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. 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 :)
  2. Razor_M2
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    Muy buena, el universo es increible. No llega a ser tan potente como el libro, pero le hace justicia. Esperando la 2!
  3. Casshan
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    This was a good show. The only people giving this a bad score are autistic racists screeching about the color of certain characters and not being "white" enough. REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
  4. 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.
  5. seel82
    Dec 20, 2019
    9
    Good series. Very good. Very more true for the series

    Like Geralt and his horse for good horse things.
  6. Pywack
    Dec 21, 2019
    8
    As a fan of books, and games I recommend it. You need to know a little bit of background though to really enjoy it.
  7. pero55
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    Amazing, a must watch. The show really brigs the entire Witcher world to life!!!
  8. Uderfrykte
    Dec 21, 2019
    8
    Чот все подахуели мальца с нытьем. Это прекрасно. И смешно, и всерьез, и со своим лицом. Дико интересно, все понятно, все отлично сыграно, дайверсити в кои то веки без нареканий вписано. Праздник же для жанра.
  9. Dodgeryjames
    Dec 21, 2019
    8
    As a fan of the books and games, i really did enjoy the first season, characters are good and their stories from different timelines happen in different episodes, one thing i see coming up a lot is people trying to compare it to the game adaption, however the show is its own adaption of the books. I am expecting season 2 to be better and to be able to follow and capture each charactersAs a fan of the books and games, i really did enjoy the first season, characters are good and their stories from different timelines happen in different episodes, one thing i see coming up a lot is people trying to compare it to the game adaption, however the show is its own adaption of the books. I am expecting season 2 to be better and to be able to follow and capture each characters journey rather than keep going back and fourth .… Expand
  10. thebestman
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    What I love is how some people decry this show as SJW trash, whereas those very SJWs fume in their blogposts and hot-takes about how "problematic" the show is. Like everything made by humans, there are areas that could by improved, but on the whole the show is a faithful and respectful adaptation of a beloved source material. And above all, it manages to capture what makes Sapcowski's workWhat I love is how some people decry this show as SJW trash, whereas those very SJWs fume in their blogposts and hot-takes about how "problematic" the show is. Like everything made by humans, there are areas that could by improved, but on the whole the show is a faithful and respectful adaptation of a beloved source material. And above all, it manages to capture what makes Sapcowski's work so special. To be honest, I haven't read any of the books, but I instantly recognized the moral ambiguity, philosophical questioning, and lovable characters that made me fall in love with the games. And if that isn't testament to how this show captures the essence the Witcher, then I don't know what is. The show is very clearly pushing some kind of diversity agenda, but that never gets in the way of the story and we should all be ashamed for doubting Anya Charlotra as our beloved Yennefer; I can hardly imagine her any other way now. There are times when I sensed that the creative teams politics undercut the narrative integrity of the story and characters, but I don't think it was ever a conscious decision, just something that manifested subconsciously. It was so subtle, in fact, that the only reason I think I noticed it was because I went looking for it.

    And the show is smart. Oh, I'm sorry, you think it's an unfocused, confusing mess? Sorry, babe, you're just **** stupid. The story is told so well and is one of the main things that makes this show stand out. And for the love of Roach, can we please stop comparing this to Game of Thrones? They are nothing alike, both in terms of their source material and their execution.

    There's so much I'd like to say so I think I'll just close with this: people are dumb. This show is good, really, **** good. I binged the first five episodes in one sitting and I finished the rest by the end of the day. I never do that; I cannot remember the last time something held my attention so completely like that.

