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. joesteak
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    While there is some vary from the book, overall I feel like it was very well done and set up the second season well.
  2. Kytes
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Pros:
    1) Henry Cavill - great actor and a big reason why this show is enjoyable.
    2) Netflix actually did a good job in adapting source material (which is books) Cons: 1) Casting is partly terrible. That's pretty obvious and were expected from Netflix. 2) Weirdest Nilfgaardian armor. 3) Source material is mediocre at best. Overall it was fun so i'm excited for season 2 and    Pros:
    1) Henry Cavill - great actor and a big reason why this show is enjoyable.
    2) Netflix actually did a good job in adapting source material (which is books)
    Cons:
    1) Casting is partly terrible. That's pretty obvious and were expected from Netflix.
    2) Weirdest Nilfgaardian armor.
    3) Source material is mediocre at best.

    Overall it was fun so i'm excited for season 2 and hopefully season 3+ after that.    … Expand
  3. grassyspot
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    Enjoyed the cast and performances. Like the stories of each character and different timelines coming together. Hope it gets more than 2 seasons.
  4. tuwalua
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Awsome with some clunky Story telling decision. The wither is an awesome faithfull adaption of the books and even the video game. The setting is awesome, as well as the sets and filming locations. The VFX are solid and the storys are interessting. But for myself there was a little bit of confusion when they try to weeve together the different timelines over the season. Thats the only point where i think they have some adjusting to do. But iam looking forward to the second season!… Expand
  5. incendras
    Dec 24, 2019
    9
    While the start was a little rigid, this show begins to perform well toward the end of the first episode, I am excited to see the second season now that they have drawn up the origins of its primary characters.
  6. Imm0rtal
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    The show is incredible! It isn't without its flaws and there are a few questionable casting choices, but it's still a great watch. Ultimately, Henry plays the role of Geralt splendidly and as a fan of the games, I was not disappointed.
  7. masterdirk
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    The negative reviews are from the hardcore fans. And it is their right to be critical if it does not right to their beloved books. But damn I like this show and I want more of it!
  8. 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.
  9. Damocles
    Jan 3, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is awesome. And only gets better as it progresses. IGNORE THE FIRST 20mins! Its badass and the temporal shift in the chapters is amazing.… Expand
  10. Par2iva1
    Jan 1, 2020
    9
    Liked it a lot. It's not perfect but very very good. The acting was great, especially liked Henry's Geralt and Yennefer :)
  11. Spooklebeans
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    I’m a fan of the Witcher games, but can hardly say I’m entrenched in the world and it’s lore to a huge degree. However, I did have some awareness of the three protagonists going in. I am at an absolute loss as to where all the negativity towards this series is coming from? I though it was excellent S . It nails the time perfectly, the characters are very well realised and have a lot ofI’m a fan of the Witcher games, but can hardly say I’m entrenched in the world and it’s lore to a huge degree. However, I did have some awareness of the three protagonists going in. I am at an absolute loss as to where all the negativity towards this series is coming from? I though it was excellent S . It nails the time perfectly, the characters are very well realised and have a lot of depth. Henry Cavill in particular blew me away. I wasn’t his biggest fan going into this series, but I’m now fully convinced of his actor chops! Despite other reviews comments to the contrary, I found the series three interwoven time lines quite easy to follow as though there may not be “YEARS LATER” printed on the screen in big obnoxious letters, there’s always some visual or script clue to lead you into the scene in a subtle - but unmissable way if you’re actually watching it properly! It wasn’t remotely difficult to follow - and for me at least, worked really well narratively when we get to see some familiar events unfold from a fresh perspective. Thoroughly enjoyed the series, I only bumped it from a perfect score because I’m genuinely impatient for more! Cannot wait for season 2, 3 and beyond. If you’ve even a passing interest in The Witcher, give it ago - hopefully you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was!… Expand
  12. MicrolTheEmpero
    Jan 10, 2020
    9
    Although I was quite sceptic about this series now I understood that it's actually great. Music and effects were legitimately awesome. I can't complain about the actors: they do their job pretty good, in my opinion of course. Jaskier - my favourite one.
  13. Monges
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    -
    Yen - she is beautiful, big eyes, etc, but miscasting
    Triss - same as Yen
    Where is the second sword on the back of Gerald

    +
    all other thing is almost pretty good
  14. ImmortaLLev
    Dec 20, 2019
    9
    so i'm just watching it and keep repeating in my mind smth like "ok then, that's not bad"
  15. Deshnov
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    Это 8 часов удовольствия, но костюмы конечно смешные))) будто с алика заказали.
  16. 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.
  17. Rainhio
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    I had my problems whit that show but in most cases I like the show. Coming in blind and no book read it does not explain who is who and why this all is happening but if you know thw lore you can enjoy it more. Some casting is weird. Trish was a crap choice. Not even close. Nothing bad about the actress they got but it just felt wrong. So so wrong. Took me a few episodes to figure out theI had my problems whit that show but in most cases I like the show. Coming in blind and no book read it does not explain who is who and why this all is happening but if you know thw lore you can enjoy it more. Some casting is weird. Trish was a crap choice. Not even close. Nothing bad about the actress they got but it just felt wrong. So so wrong. Took me a few episodes to figure out the time line. But in the end it comes togetter. Acting can be a bit better but they kinda got the fights scenes right. As someone who has playd the game I found it familiar. Hope Netflix gets they'r act togetter and get just a bit better. I will wait for season 2. Sorry for bad English.… Expand
  18. Pokemonashgreen
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    I don't understand why the show runners wanted to tell a story in three different time lines. Was confusing at first too me but, I mange to figure it out. I still need to read the books. Mainly played the games which take place right after the books. Henry really brings out Gault and she his acting chops and skill so he wont be tight cast as Superman. The supporting cast ready shine.
  19. ManVsGames
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Henery looks good as Witcher.
    all characters are good what they are doing.

