The Witcher

:

Season 2
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 20, 2019
Season #: 4, 3.5, 3, 2, 1
User Score
3.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 803 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 231 out of 803
  2. Mixed: 106 out of 803
  3. Negative: 466 out of 803

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User Reviews

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  1. Mattheusheck
    Dec 23, 2021
    3
    As an adaptation of a book, the series is terrible. As a generic fantasy - at best mediocre. Nice filming and CGI, but very poor script full of logical inconsistencies. Also, it shares with the books only character names and 3-4 minutes per episode (except for the fisrt one). I'm dissapointed!
  2. theTRUTHson
    Dec 29, 2021
    3
    Season 2 is disappointing. This is not how you do Witcher.

    Not enough action, not enough tension, not enough epic moments, not enough humor, not enough Geralt.

    Too much filler, too much build up, too much information thrown at the viewer, too many actors that don't fit the part (Yennefer).

    It's a pity but at least it's a motivation to pick up the books again.
  3. Qgal5kap
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    Massively disappointed with this season. S1 was decent enough, but this was just well and truly boring. It could have easily been fixed with some better dialogue and proper writing. Boo! 3/10
  4. playahater
    Feb 16, 2022
    3
    I really hope Netflix is paying attention to these reviews! Stop adding character arcs that don’t exist! Stop pissing on the source material! You have a fantastic cast. Let them play the parts as written at least close to the books. Half the season never happened in the books!
  5. TKO
    Dec 30, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Terrible.

    This season destroys more original characters than it kills monsters.

    Everyone is dumb, 100 years mages and witchers act like teenagers. The show spends most of it's time on B team subplot, with B level actors and CW level writing. Prepare to skip forward a lot.    … Expand
  6. Paul_M_Dema
    Dec 19, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good thing is that good amount of monsters fighting (some lazy but some are good). Again Geralt and CIri are best parts of the show and everything else is pretty much trash.
    Elves always start conversation from talking **** about humans ("they hate our ears"... gods..). Interesting how they excuse wars between humans.
    Overall story makes no sense. Everyone knows where everyone is. Stories lead to nowhere. Hookers in Kaer Morgan... no comments.
    Eskel destroyed as character. etc etc etc    … Expand
  7. hoodie_666
    Dec 18, 2021
    3
    This is anything but an adaptation. It's like they skimmed through the books, wrote down what they remembered and then built a story around that. Only a handful characters are the same as in the books, only some of the plots are the same.

    Maybe I would've been fine with it if this new story was actually interesting and if it made sense, but it isnt
  8. Rhadamanph
    Dec 19, 2021
    3
    Awful, I could not even imagine they are possible to make things worse. Won't be awaiting the next season.
  9. Daermon
    Jan 6, 2022
    3
    Pro: - Some fight scene
    - Henry Cavill
    - Joey Batey
    - Kaer Morhen

