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

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. corin
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cannot believe the low rate. This tv show is mad well done, deep and it’s getting started. A must watch GOT lovers!… Expand
  2. Flash159
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    It's (fan) tastic. The only thing it does wrong for me is not having a red haired triss.
  3. Demikly
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Nailed it.

    Cavill lives and breathes the role.

    The production values are off the hook too, slow burn, but worth the wait!!
  4. Aryman
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    A bit too theatrical (lighting, close-ups on faces ... Could use more broad plans), but generally a great series (I write this as a fan of books and games). Henry as Geralt sweeps, also great role of Yennefer and Ciri. The best swordfights I've seen on TV and movies - what a choreography! A few moving moments - the question about the choice in the Renfri case will be forever not only inA bit too theatrical (lighting, close-ups on faces ... Could use more broad plans), but generally a great series (I write this as a fan of books and games). Henry as Geralt sweeps, also great role of Yennefer and Ciri. The best swordfights I've seen on TV and movies - what a choreography! A few moving moments - the question about the choice in the Renfri case will be forever not only in the heart of Geralt ... I highly recommend.… Expand
  5. TIZ
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Great so far, already reviewed it. I guess this is a second link that leads to the individual season?
    Really annoying, why did metacritic introduce this?
  6. Mr_Connecticut
    Dec 26, 2019
    10
    Many reviewers are getting hung up on whether this is isn't enough like the games or the books. Lets leave that behind, this is the TV show and we should review it in isolation.

    Overall this is very well written but newcomers to the series will find it hard to grasp the timelines and relationships between characters in the first few episodes. Overall the writing is good and only    Many reviewers are getting hung up on whether this is isn't enough like the games or the books. Lets leave that behind, this is the TV show and we should review it in isolation.

    Overall this is very well written but newcomers to the series will find it hard to grasp the timelines and relationships between characters in the first few episodes. Overall the writing is good and only improves as the timeline becomes clearer and story arcs begin to converge.
    Henry Cavill is perfect as Geralt of Rivia, an absolutely spot on, flawless performance of what i hope will become an iconic character. Other characters have peaks and troughs. Joey Batey as Jaskier (Dandelion) captures his character perfectly, but we don't see enough of him as the show progresses. Anya Chalotra as Yen starts strong, dips in the middle and improves again towards the end. Freya Allen as Ciri leaves a lot to be desired, and the character is difficult to like as a result (which will be a problem if she is to be a focus going forward). Some characters are completely lackluster (Triss and Fringilla to name a few).

    Fans of the books and games will also be quick to point out the changes in certain characters appearances, which isn't a problem in and of itself, but the actors they have hired just simply cant capture the essence of the characters they are trying to portray.

    Overall this is a great first season that has plenty of room to grow in a fantasy world rich with stories to be told. Realistically its an 8 out of 10, but I have given it a 10 to help offset some of the ridiculously reviews by those obsessed by the books/games.    … Expand
  7. alfi
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Série muito boa e que passa bem as coisas do livro, pois foi adaptado deles e não do jogo em si, qie na verdade se passam depois dos livros.
  8. whitewi666
    Dec 28, 2019
    10
    Read the books, watched the Polish series, played the games. New Witcher series are awesome and we'll done! Started my second watch through and can't wait for more seasons!!!! Thank you Netflix for making in right. Gerold is perfect!
  9. kozzy420
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Half way through the first episode and this is FANTASTIC. As a HUGE fan of the books and also someone who enjoyed the games, this is really good so far!
  10. 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!!
  11. mammary_glands
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    Netflix's The Witcher packs every scene with heart, rich dialogue, and characters (even minor ones) in whom you can't help but become invested. While some directorial choices didn't quite work, everything else about the show is so masterfully crafted that it's easy to forgive. The cast is perfect, the spirit of the books is evident, and the set up for season 2 has me dreading the year-long wait.
  12. dbl219
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Newsflash for turds complaining about black folks in a medieval European setting: Black folks did live in medieval Europe! They were sometimes called "Moors," and even one of Shakespeare's most famous works, "Othello," has a black title character.

    As for the main topic, the show is amazing. Ridiculous fight choreography, great casting, great music. Yen's back story gets a little hokey but    Newsflash for turds complaining about black folks in a medieval European setting: Black folks did live in medieval Europe! They were sometimes called "Moors," and even one of Shakespeare's most famous works, "Othello," has a black title character.

    As for the main topic, the show is amazing. Ridiculous fight choreography, great casting, great music. Yen's back story gets a little hokey but otherwise great writing as well. Really portrays the morally gray world of the novels and games. Bravo.    … Expand
  13. Balorn
    Dec 26, 2019
    10
    Fantastic version of the stories. The cast is chosen very well and I'm looking forward to further seasons.
  14. BarG
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    This is an amazing show, characters, visuals, something fresh, lore, everything is there! Story is a bit bumpy but the books themselves had story problems, and did not care enough to present the lore. The books almost did not care about explaining every single lore details, Sapkowski pushed you to deep water so you would learn how to swim yourself and it is freaking awesome!

    P.S. the guys    This is an amazing show, characters, visuals, something fresh, lore, everything is there! Story is a bit bumpy but the books themselves had story problems, and did not care enough to present the lore. The books almost did not care about explaining every single lore details, Sapkowski pushed you to deep water so you would learn how to swim yourself and it is freaking awesome!