    this show could be future Game of Throne.

    i really like this show.

    i wish they are telling us the time when they were showing the past flash back scene(like Ciri mother marriage).

    overall show is great.
    my score 8.5/10    … Expand
  20. Shekky84
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Good show much better then what critics make it out to be. Henry Cavill plays Geralt well its definitely outside the norm for the types of characters he plays but I am enjoying the show either way.
  21. 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
  22. Cwilson870
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    consider me stunned, watching this show from start to finish has left me speechless. The choreography and overall character development of this show has kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. If you are a fan of the books or games then you would be doing yourself a disservice by not watching this show. My only complaint would be that some of the casting choices could be seenconsider me stunned, watching this show from start to finish has left me speechless. The choreography and overall character development of this show has kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. If you are a fan of the books or games then you would be doing yourself a disservice by not watching this show. My only complaint would be that some of the casting choices could be seen as drawing away from the overall view of the show but that takes nothing away from the brilliant performance put on by the actors and actress's.… Expand
  23. Agust_VD
    Jan 9, 2020
    9
    A fun adventure and is able to tell a nonlinear story well. The show has Likable characters with good character development. And to put the cherry on top it has a good score and humor.
  24. JesterTRT
    Dec 30, 2019
    9
    This is the best show I've watched in 2019. And by far the best thing on Netflix. Netflix did good picking up this. However, they need to be careful with their casting. Trying to be diverse and pulling away from the original characters has proven distasteful for them every other time. Stick true to the story characters and lore. So far it's not so bad. But be weary.
    As of now, this is a    This is the best show I've watched in 2019. And by far the best thing on Netflix. Netflix did good picking up this. However, they need to be careful with their casting. Trying to be diverse and pulling away from the original characters has proven distasteful for them every other time. Stick true to the story characters and lore. So far it's not so bad. But be weary.
    As of now, this is a great addition to Netflixs library. And I can't wait for season 2!    … Expand
  25. sbgskylord
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Generally respects the source material which is very important in a novel adaptation.

    Casting is good. Especially Henry Cavill gave it all, as a true Witcher fan himself, gave us a worthy performance as Geralt. However, Anya Chalotra is a different story. Yes, she is a capable actress and i'm against whitewash casting but original Yennefer in the novels is quite different than    Generally respects the source material which is very important in a novel adaptation.

    Casting is good. Especially Henry Cavill gave it all, as a true Witcher fan himself, gave us a worthy performance as Geralt. However, Anya Chalotra is a different story.

    Yes, she is a capable actress and i'm against whitewash casting but original Yennefer in the novels is quite different than Chalotra's Yennefer. She is described as a very pale figure and she is a difficult person, she can intimidate anyone easily if she desires to. But in the series she is quite a brunette and not intimidating as we imagined to be. Anna Shaffer's Triss is also an unexpected choice but she is a side character in the novels so no big deal. But Yennefer is a main character in novels so it matters more.

    As a Witcher fan i watched all season in 12 hours or so but following the storyline can a little bit difficult because of Sapkowski's novels have a messy timeline. They made everything they can in series to give it a little bit order whatsoever.

    It's a good fantasy-action series.    … Expand
  26. Romanoid
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    I did not expect much from it.
    But i really was suprised, dialogs are good, Cavill is quite convincing, colors and filters are eyecatcing.
    Still, there is no feling of slavic culture, it is an american tv show and whether you like or not....well, it is. Yet in my opinion pros is much better thatn cons. I have not read books just played witcher game and did not expected characters to be    I did not expect much from it.
    But i really was suprised, dialogs are good, Cavill is quite convincing, colors and filters are eyecatcing.
    Still, there is no feling of slavic culture, it is an american tv show and whether you like or not....well, it is.
    Yet in my opinion pros is much better thatn cons.
    I have not read books just played witcher game and did not expected characters to be 100% similar.    … Expand
  27. Reeder1984
    Dec 29, 2019
    9
    Great series, faithful adaptation of book series. Central cast are all magnificent. Only gripes would be slightly convoluted plot and pacing problems. Season could have done with being 3-5 episodes longer.
  28. reaganyouth9
    Dec 21, 2019
    9
    Great start to the show. Looking forward to season 2 when everything starts to come together and be more clear. Laughing at the egregious reviews (EW) which didn't even watch the entire show before scoring it.
  29. Givno69
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    Это великолепно, есть сходство с книгами, но и расхождение так как это все таки сериал и чтобы зритель не скучал есть свои условности. Сериал 9/10
    This is great, there are similarities with books, but there is also a discrepancy, since this is still a serial, and therefore the viewer will not get tired. Serial 9/10    Это великолепно, есть сходство с книгами, но и расхождение так как это все таки сериал и чтобы зритель не скучал есть свои условности. Сериал 9/10
    This is great, there are similarities with books, but there is also a discrepancy, since this is still a serial, and therefore the viewer will not get tired. Serial 9/10
  30. seel82
    Dec 20, 2019
    9
    Good series. Very good. Very more true for the series

    Like Geralt and his horse for good horse things.
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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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