    Other things just bad. But still very bad: - Yen, Triss, Ciri cast…. And the writing (Lauren Schmidt Hissrich & team fail).
  10. mikobit
    Dec 19, 2021
    3
    I'm really trying to like the show, which is more than most shows get from the get go, but overlooking the poor writing, mostly poor casting and acting, and mediocre-at-best CGI became even more difficult this season.
    If it wasn't for Henry Cavill - I don't think I could've finished this season, unfortunately.
    Having not read the books, I can't believe I was THAT much more emotionally    I'm really trying to like the show, which is more than most shows get from the get go, but overlooking the poor writing, mostly poor casting and acting, and mediocre-at-best CGI became even more difficult this season.
    If it wasn't for Henry Cavill - I don't think I could've finished this season, unfortunately.
    Having not read the books, I can't believe I was THAT much more emotionally invested in the video games vs. the live action - even with the pixelated 3D characters - the dialogue was so well written and the plot made so much more emotional sense - it was able to rise to heights this show unfortunately never does.    … Expand
  11. ofash
    Dec 23, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ngl my boy Henry Cavill is pretty much the only good thing about Witcher season 2. vesemir acting was so bad.. Story has nothing to do with either the books or the games, Triss and Yen feels like woke propagenda because we cannot have white women nowdays on Netflix shows now can we..
    and why the hell did they kill eskel so early on. Season 1 was pretty good but 2 is pretty much **** up big time. Can't wait for black Letho and Indian Shani    … Expand
  12. portobellojim
    Jul 30, 2023
    3
    This show isn't good. No one could possibly argue that it was anything other than poor. Cavill carries it to some degree, but the amateurish story telling and action is just too much.
    Having said that, giving it 0 or 1 is just ridiculous; these are rage scores. I'm giving it 3 because Cavill is good and because bad as it was, I still sat through it all. This is a below average tv    This show isn't good. No one could possibly argue that it was anything other than poor. Cavill carries it to some degree, but the amateurish story telling and action is just too much.
    Having said that, giving it 0 or 1 is just ridiculous; these are rage scores. I'm giving it 3 because Cavill is good and because bad as it was, I still sat through it all. This is a below average tv show and it could have been much much better with the right writing.    … Expand
  13. Nemos
    Jan 29, 2022
    3
    Way to ruin something. Fantastic game, decent season 1... and now just poor writing and extremely boring.
  14. Bruterake
    Mar 3, 2022
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Até que diverte um pouco, o momento no bar com o Jaskier com o truque da Yeneffer cuspindo fogo foi muito legal e nossa o cg melhorou 10x no mínimo. Agora que já foram os positivos, a série ta muito mal escrita nossa, tudo muito muito previsível e chato os personagens são muito caricatos e unidimensionais. Eu não li os livros mas o que fizerem com o menino Vesemir to vendo as reviews e todo mundo concorda é uma afronta aos personagens ninguém tem profundidade todo mundo é preto no branco. E nossa dessa vez ta incomodando as lentes são muito feias vei se tirassem elas dava pra ter uma cena séria sem olhar como ta esquisito a cara do Geralt.… Expand
  15. DrIlic
    Dec 20, 2021
    3
    For the fans of books is not okay. Lauren you lied to us, Why did you say this show will be based on the books. Like, you posted a tweet that shows pictures of books and says '' This is what adaptation looks like.'' You clearly creating a new story.
  16. Warspender
    Dec 29, 2021
    3
    Зачем нужно было так поступать с книгой, бездарная работа сценариста и эта постоянная повестка. Это славянское фантази, если вы собаку назовете кошкой она ей не станет. Это славянское фантази
  17. happymaik
    Dec 19, 2021
    3
    I'm utterly disappointed by this entirely generic fantasy TV series. First of all, it is, in fact, an improvement since the previous season. However, the showrunner has assured us that it will be "a translation" of the novels into the TV series format (check IGN interview). Correct me if I am wrong, but I've read the books two times, and frankly, this has nothing to do with them. TheI'm utterly disappointed by this entirely generic fantasy TV series. First of all, it is, in fact, an improvement since the previous season. However, the showrunner has assured us that it will be "a translation" of the novels into the TV series format (check IGN interview). Correct me if I am wrong, but I've read the books two times, and frankly, this has nothing to do with them. The original material is fairly easy to adapt as a film/series, everybody has been telling this, but nevertheless, the producers decided to resign from 90% of the plot to use their own, unfortunately, terrible ideas. Fringilla Vigo? Boring. Cahir? Boring. Yennifer? Boring. Why have you made a childish idiot from a mature and confident sorceress? Ciri is just unlikeable, no proper development, no positive energy has been transferred to her plot. Furthermore, you failed to comprehend all those little details that made the universe unique. For example, you could have learnt this mistake during the first season thanks to the infamous doppler. It's one of the first major mistakes you committed. Dopplers were rather positively presented in the books, that's why we could sympathise with them when they faced human rejection only because of their uniqueness. You utterly fail to show details like this. No one would feel compassion for elves, dopplers and dwarves for the racism they experience in your show. Also, you failed to acknowledge that the world and politics are rather irrelevant to the story when it does not concern Geralt. Of course, some political details can come in handy, plans of the sorceresses, the kings, Djikstra, etc. However, it should not be 60% of the scenes! The core of the universe is Geralt's charisma, his personal experiences with humans, his development with his friends and family and it is underdeveloped in the series to the point that the characters are shallow. Everything seems rushed and does not add up! It's a shame that the author is a lazy retried businessman who clearly does not understand the phenomenon he has created and let this abomination to be created.
    I could pick some positives, but whatever. Certainly NOT recommended.    … Expand
  18. danglan
    Dec 21, 2021
    3
    Sapkowski jak to oglądał płakał podcierając łzy studolarówkami............
  19. qziem6
    Dec 28, 2021
    3
    I've read the books and i love them. This is no adaptation. Only 10 - 15% material in series is from book, other is invented by creators. But, I try to be honest and try to rate series without thinking about books and its terrible. Actors are bad, costumes are bad, dialogues are terrible, plot is dissaster - full of logical mistakes and not engaging intrigues (elfs and nilfgaard). I hateI've read the books and i love them. This is no adaptation. Only 10 - 15% material in series is from book, other is invented by creators. But, I try to be honest and try to rate series without thinking about books and its terrible. Actors are bad, costumes are bad, dialogues are terrible, plot is dissaster - full of logical mistakes and not engaging intrigues (elfs and nilfgaard). I hate it. I'm frustrated because i know that if they wouldn't change everything it has potential to be a good series.
    Only one thing i like: monsters and action scenes, thats all.    … Expand
  20. MetacriticOnur
    Jan 14, 2022
    3
    bad
    [ bad ]

    adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
    not good in any manner or degree.
  21. Jubus
    Dec 28, 2021
    3
    This second season was very poorly done, a big disappointment after what was a promising first season.
    The writers have tried to strike out and put their own spin on the original plot and characters but have done a poor job overall which has led to a story that is boring at best and utter nonsense at worst, I quickly lost interest in what was happening and really had to force myself    This second season was very poorly done, a big disappointment after what was a promising first season.
    The writers have tried to strike out and put their own spin on the original plot and characters but have done a poor job overall which has led to a story that is boring at best and utter nonsense at worst, I quickly lost interest in what was happening and really had to force myself through those last episodes.
    I think Henry Cavill is portraying a great version of Geralt still. It is rumoured he did have to influence some of the writing of his own character during filming, which is likely why his character is the the most enjoyable and consistent throughout but highlights he himself saw how flawed the writing was.
    No other characters stood out unfortunately, mostly keeping me bored anytime Cavill was off screen.
    Ultimately wherever all that extra budget money went for the second season, it definitely wasn't put towards the writing, and the show suffers because of it.
    A real shame as with better thought out writing for their new plot or alternatively just sticking much closer to the original source material the show had the potential to be something special. I won't be tuning back in for a third season    … Expand
  22. rJIucT
    Dec 17, 2021
    3
    Актерский состав желает лучшего, но хуже всего то, что нигеров в сериал понагнали столько как будто там плантации сахарного тростника.....
  23. Perseus69
    Dec 17, 2021
    3
    I tried hard again to like this show, but it was hard trying. Again. Childish and corny dialogs, confused plot that leads nowhere, silly characters. The witchers become a group of dumb idiots, the bards play teenage music from the worst playlist on Spotify. They even managed to shove in a black elf for good "wokiness" measure. I really wish they just asked the writers of the Witcher 3 gameI tried hard again to like this show, but it was hard trying. Again. Childish and corny dialogs, confused plot that leads nowhere, silly characters. The witchers become a group of dumb idiots, the bards play teenage music from the worst playlist on Spotify. They even managed to shove in a black elf for good "wokiness" measure. I really wish they just asked the writers of the Witcher 3 game to work on the show. They would have done a much better job. Writing is so poor that I found myself compelled to skip dialogues. Another wasted chance to bring a great story to life. I fell asleep after 2 episodes.… Expand
  24. Lehu
    Dec 17, 2021
    3
    I'm freshly after watching the season 2. Frankly speaking I'm seriously disappointed. While CGI, and acting might be criticized by some (for me it wasn't that bad), I have the most problems with the plot. They changed it so much that for me it's no longer the same story. It's something that's "inspired by" not "adaptation of". I could accept it if the plot was good. Unfortunately thereI'm freshly after watching the season 2. Frankly speaking I'm seriously disappointed. While CGI, and acting might be criticized by some (for me it wasn't that bad), I have the most problems with the plot. They changed it so much that for me it's no longer the same story. It's something that's "inspired by" not "adaptation of". I could accept it if the plot was good. Unfortunately there were so many things that did not make sense or were just boring that last episodes I just skimmed through...

    To sum up: if you don't know the books you might enjoy it (if you are willing to overlook some plot issues). However, if you are fan of the books, you will probably be disappointed.
    I will probably watch season 3 if it comes out but at this point I only expect more disappointment.    … Expand
  25. Monotyp
    Dec 18, 2021
    3
    Absolute garbage, the acting is bad, the cgi is even worse! Only a handful characters are the same as in the books, only some of the plots are the same.
  26. alexmordan
    Dec 19, 2021
    3
    Ужасный сезон. Ждал с нетерпением, а по итогу вышло одно разочарование. Нелепая сцена с проститутками в Каэр-Морхене, куча нелепой отсебятины, которая порой вообще не коррелировала с событиями вокруг. Но самое отвращение вызывает каст актеров. Нэннеке – чёрная лысая женщина? (Лол). Дийкстра – брутальный и накачанный дед с бородой? Ну, про чёрных эльфов я вообще промолчу. Равно как и проУжасный сезон. Ждал с нетерпением, а по итогу вышло одно разочарование. Нелепая сцена с проститутками в Каэр-Морхене, куча нелепой отсебятины, которая порой вообще не коррелировала с событиями вокруг. Но самое отвращение вызывает каст актеров. Нэннеке – чёрная лысая женщина? (Лол). Дийкстра – брутальный и накачанный дед с бородой? Ну, про чёрных эльфов я вообще промолчу. Равно как и про чёрных ведьмаков. Эра толерастии достигла апогея. Последняя серия сезона вызвала недоумение. Сценаристы попытались в креатив, а вышло недоразумение с непонятным сюжетом и примитивными монстрами. Спасибо, что хоть Эмгыр не лысая чёрная женщина! 3/10 чисто за переработанную подачу «сюжета» без рваного повествования и за улучшенную съёмку экшн-сцен.… Expand
  27. ericrouse12345
    Dec 19, 2021
    3
    I don’t know who is writing the story and plot lines for the series, but they should be fired. I don’t know if it’s a combination of the writers and show runner, or what, but it’s a disgrace. The acting and the actors are all great and they do fantastic work. Henry Cavill, his co-stars, and all the extras / side characters absolutely killed it and did their jobs spectacularly. The problemI don’t know who is writing the story and plot lines for the series, but they should be fired. I don’t know if it’s a combination of the writers and show runner, or what, but it’s a disgrace. The acting and the actors are all great and they do fantastic work. Henry Cavill, his co-stars, and all the extras / side characters absolutely killed it and did their jobs spectacularly. The problem is that this tv series adaptation absolutely butchers and massacres Anderzej Sapkowski’s genius and we’ll established universe/cannon. The entire story-line makes no sense whatsoever and the characters do things in the series that the characters would never ever do. What has been written for them completely undermines the nature, and essence of what we know and expect our characters to portray. What us Witcher fans know, wanted, and expected compared to what we got is utterly insulting and a complete slap to the face. If it wasn’t for all the fantastic actors, vfx/special effects artists, and stunt coordinators that absolutely carried this show, i would give it a big fat 0%. It’s utterly disgraceful, unforgivable, and because of how badly they ravaged the story line, seemingly unredeemable.… Expand
  28. higemori
    Dec 20, 2021
    3
    This is not an adaptation, it's a completely new story that is not very interesting, nor complex, nor enjoyable. Personalities of some characters were also altered and not in a very good way. The only two things they improved this season are graphics and variety of landscapes.
  29. wrathofguts
    Dec 21, 2021
    3
    It’s clear they're just using the Witcher name to tell their own mediocre story without any respect for the source material. Let me be clear, you don’t have to make a 1:1 adaptation of a work to be respectful to it but the changes have to make sense and not drastically take away from what made the original work so great. With that said, a lot of the characters from the original stories getIt’s clear they're just using the Witcher name to tell their own mediocre story without any respect for the source material. Let me be clear, you don’t have to make a 1:1 adaptation of a work to be respectful to it but the changes have to make sense and not drastically take away from what made the original work so great. With that said, a lot of the characters from the original stories get a complete change in personality and aside from having the same names as their book counterparts they are almost unrecognizable. Judging the show on it's own merits, it plays like a generic fantasy that's trying too hard to be GoT without the clever dialogue or interesting character development. Seriously, the writing is atrocious at times and some of the choices characters make are downright illogical. Often it feels there are scenes that don’t add a whole lot to the main story, there are characters that travel between places that are supposed to be thousands of miles away in minutes and conveniently arrive in time to meet other characters. On a side note, Henry Cavill and Freya Allan do a fantastic job despite the script they are given. It’s a shame really, this feels like a huge missed opportunity to show what made the Witcher books so great. If you’re completely new to it and haven’t read the books, there will probably be more to enjoy here.… Expand
  30. sakoulas
    Dec 21, 2021
    3
    This is not an adaption. This is bad written fan fiction. Disgraceful and disrespectful.
  31. 65Terbium
    Dec 27, 2021
    3
    I can't enjoy the show. Even if you accept that it is just a fiction series, losely based on the witcher novels, abondon all your prior knowledge and hopes towards the show, even then it is just a mediocre fantasy tale. At times it reminded my of those janky 90s Xena/Hercules shows, because the people looked way too clean and the acting was stiff. Don't get me wrong the cast is good. ButI can't enjoy the show. Even if you accept that it is just a fiction series, losely based on the witcher novels, abondon all your prior knowledge and hopes towards the show, even then it is just a mediocre fantasy tale. At times it reminded my of those janky 90s Xena/Hercules shows, because the people looked way too clean and the acting was stiff. Don't get me wrong the cast is good. But the script is horrible. The sceneries fitted well. Also while being too clean the costumes still were great.… Expand
  32. Jones76
    Dec 22, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A thorough dissappointment! I really liked season 1, it was not perfect, the cast was far from perfect, but it was fun, the changes made sense to me (especially showing Yennefer's backstory) and Henry channeld Gerald far better than I had ever expected. Season 2 started great! While the 1st episode is not a faithful adaption, it is close enough, it is very well made, the effects are great, acting is great, really gave me hope. But after that, everything went south.

    I know the books by heart, I have read every one at least twice, so when Netflix announced a truthful adaption, you probably know what I expected. What I got was probably a "loosely based on", by my estimation, at the very least 60% of season 2 never happened in the books. Changing that much is not a good sign, it can work, if you stay true to the spirit of the source material and the characters. This show does not. I readily accept that the showrunners wanted more action, I'm good with that. I really like getting more elven backstory, I think that will pay off in season 3, when they introduce the Scoia'Tael.

    What I can't accept is fundementally changing characters and killing them for no reason, while they are very much alife in the books. What I can't accept is completely changing the story and interaction between Yennefer, Ciri, Geralt and Wesemir, changing the characters fundamentals and their relations. Yenefer is in every sense a mother figure for Ciri, turning her into a power hungry **** ready to sacrifice her adopted daugther to a demon for power is so out of bounds of the characters, it hurts writing these lines.