    P.S. the guys from entertainment weekly demonstrate total unprofessionalism, the review has to be banned since it is really bias and clearly not applicable since reviewer saw only one episode. I wish metacritic had a function to report this kind of “reviews”    … Expand
  15. 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.
  16. Forum15LTJ
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    Amazing 1st season for a show based off a game. I only see it getting better from here!!! I'm all in, toss a coin!!!!!!
  17. Kamanakai
    Dec 30, 2019
    10
    I am a big fan of the game. I really loved the season! Henry Cavill was fantastic as Geralt! I can't wait for season two! :)
  18. jesus045
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    Very good show, wasn't expecting anything from him and he delighted everyone! Great atmosphere, story, production, music. Many do not like the casting, at first also doubted, but everything is harmonious and beautiful. I look forward to continuing.
  19. porre722
    Dec 23, 2019
    10
    A great show, that once again shows that "professional" reviewers totally has lost their touch with reality and what real people like.
  20. OrthoStice
    Dec 30, 2019
    10
    This show far exceeded my expectations. The three main characters are all interesting and well-written and acted, even if they follow familiar archetypes. The show treats you like a grown up and leaves you to piece together the various timelines, which does require a bit of patience. There are parts that are funny, bizarre, and thrilling. Given the generally positive audience feedback,This show far exceeded my expectations. The three main characters are all interesting and well-written and acted, even if they follow familiar archetypes. The show treats you like a grown up and leaves you to piece together the various timelines, which does require a bit of patience. There are parts that are funny, bizarre, and thrilling. Given the generally positive audience feedback, I'm hopeful for a second season.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. Programmer
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    The series about the witcher waited a long time and my expectations were justified many thanks for such creativity :)
  23. Flipsyde27
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    I don't get the negative reviews, this show is great fun. Henry Cavill was born to play Geralt, I was concerned with his casting at first but he nails it, all the way down to the voice. The action is great, the story can get confusing, that would be my only gripe. Can't wait for season 2
  24. PeregrineOmega
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    A few minor casting decisions do not do this show wrong.

    Watch it and make up your own mind.
  25. THE_DUDE_xD
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Well,

    As someone who initially discovered the Witcher as a series of games (I got them all on sale on Steam). I was in for a wonderful ride and I’m thankful I discovered this series. I am a massive Sci-Fi and high-fantasy aficionado, I’ve read all the Song of Ice and Fire novels (very gory and more short-term based), all of Tolkien’s masterpieces, and a few more independent novels.    Well,

    As someone who initially discovered the Witcher as a series of games (I got them all on sale on Steam). I was in for a wonderful ride and I’m thankful I discovered this series. I am a massive Sci-Fi and high-fantasy aficionado, I’ve read all the Song of Ice and Fire novels (very gory and more short-term based), all of Tolkien’s masterpieces, and a few more independent novels. Suffice to say, the Witcher series was much more in depth, more robust, and more “fantasy” than the rest, and I’m thankful something as mundane as a video game introduced me to Andrzej Sapkowski‘s works.

    And this Netflix series, while of course different than the novels and the games (yes, people need to realize that tv and movies will be different than source material as they are different mediums), is amazing. The Netflix series does Sapkowski’s novels and short stories Justice. I give kudos to the writers and the actors of this series for remaining true to the source material. Special to note Henry Cavill’s outstanding performance as Geralt of Rivia, which outdoes his performances as Superman in the DC universe.

    I highly, HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone. Of course, due to my personal taste and preference for this genre, I realize not everyone may enjoy this. Nonetheless, I implore everyone to watch this series, who knows, you may find yourself addicted to it.    … Expand
  26. assembler
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    I was a bit dissapointed in some moments but the show grew up on me. Geralt, Yen, Ciri, Jaskier are so perfect and that makes the show
  27. Engineer1
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    A great series I'm waiting for season 2 with anticipation :) I recommend everyone to view!
  28. Voodoo123
    Dec 27, 2019
    10
    As a huge fan of Witcher 3 I had concerns when I heard about the show... Upon watching, all of that melted away when it was obvious from the first episode a level of care had been taken to ensure the show did the material justice. The cast are superb, a screenplay unafraid to shy away from the details of the material bolstered by a lavish production value that truly shines in 4kHDR 5.1As a huge fan of Witcher 3 I had concerns when I heard about the show... Upon watching, all of that melted away when it was obvious from the first episode a level of care had been taken to ensure the show did the material justice. The cast are superb, a screenplay unafraid to shy away from the details of the material bolstered by a lavish production value that truly shines in 4kHDR 5.1 surround.... Am so happy to see the characters I know from the game 'brought to life' in live action. This show really exceeded my expectations and I can't wait for the confirmed second season!… Expand
  29. felipetapia
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    Tiene un principio lento hay que decirlo, pero es para que se familiaricen con los personajes.

    Como era de esperar, se desvía un poco de los libros y como los personajes son introducidos en ellos, aunque creo que no me molesta mucho ello. Hay que esperar como una segunda temporada puede mejorar ello,, en donde no hay introduccion en demasia de personajes princiales o relevantes. Por ahora    Tiene un principio lento hay que decirlo, pero es para que se familiaricen con los personajes.

    Como era de esperar, se desvía un poco de los libros y como los personajes son introducidos en ellos, aunque creo que no me molesta mucho ello. Hay que esperar como una segunda temporada puede mejorar ello,, en donde no hay introduccion en demasia de personajes princiales o relevantes. Por ahora me quedo con esta serie y si pueden leanse los libros , la manera en la que cuentan la historia ahí es fascinante y incita a leer más    … Expand
  30. Tim160294
    Dec 22, 2019
    10
    Maybe in the second season when we get a more linear story, the critics understand the story. But hey, they had problmes with 3 and then just 2 timelines in the end.
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »