication of a book in film version. The games aren't identical to the books and they're still strong. I think this is off to a good start and I hope they build strongly on these foundations.    … Expand
  5. Mendax89
    Dec 20, 2019
    1
    The Woker, a SJW Netflix story. SJWs writers ruined a great book series.
    Another franchise ruined by SJWs and Netlfix.
  6. wildorgan
    Dec 21, 2019
    0
    just no, slow boring, poor wardrobe, confusing story, generic characters devoid of personality smh
  7. Augustus75
    Dec 21, 2019
    7
    The performances are strong. I'm tired of angry white men complaining about a cast of color. Grow up. I fell in love with the cast. Only issue was pacing and the writing.
  8. golibethesda
    Dec 21, 2019
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Terrible show with badly cast actors, awful writing, awful lighting (everything looks grey), FX, scenography, etc. etc. Dialogues were poorly written, they've added some new scenes which are atrocious (like Yennefer's training), plus they omitted some good ones from the books. There are constant jumps in space and time which makes this show hard to follow for those who don't know the books. Not to mention that going from one place to another and from one time to another diminishes the roles of each character and in the end we don't get to know either of them.… Expand
  9. Stigma
    Dec 24, 2019
    9
    Yes, there were changes made to this show that bothered me as a huge fan of the Witcher. But I was entertained throughout, and I can't say that for the first season of Game of Thrones (the subsequent ones were mostly brilliant). People angry about 'woke' and SJW stuff should be careful of giving this show such a poor review, because the Witcher was light on that stuff, and assigned 0 andYes, there were changes made to this show that bothered me as a huge fan of the Witcher. But I was entertained throughout, and I can't say that for the first season of Game of Thrones (the subsequent ones were mostly brilliant). People angry about 'woke' and SJW stuff should be careful of giving this show such a poor review, because the Witcher was light on that stuff, and assigned 0 and 1 scores are going to practically assure that Netflicks will keep doling out guilt trips and drastically altering the source material to appease the offended. I thought this was a great 1st season.… Expand
  10. Warlok9
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    I’m not sure what books these folks read that are giving the show a zero rating? Many of the user reviews say the show is too much of a departure from the source material. Huh?I thought the show runners did an admirable job of staying with the story the books told. I mean the first couple books are just non-chronological stories plucked out of the timeline anyways. Who cares if they jumbleI’m not sure what books these folks read that are giving the show a zero rating? Many of the user reviews say the show is too much of a departure from the source material. Huh?I thought the show runners did an admirable job of staying with the story the books told. I mean the first couple books are just non-chronological stories plucked out of the timeline anyways. Who cares if they jumble the stories around to make more sense for a show.

    What I believe these people mean is that they are angry the show wasn’t cast “white enough”. Yennefer isn’t the pale sorceress as described in the books, Triss is changed to a person of color. There are many others I suppose. I think the cast was great! NONE of the changes effect the story in any way, shape or form. I maybe would have an issue with the main character being changed because his look is so iconic at this point.

    My actual score is an 8 for the show, but to help offset the spammed zero scores I’m giving it a 10. The acting is GREAT. I can’t think of one actor who didn’t do fantastic. The storytelling moves a bit slow and feels disjointed at times, I would think especially for those unfamiliar with the books. The lighting and color grading are very good and consistent.

    The effects are mostly good. All are high enough quality for a show like this. The practical effects are superb (the Striga fight!) but the cgi is a mixed bag. Cgi creatures are passable for the most part, but if you are hoping for GOT level Dragons and cgi you will be disappointed. The atmospheric and environmental cgi effects are fantastic, however. From the spell effects to the depiction of terrain and strongholds, it’s all top quality.

    Hopefully the show is set for a second season right away and they can improve upon what they have created here, which is solid.    … Expand
  11. Mandiven
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    A surprise hit for me. I loved Witcher 3 and read a bit from the books and I definetly recommend this if you enjoyed the lore and story from any of the games, obviously if you read the books also. If your not a fan of fantasy medieval inspired shows then you will probably not enjoy this.
  12. greenisgood
    Dec 22, 2019
    8
    TL;DR - There is a lot of good stuff going on here far out-weighing some of the bad technical aspects and for people who played the games like myself I am sure will find more enjoyment compared to someone who wants a pixel perfect portrayal of what they envisioned in their own head while reading the books and or agenda pushing flag bearers telling what should and should not be in aTL;DR - There is a lot of good stuff going on here far out-weighing some of the bad technical aspects and for people who played the games like myself I am sure will find more enjoyment compared to someone who wants a pixel perfect portrayal of what they envisioned in their own head while reading the books and or agenda pushing flag bearers telling what should and should not be in a high-fantasy series written by a Polish Man adapted by an American Company.

    Totally understand some of the negativity and makes sense, totally do not understand some other parts of the general negativity. The racial tensions exist within the canon itself and is a constant point of contention humans vs elves vs dwarves vs monsters vs mages vs queens vs kings vs women vs men and so on and so forth. For everyone who has the capability to separate themselves from the political road-maps of our current generation there is good-slow story telling and some amazing portrayals of beloved characters and I urge everyone to make up their own minds after completing the show, positive or negative experience from your own minds and not from what everyone says how you 'Should' feel.

    The Good
    I have only played The Witcher 3, neither the books nor the first two games have any influence on me and also neither does racial representation and or political agendas, unless I get it forcefully shoved down my throat without some form of organic reason for it existing.
    The only things that give my joy a pause while watching a story being told is unskilled actors, writers, editors and directors. So believe me when I say I absolutely hated Cavill in Man of Steel and the movie itself more so on a storytelling level.
    But after watching Count of Monte Cristo and Fallout I believed that maybe my insipid taste for Cavill was not for his acting. I am happy the Character of Geralt was where my misconceptions of Henry being a bad actor were totally resolved.

    I do not know if there is some post recording artificial modulation to his voice but it is as if Doug Cockle leaped out from the game and took on Henry's form as Geralt of Rivia, his grunts his sighs his inflections and the single worded "F#CK's" were some of the best moments. Geralt/Henry is the absolute best thing about this show and I say this on all levels from his character writing, dialogue writing and appearance which means hats off to the costume department. The casting for everyone else was well done and based on what I saw did not feel forced due to beliefs or agendas, everyone who played their roles played them well and did so with passion which always bring out the best in everything.

    The show itself is well written and slow thankfully taking it's time setting up the frankly vast sea of world building that exists for the franchise. The direction as well is competent as well as decent cinematography hold this show up along with the aforementioned Geralt portrayal.

    The Bad
    A few things a bit lacking though and I believe this would be solved with some more finesse, some of the editing is a little bit lacklustre especially during the battle scenes. It is clear that Henry has spent time with swords for this portrayal but it always seems that the cameras keeps shying away from the battle scenes couple this with some not so great editing for these scenes make the eventual gory finishers not as satisfying. Some of the pacing also drops at certain places but spends some time fleshing the characters out which makes it acceptable. The whole two timelines thing was a bit jarring in a few places as you are not too sure of the time frame for what is happening but this is minute since the climax episode brings it all to an end in a way that sorts this out.    … Expand
  13. Benaud
    Dec 21, 2019
    8
    Great! Loved it. My background is pretty much from playing the three series games here, although I have just started into the first book.
    Casting generally okay, although I am struggling to see Triss in that actress. She's too different. Fringilla I can handle, but I view Triss as one of four mains in this story and I like her too much for her to change so radically, plus I'm not sure    Great! Loved it. My background is pretty much from playing the three series games here, although I have just started into the first book.
    Casting generally okay, although I am struggling to see Triss in that actress. She's too different. Fringilla I can handle, but I view Triss as one of four mains in this story and I like her too much for her to change so radically, plus I'm not sure she's being played as mischeviously and as the kindly soul she should be (team Merigold here!) Thank god she at least has a smattering of freckles. I think I really like Yennefer here though so good news! And the wardrobe she gets to parade around in...
    Apart from that, yeah great start. Give me more of it. Characters are all likeable, the world feels a long way from black and white and production values seem excellent.
    There is room for this show to grow into what it should be. A faithful recreation of the story and feeling of the world of The Witcher, even if your casting was driven from a less-than-faithful narrative to turn the story into something it wasn't.    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. Fianna
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    This show was excellent and I am praying that it goes for at least 5 seasons. All the reviews saying that it was hard to follow and this in turn made it bad are hard to empathize with because I found that element of mystery and confusion just made me want to watch more of this great show.
  16. Nurarihyon
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Amazing introduction to the Series with great skilled actors. Just need to fix some small details in next seasons
  17. burgersmash
    Dec 22, 2019
    8
    Objectively speaking any review that is less then 5 and more then 8 or 9 is probably not from someone who has actually watched the show. I quite enjoy the word of the Witcher so I’m willing to give the show a better score then it may deserve and I’m also not racist so I’m ok with any of the changes the show made to it’s characters. I look forward to another season and hope Netflix willObjectively speaking any review that is less then 5 and more then 8 or 9 is probably not from someone who has actually watched the show. I quite enjoy the word of the Witcher so I’m willing to give the show a better score then it may deserve and I’m also not racist so I’m ok with any of the changes the show made to it’s characters. I look forward to another season and hope Netflix will continue to upset bigots the world over.… Expand
  18. McMiRo
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    I had so much fun watching this show. A few improvements should be made, for example the villages and cities seems to be pretty empty. For people who don't have any experience with books or games it could be pretty difficult to watch it at beggining. I am looking forward to see more seasons of this show. Great work!
  19. Galatey
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    Если вы не читали книг вам будет иногда трудно понять что происходит, т.к. иногда за сценой в настоящем следует сцена из прошлого , а потом опять сцена из настоящего.Это может вводить в заблуждение , учитывая то,что королева Калантэ какого-то черта не стареет. Если честно даже Йен мне понравилась , чего не могу сказать о Трисс. Такое чувство , что она решила не пользоваться чарами дляЕсли вы не читали книг вам будет иногда трудно понять что происходит, т.к. иногда за сценой в настоящем следует сцена из прошлого , а потом опять сцена из настоящего.Это может вводить в заблуждение , учитывая то,что королева Калантэ какого-то черта не стареет. Если честно даже Йен мне понравилась , чего не могу сказать о Трисс. Такое чувство , что она решила не пользоваться чарами для своей красоты, и на возраст ей по барабану. Поэтому мы наблюдаем 45 летнюю Трисс .В остальном сериал мне понравился и я советую его посмотреть фанатам Ведьмака. И я все больше удостовериваюсь в том , что из ведьмака сделать что-то плохое очень сложно.… Expand
  20. Altamore12
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    Stunning show without any bad feeling while you are watching and after and make you missed the game of this series a lot with it 10/10
  21. MrEmanuelSantos
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    Despite the confusion of initial 3 timelines, The Witcher series proves to be a competent series in discussing about family, empathy and acceptance. Great action scenes, very well directed. A wonderful concern with diversity and plurality in the cast and characters of the series. The care taken when representing minorities is somewhat respectable and must be valued for the next medievalDespite the confusion of initial 3 timelines, The Witcher series proves to be a competent series in discussing about family, empathy and acceptance. Great action scenes, very well directed. A wonderful concern with diversity and plurality in the cast and characters of the series. The care taken when representing minorities is somewhat respectable and must be valued for the next medieval productions to come out of the false idea and that they must cover the white cast to be "faithful to a historical period".… Expand
  22. Mcmcaruso
    Dec 23, 2019
    1
    The Witcher has some great elements. CG and the lead actor are especially great, but this show fails in the writing and storyline. It goes off the rails, feels more like the video game equivalent to a bunch of side quests instead of the main quest.
    + There is an overall tone of immasculated, unintelligent men at the aid of every powerful woman. It's obvious the writer/director is a woman    The Witcher has some great elements. CG and the lead actor are especially great, but this show fails in the writing and storyline. It goes off the rails, feels more like the video game equivalent to a bunch of side quests instead of the main quest.
    + There is an overall tone of immasculated, unintelligent men at the aid of every powerful woman. It's obvious the writer/director is a woman that is angry at the world.

    Also I love how the main actress, which was the ugliest, deformed woman just starts putting on make up and stops hunching over. Now she is the most beautiful girl in all the land. Thank God for medieval Sephora.    … Expand
  23. Witchersasat
    Dec 20, 2019
    0
    Ужасно, ни сюжета, просто набор глупостей. Местами ужасная графика, отсутствует логика
  24. tec
    Dec 20, 2019
    0
    Focus on Drama & really dumb behaviour. PoC look super out of place, dont know why they were casted into this roles other than being a low key racist and putting thoose as boost of his own twisted morale. Facts from the book straight up ignored. Funny how some fans with 1/100th of the budget were able to create something way more faithfull than nextflix with his millions. Another proofFocus on Drama & really dumb behaviour. PoC look super out of place, dont know why they were casted into this roles other than being a low key racist and putting thoose as boost of his own twisted morale. Facts from the book straight up ignored. Funny how some fans with 1/100th of the budget were able to create something way more faithfull than nextflix with his millions. Another proof that money cant buy everything, in that case creativity, authenticity & coherence. Either watch the original series from 2002 or straight up the fan movie on youtube.… Expand
  25. Vikhus
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    By the far one of the best tv series on this year, Cavill fit 100% on Geralt. on weekend i will see for the second time all 10 episodes.
  26. DarthShel
    Dec 20, 2019
    3
    Dull characters, too much colored characters who totally ruin the spirit of that world, where all blacks are from Zerrikania or Ofir. Plus the battles suck so much compared to GoT. This 40 vs 40 ugly wired soldiers fight is literally crap. Just compare it to lower-budget Battle of Bastards. Geralt is awesome. But rest of the cast feels weird and non-canon both compared to the books andDull characters, too much colored characters who totally ruin the spirit of that world, where all blacks are from Zerrikania or Ofir. Plus the battles suck so much compared to GoT. This 40 vs 40 ugly wired soldiers fight is literally crap. Just compare it to lower-budget Battle of Bastards. Geralt is awesome. But rest of the cast feels weird and non-canon both compared to the books and games. Dialogues ain’t complicated at all. I can’t understand why creators keep comparing their show to Game of Thrones when Witcher seems to be so much worse. And even the story. In GoT you understand very quickly who is who and what was their past. And in the very end of ep.1 they made you want to watch more by a very cool plot twist. And this just doesn’t happen to be in the Witcher… Expand
  27. Ashot667
    Dec 20, 2019
    0
    Просто какойто ужас всю атмосферу книг и игр взяли и викинули вон добавля в сериал африканцев и азиатов поймите это сериал про словаков а не африканцев тем самым такое чувства что я смотрю сериал где действа происходит не в среднивиковой польши а в какойто африке.Просто какойто ужас всю атмосферу книг и игр взяли и викинули вон добавля в сериал африканцев и азиатов поймите это сериал про словаков а не африканцев тем самым такое чувства что я смотрю сериал где действа происходит не в среднивиковой польши а в какойто африке.
  28. lilkillpappy
    Dec 21, 2019
    0
    I tried to love this show and I could tolerate many of the problems with it but the acting is horrible. Dull, uninspired acting that has not been seen on a show for decades. Thank you for reminding me of how bad television acting used to be.
  29. Ky3mi4_raider71
    Dec 22, 2019
    0
    Black people in Eastern Europe???Are you kidding? No, thanks. It's obviously not how i imagined adaptation of this book
  30. Alcarin
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    Its an awesome interpretation of the first short stories and the last video game. Sometimes its a bit too much hollywood, but it doesnt deserve most of the 0 star reviews.
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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.
    Read full review
  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!”).
    Read full review
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