    Please, please give this show an honest try. Ignore the shallow hot-takes of the mainstream "critics" and give the show the benefit of the doubt. Some people don't like the nudity, others don't like the racial diversity in an eastern, medieval European setting. But please, put all that aside and you have my word you will not be disappointed. The fans have already spoken; if you already love the Witcher, you'll love this show; it has Sapcowski's blessing, after all.    … Expand
  11. Andrzej_Misiak
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    I have read Sapkowski's novels when I was teenager. It was one of the first fantasy with not black and white characters. I love LOTRO but the great heroes and devilish vilians makes the story so far away from our times and circumstances.
    The Witcher stories were full of gray characters, so of the ugly on outside or inside. To paraphrase Geralt "People are often the true monsters".
    I have    I have read Sapkowski's novels when I was teenager. It was one of the first fantasy with not black and white characters. I love LOTRO but the great heroes and devilish vilians makes the story so far away from our times and circumstances.
    The Witcher stories were full of gray characters, so of the ugly on outside or inside. To paraphrase Geralt "People are often the true monsters".
    I have seen Polish series over 10 years ago I played the games from DC Project.
    Recently a waited for Netflix series. And finally it is here :)
    Except for Witcher 3: Wild Gone game it's the best that was created so far. Actors play amazingly. Special effects are gone really nice. World is painted slowly from one episode to another.
    If I am to point a things to improve for sure they need to focus more on plot and improve sex scenes ;) Both were better in the Withcer 3 game ;)    … Expand
  12. mrdanny
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    I didn't have high expectations after watching trailers, but it's a very good show, a great fantasy world on tv.
  13. Semijoshomatic
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    The Witcher is a faithful adaptation to the core of the source material (the book series of the same title) and strikes an enjoyable balance of a thoughtful show and spectacle. I find most poor reviews are from viewers unwilling to let the show breath, expecting a quick and mindless payoff instead of a tactful story requiring patience and attention. But rest assured the Witcher is aThe Witcher is a faithful adaptation to the core of the source material (the book series of the same title) and strikes an enjoyable balance of a thoughtful show and spectacle. I find most poor reviews are from viewers unwilling to let the show breath, expecting a quick and mindless payoff instead of a tactful story requiring patience and attention. But rest assured the Witcher is a fantastic show with plenty to enjoy and a lot to offer you n multiple viewings. The actors portray their roles with respect and passion for the characters they embody. The action is tense and brutal and the magic hits the screen without seeming cheesy or ridiculous, I’m looking forward to season 2.… Expand
  14. Evilpoo
    Dec 23, 2019
    3
    GOD Awful.. seriously? People like this? How can someone be SO disgustingly biased. Can't you see the 'netflix' horrific casting? horrific actors? horrific story, effects..

    BELLOW ZERO
    I turned it off (mid Djinn episode) and never watching again , except maybe if i wana browse my phone while this crap is playing.
  15. andivanhouten
    Dec 23, 2019
    8
    Things can be a little confusing if you haven't played the games, but I was pleasantly surprised after enduring the first episode (which was pretty lame). It does a good job of invoking the feel of the game on a limited budget.
    Its no Game of Thrones, but it is a cut above many fantasy book/game translations.
    Worth a watch.
  16. Slothonmeth
    Dec 31, 2019
    9
    The Witcher season 1 was an interesting ride if you ask me. Of course, some parts would leave you wondering. You can't understand some parts of the series. You literally can't understand most of the plot going on unless you had prior knowledge of the continent. Most would say to read the books, but maybe season 2 would clear things up, who knows?

    And for all those who are comparing it the    The Witcher season 1 was an interesting ride if you ask me. Of course, some parts would leave you wondering. You can't understand some parts of the series. You literally can't understand most of the plot going on unless you had prior knowledge of the continent. Most would say to read the books, but maybe season 2 would clear things up, who knows?

    And for all those who are comparing it the Game of Thrones, just stop. Just because you love Game of Thrones it doesn't mean that you have to hate The Witcher. I was not that dragged into Game of Thrones after watching it's first few episodes.

    Some also commented on how terrible it is when compared to the book. I never read any of the books but this series seems quite nice to me. Maybe when you compare this to the books, this might seem as absolute garbage.

    Without having played the games and without having read the books, I can honestly say that The Witcher was pretty interesting from the start.    … Expand
  17. kingzardoz
    Dec 23, 2019
    4
    I am reviewing this from the perspective of somebody who has only played the games and never read the books. I just ordered the books in the hopes that I can wipe this show from my memory. My expectations were very low for Netflix's The Witcher. The trailers looked cheap and I can't think of the last time I saw a good netflix produced show. All the woke culture aside, this show fails atI am reviewing this from the perspective of somebody who has only played the games and never read the books. I just ordered the books in the hopes that I can wipe this show from my memory. My expectations were very low for Netflix's The Witcher. The trailers looked cheap and I can't think of the last time I saw a good netflix produced show. All the woke culture aside, this show fails at the basics. There is maybe only one good human vs human fight scene in the whole show. Any fight scene with a monster is poorly executed and lazy. The writing jumps all over the place with way too much time spent revisiting the fall of Cintra. The depiction of magic ranges from ok to terrible. I can overlook many problems but they eventually become too numerous to enjoy the show. If you read the books I can imagine this series becomes unwatchable. The only way you might get a watchable Witcher series is if it got Lord of the Rings money behind it. Unfortunately I think Hollywood would still find a way to mess it all up.… Expand
  18. saulot
    Dec 24, 2019
    9
    Henery Cavill is amazing. Its like the opened the first book and said yeah lets just adapt this and they did it well. Because the first book is more short snippets of storys than a longform plot the first season moves at a fast and disjointed pace witch prevents it from draging but makes the timeline confusing but the season ends better. My only issue is the casting of triss ( the actressHenery Cavill is amazing. Its like the opened the first book and said yeah lets just adapt this and they did it well. Because the first book is more short snippets of storys than a longform plot the first season moves at a fast and disjointed pace witch prevents it from draging but makes the timeline confusing but the season ends better. My only issue is the casting of triss ( the actress they caster did an okay job) but im sick of Hollywood getting rid of all the irish roles as an Irish American.… Expand
  19. clemente
    Dec 21, 2019
    6
    Decent production value, the plot, scriptwriting and dialogues are a complete letdown. Confusing mess designed to appeal the usual target of American teenagers. It was a difficult task but they managed to make the witcher material boring even for a fan like me.
  20. Kopacha
    Dec 28, 2019
    10
    A bit confusing in the begining - the non-linear approach of combining and ADAPTING "The Last Wish" , "Lesser Evil" , "Sword of destiny", "A matter of price" and some others,with the mainline Ciri stories, might be a confusing approach - i agree.
    But i think the writing team, did an amazing job, even though i understand why might not be completely clean and clear for a newcomer viewers ,    A bit confusing in the begining - the non-linear approach of combining and ADAPTING "The Last Wish" , "Lesser Evil" , "Sword of destiny", "A matter of price" and some others,with the mainline Ciri stories, might be a confusing approach - i agree.
    But i think the writing team, did an amazing job, even though i understand why might not be completely clean and clear for a newcomer viewers , who are no familiar with the books and/or the games. On that note - read the books and the initial short stories, one - you're gona catch up on a good writing and stories, but also feel the show much more fleshed out.
    Speaking of - again to re-iterate - amazing work stiching different source material, from the Witcher verse into a non-linear, but yet still cohesive well adapted for TV, story line. Can't wait for the second season    … Expand
  21. czg
    Jan 28, 2020
    7
    To get things quickly outta the way: this series is not a replacement for Game of Thrones, but it was not ever intended as such.
    The season has some pacing issues and takes some time to get going. However, when it does, it is undeniably enjoyable, especially for all its differencies from the other series mentioned before. The main characters, Cavil's Geralt, and Anya Chalotra's Yennefer    To get things quickly outta the way: this series is not a replacement for Game of Thrones, but it was not ever intended as such.
    The season has some pacing issues and takes some time to get going. However, when it does, it is undeniably enjoyable, especially for all its differencies from the other series mentioned before. The main characters, Cavil's Geralt, and Anya Chalotra's Yennefer are very well played, a joy to watch, and have really good chemistry. With Yennefer, it's great to see a badass female character in the truest sense.
    The dark fantasy world with Eastern European tinges takes a bit of an acquired taste. For me, the way magic works here makes a bit more sense than in other series.
    All in all, it's a good choice if you are looking for something a bit different. I very much hope that the creators will resolve the pacing issues. I would give it a 6 with an heavy emphasis on that I would definitely like to see a second season - which can be translated to a 7.    … Expand
  22. leaveit
    Dec 25, 2019
    7
    Not nearly as bad as many critics are pretending. Rewrites of the original stories are TV-appropriate, and presentation is generally solid, but with some weaknesses. The casting is notably hit-or-mostly-miss with Geralt, Jaskier, and Ciri quite decent choices and most of the rest ranging from inappropriate to obliged. There were an absurd number of black/African insertions for example,Not nearly as bad as many critics are pretending. Rewrites of the original stories are TV-appropriate, and presentation is generally solid, but with some weaknesses. The casting is notably hit-or-mostly-miss with Geralt, Jaskier, and Ciri quite decent choices and most of the rest ranging from inappropriate to obliged. There were an absurd number of black/African insertions for example, with absolutely no east Asian. It kinda makes it seem like a Wayans version of the universe to be honest.… Expand
  23. DanAlexandru
    Dec 24, 2019
    9
    Liked it, despite the odd actor choices for a couple of characters. Overall, it has a promising start and I hope the next season delivers even more. Could become even bigger than GoT, providing Netflix has half a brain to promote this show and cancel some of its other garbage series.
  24. Gilotynus
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    I understand it can be confusing at times for audience new to witcher genre. I remember when i was reading books at first you start with stories and then saga begins which is much better. In new season saga should start and it should be better with every episode actionwise. They should change few things but i really enjoyed watching
  25. Serious_Much
    Jan 5, 2020
    7
    An interesting start that many criticise because they did not pay attention.

    The short stories are interesting, the back stories of each character help to establish them in the world and the 3 leads are strong.

    I look forward to next season where the group as a whole can develop together rather than in separate stories and timelines
  26. 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.
  27. Moj3
    Dec 28, 2019
    10
    Intriguing, different and left you wanting more!

    Henry is great as gets it. Can recommend.
  28. 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
  29. MarcoCol
    Dec 27, 2019
    10
    Toss a coin to your witcher!!!! O Valley of Plenty! Amazing show one of the best Netflix have produced. I will wait for season 2 !!!!!!
  30. typhoon51280
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    absolutely terrific !!! for those who are finding too difficult to follow the different storylines I'd suggest to read a book from time to time (maybe a fantasy one just for a change)
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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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