    What else is bad? Most of the casting. The Witcher is based on slavic countries and folklore, add in too much diversity and woke agenda, you ruin it and more important, you fail to drive home basic messages of the books. Also a lot of scenes are pure cringe, witchers don't fight monsters in winter in t-shirts, you don't train in winter in light dresses, you actually heat rooms... I won't go into much detail, but "looks good" was actually way more important than "makes sense or could work".

    So, what's good? I think, the visuals, locations and so on have greatly improved. The show looks really good. Henry is the perfect witcher, Freya is a good Ciri, their chemistry is great. Anna is acting-wise a good Triss, also she will never look the part. I like how Jaskier is handled, and I like Francesca as well.

    For these reasons it is a 3 out of 10. But Netflix did kill the show for me. I probably won't watch season 3 or a spin-off, the franchise is basically dead for me.    … Expand
  33. blackjohn
    Dec 25, 2021
    3
    To co Netfilx zrobił z książkami Andrzeja Sapkowskiego to jakaś tragedia. To taj jak przy przy ekranizacji biblii uśmierciło się jednego z apostołów, jezusowi odebrało prawo do czynienia cudów, a na końcu się go opanowało przez szatana. Bo po co opowiadać historię kochaną przez fanów książek. Przecież scenarzyści Netflixa wiedzą lepiej !!!
  34. underdoge
    Dec 25, 2021
    3
    This tvshaw has nothing to do with the books by Andrzej Sapkowski or even the games by CD Project. Characters' identities are lost and the original plot are wasted.
  35. WJ4
    Dec 27, 2021
    3
    I waited 2 years to see blood of elves adapted to tv. That's 24 months, 104 weeks, or 730 days. I'm still waiting. After episode 1 the source material goes out the window, and an entirely original plot with entirely original characters takes its place. The acting wasn't bad, and I didn't hate everything about it, but they certainly weren't awe inspiring. The books live in my memoryI waited 2 years to see blood of elves adapted to tv. That's 24 months, 104 weeks, or 730 days. I'm still waiting. After episode 1 the source material goes out the window, and an entirely original plot with entirely original characters takes its place. The acting wasn't bad, and I didn't hate everything about it, but they certainly weren't awe inspiring. The books live in my memory forever. I hope I forget about this season in a month or so.… Expand
  36. lavnes123
    Dec 29, 2021
    3
    The Witcher as a series should not describe itself as an adaptation of A. Sapkowski's prose, but as a creature in the witcher-like world. However, ignoring this, judging the series without going into the source material, it is nothing more than an average, banally simple, not requiring thinking and commitment creation, differing only in slightly better special effects than fantasy seriesThe Witcher as a series should not describe itself as an adaptation of A. Sapkowski's prose, but as a creature in the witcher-like world. However, ignoring this, judging the series without going into the source material, it is nothing more than an average, banally simple, not requiring thinking and commitment creation, differing only in slightly better special effects than fantasy series from the 90s, such as Xena: Warrior Princess. It is a bit sad to see such a wasted potential.… Expand
  37. MichalMajka
    Jan 4, 2022
    3
    I've been waiting for this 28 years since I first read these books, I dreamed of a wonderful film adaptation of the books that somehow shaped me when I was growing up
    However, I got something that has little in common with books, poorly written, full of imaginary threads and then put together without logic. It is a disrespect for the author, viewers and source material
  38. Inspexor
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even after only watching until episode 5 i can already tell where Netflix is taking the series... The episodes so far have been pretty boring for the most part, the only characters that are kind of interesting are Geralt and Ciri. I couldn't care less about Yennefer's storyline, it's a shame what they did to her, her character had so much potential. Apart from that there are small (but noticeable) logical flaws throughout the season so far. For example characters that are supposed to be dead are suddenly... not dead anymore?? And why is it proof that if Yennefer kills some random nilfgaardian knight in front of everybody that she's not spying for Nilfgaard?
    Many things aren't explained very well or not at all; it's hard to see a meaning behind a lot of decisions characters make or how things eventually turn out.
    I expected a lot more tbh but then again... it's Netflix. And Netflix tends to ruin quite a lot of series after the first season, mainly due to a "woke" or in this case just a bad script.    … Expand
  39. fleon92
    Jan 9, 2022
    3
    Bad editing with dissonances, cuts with characters in different positions than in the previous shot, the same in fight scenes where the character is positioned to wait for the next hit, many noob mistakes.I do not understand how no one in the production team noticed these errors
  40. ZynAndrij
    Jan 25, 2022
    3
    Andzej Sapkowski was a racist. Netflix said there would be a canon of books, so why black characters in The Witcher? Seriously?
    !!! I am tolerant of blacks, but that is not the canon !!!
  41. Digital_Kitchen
    Jul 30, 2023
    2
    The willful ommision of nudity, especially in scenes where the source material clearly staded nudity, is a shame among the franchise.

    Stop watering down The Witcher!!

    What a waste of a great IP
  42. Pekotski
    Jan 9, 2022
    2
    I am not sure what I have just watched, but it isn't Witcher. I have the feeling that the screenwriters didn't bother to read the books. But, if they did..., then there is no excuse - it really takes an untalented moron to screw up such material that bad. Giving 2 thanks to the effort from actors.
  43. Vauldt
    Jan 13, 2022
    2
    This second season is to The Witcher what Kraft Singles are to cheese. The first season showed a lot of promise. Sure some liberties were taken, but different story telling mediums call for different approaches. Besides, the show seemed to understand both the source material and the core fanbase essential to its success. Season two doesn't do that.
    Beyond a couple events, what happens this    This second season is to The Witcher what Kraft Singles are to cheese. The first season showed a lot of promise. Sure some liberties were taken, but different story telling mediums call for different approaches. Besides, the show seemed to understand both the source material and the core fanbase essential to its success. Season two doesn't do that.
    Beyond a couple events, what happens this season doesn't happen in the books and the content it's been replaced with lands more like modern, finger-wagging allegory than compelling and creative writing. The actors' performances were strong, but what they were asked to perform left no excitement or even cautious optimism for the future of the series. At the least, the excellent books and games will still be here.    … Expand
  44. MorriganPet
    Dec 30, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bad news!...instead of creating the world and characters that we viewers can identify with and share the journey together, Netflix has gone for cheap tricks of shock and awe (killing of Eskel -by Geralt, what's more -Geralt would never do that,last resort he would offer himself)and then Yennefer cutting her wrists!...Again!...well, shock is there bvut no awe...disgust is what we are left with.
    One good change...Geralt looks delicious the girls say...and the boys would like to be like him!
    The ugly scar is gone...and Geralt is not an arrogant prick and an imbecile to boot, lioke he is in the game Wild Hunt.
    One thing though about the scar...when we get to Skellige i'll miss ("nice scar, want to see mine")    … Expand
  45. krzy_chu
    Dec 30, 2021
    2
    THE WITCHER RUINED. The Witcher could be a good series, but the writers showed zero respect for the source material. The novels are good. What they did with them is just stupid and pathetic. Why? Books are rich and full of great ideas – there was plenty of them to choose from. You don't have to change and ruin characters that people love. Unless you think you know better. But you don't.THE WITCHER RUINED. The Witcher could be a good series, but the writers showed zero respect for the source material. The novels are good. What they did with them is just stupid and pathetic. Why? Books are rich and full of great ideas – there was plenty of them to choose from. You don't have to change and ruin characters that people love. Unless you think you know better. But you don't. Novels are art. This definitely isn't.… Expand
  46. multiwalrus
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    Damn bad... So damn bad... I watched the first episode because I read/heard that the Nivellen sequence from the books would be in there, and although the first season was pretty bad, I thought at least that part would be exciting.

    They turned Nivellen, the creature I mentioned, into a friendly-grandfather/ shoulder-to-cry-on type instead of the menacing/dangerous/interesting character    Damn bad... So damn bad... I watched the first episode because I read/heard that the Nivellen sequence from the books would be in there, and although the first season was pretty bad, I thought at least that part would be exciting.

    They turned Nivellen, the creature I mentioned, into a friendly-grandfather/ shoulder-to-cry-on type instead of the menacing/dangerous/interesting character he was supposed to be. The bruxa reveal in Ciri's room just felt like I'd seen it before a dozen times in the 90s... tolerable, but just not exciting in any way. Colored contacts are just something I'm aware of, and it doesn't make me scared I guess. There's no passion for the material here.

    There's just an amateur feeling about the whole thing unfortunately... not just in one aspect, but in nearly every way. Henry Cavill is the only decent thing about the show. They got him right. His costumes are great, and so is HIS acting. Ok- Ciri is young and was ok in the first episode - I forgive her. Everything and everyone else's behavior is jarring, and keeps you from believing in it.

    The good: CGI and sets.
    It just doesn't matter when so much goes wrong with the rest though. Yes the writing is bad... Yes there was the WORST decision of all time from season 1: "Hmm... let's have a plain gory uterus sitting there." Even THAT could be overcome but for the biggest gripe of all...The editing.

    Editing is really the most important job. With good editing, you can make the lamest piece of trash decent to watch. This is where the show falls on its face. The pacing... oh my goodness.

    The set should be part of what draws the audience in, not the point. I don't need to see the bucket flapping in the wind, bonking for a total of 20 seconds, over 3 shots... Have that happening in the background as Geralt is at work, moving the story forward... not bashing me over the head: "Psst.. This IS the SAME PLACE he was before guys!! YEAH! Seriously! REMEMBER THE BUCKET? Just TAKE a few more seconds of that. 5 MORE? NO PROBLEM!"

    I feel like the show runner was probably saying: "FOCUS on the YELLOW EYES Geralt has!! That is the cool part! No... the yellow contacts are just part of the costume. Expected (or whatever, we'd forgive you if his eyes weren't yellow... it just isn't that important), not the defining point of the dialogue sequence. The dialogue sequence should be about the ... dialogue?

    I know I'm piling on, like a lot of people. I just really wanted to love the show as a fan, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't.    … Expand
  47. szopenik
    Nov 2, 2022
    2
    Everything went wrong. Only the role of Geralt is close to the original novel.
  48. Angryfunnydog
    Dec 20, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Guys, I had not such high hopes after season 1. Though it was overall enjoyable. But this thing here is pretty much awful. Yep, I'm a fan of the books, but even outside of the books - the show's script is pretty stupid by itself. I laughed so hard over such chain of thoughts of main characters
    Vesemir: We can make mutagen out of your blood
    Ciri: Test it on me, sure, I can die and you won't be able to make more mutagens. Or I can mutate and probably you won't be able to make more mutagens either. Win-win situation, you know
    Vesemir: Yep, I'm old and wise witchers mentor, I think this is a good idea

    I mean, wtf. Who wrote this script? Did anyone actually read it thoughtfully? This completely makes no sense. I'm not even mentioning bringing whores to hidden keep and explanation "They're drunk and won't remember their way here" I guess they will also go back on autopilot as well. Or they plan to knock them out and drop somewhere in the forest? Or Eskel
    -I thought I can fight it, and I though you will help me.
    I mean, this guy didn't tell anyone anything, didn't do anything apart from drinking and having sex. How the hell did he plan to cure himself?

    It's just lol. I understand that this move has good actors. Cavill is great as always (though I also have questions about all his fanboy statements in interviews after he played main part here), other actors are ok as well. But all the rest - as I said - it's just lol    … Expand
  49. joobminty
    Jan 4, 2022
    2
    Cringeworthy due to weak writing and indescribably poor acting by many of the supporting cast. Elf storyline is boring and none of the actors are remotely believable. Henry Cavill is good - along with some of the older actors - hence the 2 points. All the basics of story telling are missing. This entire concept is a write off. Best case scenario is this dies after a couple more seasons -Cringeworthy due to weak writing and indescribably poor acting by many of the supporting cast. Elf storyline is boring and none of the actors are remotely believable. Henry Cavill is good - along with some of the older actors - hence the 2 points. All the basics of story telling are missing. This entire concept is a write off. Best case scenario is this dies after a couple more seasons - and allow some time to pass so people can analyse how it all went wrong - like Ghostbusters 2016 or Percy Jackson. Then maybe consider a proper remake.… Expand
  50. demonofmirkwood
    Jan 12, 2022
    2
    I understand that while creating shows like this the producer have artistic freedom and I would support this freedom if it respects the content in general. First episode was great and shows that you can tell the story differently from the source. But when you go and change almost all characteristics of the characters, make them into totally different characters you are now telling a randomI understand that while creating shows like this the producer have artistic freedom and I would support this freedom if it respects the content in general. First episode was great and shows that you can tell the story differently from the source. But when you go and change almost all characteristics of the characters, make them into totally different characters you are now telling a random witcher story, not THE witcher. Could have changed locations, atmosphere and added and removed some events to express your freedom but sadly lauren chose the risky way. But I doubt show will suffer even when its terrible, people still like henry cavil and witcher franchise a lot. They would watch anything related to it no matter how bad the writing is. Lauren probably knows this and used to her advantage which is pretty sad. I would still recommend people to watch it but only after you read the books. You need to see how good is the source content first.… Expand
  51. heroes005
    Jan 15, 2022
    2
    the show started one a reasonably good foot with the first episode. but then it strayed from the book so much and its downhill from there. now they cant hide how badly written it is. its no longer an adaptation its a badly written fanfiction
  52. Tonzqha
    Dec 21, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My 11 reasons not to watch this modern day **** below:

    1. Political correctness 2. Too much diversity 3. Unfaithful to lore 4. Feminism 5. Wokeness 6.Unfaithful to the Polish Eastern European vibe 7. Filler actors 8. Ruined characters 9. Bad place and time explanations for newbies 10. Ruined storylanes 11. Killing Eskel 12. Making no sense    … Expand
  53. Arkane7
    Dec 20, 2021
    2
    The first season was amazing, Cavill made the show. Season 2 however is nothing like the first. It should be called The Nanny or The Women as half of each episode is either the ladies talking non stop or Geralt taking care of his adopted daughter Ciri who is also a super talented teenage girl. It takes her mere hours to become very skilled in witcher training. Again, another ridiculouslyThe first season was amazing, Cavill made the show. Season 2 however is nothing like the first. It should be called The Nanny or The Women as half of each episode is either the ladies talking non stop or Geralt taking care of his adopted daughter Ciri who is also a super talented teenage girl. It takes her mere hours to become very skilled in witcher training. Again, another ridiculously overpowered girl who would probably be able to best Geralt himself by the end of the season, even though he's had decades of training while she only has weeks/months.… Expand
  54. Akri
    Dec 22, 2021
    2
    We have amaying stories in books, but they did this... Some actors are amazing tho.
  55. Purveyor
    Dec 26, 2021
    2
    In comparison to the highly successful and exciting season 1 season 2 feels woke and underwhelming. Many characters are done Injustice and the tone of the show has shifted to almost boring and predictable. Feels more like game of thrones season 8 rather than season 1. A mistake I hope can be remedied before the soul of everything that made the show great is ruined completely.
  56. marianpilka
    Dec 23, 2021
    2
    Every single episode besides the first one is just plain stupid and boring. Decisions made by some characters are hard to explain or justify. Vesemir looking like a tiger king (I think he even saw Carol Baskin in Ciri in the last episode), Ciri looking like pretentious karen, Trist still looking like a queen of gypsies. All that in addition to wooden play by actors, absolutely no tensionEvery single episode besides the first one is just plain stupid and boring. Decisions made by some characters are hard to explain or justify. Vesemir looking like a tiger king (I think he even saw Carol Baskin in Ciri in the last episode), Ciri looking like pretentious karen, Trist still looking like a queen of gypsies. All that in addition to wooden play by actors, absolutely no tension between characters and no idea how to enrich the story. In conclusion, poor tv show with questionable cast decisions, probably tried to make a tv show for everybody and came up with a tv show nobody will want to watch. I only feel sorry for Cavill as he was the only one giving somehow positive feeling.… Expand
  57. Jananas
    Jan 12, 2022
    2
    Okay guys. Just no. The first episode was actually pretty good and I liked it. But then the show took a nosedive in episode 2 and it kept the same level throughout. What is the point of constructing new stories to the already rich source material is beyond me in the first place. What is even more confusing is that these new constructs just don't make any sense - not only given the sourceOkay guys. Just no. The first episode was actually pretty good and I liked it. But then the show took a nosedive in episode 2 and it kept the same level throughout. What is the point of constructing new stories to the already rich source material is beyond me in the first place. What is even more confusing is that these new constructs just don't make any sense - not only given the source material, but not even as a standalone things. Even if this show have had slapped any name onto it, it would be mediocre at best. Given it is SUPPOSED TO BE, as Netflix said, an adaptation, the 2/10 is very generous, because it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the source material. The main ideas of the books are just not there, characters are dull and to top it off, dialogues are as if a teenager had written them. Yennefer had been dissolved into a **** machine.… Expand
  58. cylun
    Jan 7, 2022
    2
    When you assasinate all the characters and completely disregard the source material, at least make it interesting. But this season was boring af. The first episode was the only that actually kept me interested. The rest just feels like they arbitrarily picked plot tools to somehow get to the end and slightly adapted some minor details to the source. But this doesn't make it an adaptation.When you assasinate all the characters and completely disregard the source material, at least make it interesting. But this season was boring af. The first episode was the only that actually kept me interested. The rest just feels like they arbitrarily picked plot tools to somehow get to the end and slightly adapted some minor details to the source. But this doesn't make it an adaptation. This isn't The Witcher and it doesn't play in the Witcher universe. It's like a mix up of the Marvel universe, Star Wars universe, and The Witcher. It seems like all "professional critics" care nowadays is identity politics in universes where identity politics don't belong. Hey, why don't you make all Witchers female next season, because you have to show off how strong women can be. This rounds it up.… Expand
  59. acdbrd
    Dec 24, 2021
    2
    Poor writing meets bad acting.

    There are a lot of scenes that don't make sense and don't affect the story. Those affecting the story are often inconsistent with each other. Characters talk about their feelings constantly instead of expressing them.

    Tissaia's advice to The Witcher fans: "Now is not the time to be weak. Now is the time to be strong."
  60. Falcon911
    Jan 11, 2022
    2
    In its attempt to build a bigger world, the series falls prey to more fantasy tropes than it masters.
  61. Pyter
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I must say if You read books or played games you would be really disgust how they destroy universe. I do understand they wanted to build something on their own but they manage to piss off all fans. Plot have so many holes like whole lost of Yen powers and how she befriend with Ciri in 5 seconds. Many things here felt like made as mix of books, games and own storytelling ideas. For someone who know nothing about books etc season 2 is boring or average at most. Sadly after watching whole season I got only bad feelings about 3rd one as it cannot be connected again with books/games plot line.

    As for landscapes I do admit they improved themselves although I find Melitele Monastery a bit odd, like some indian guru stuff. Also Nenneke is very poor casted. Despite book Nenneke, one from season 2 does not have value to plot. She could be skipped as well or replaced. Both Ciri and Yen had very poor written scripts. They acted very illogically. I dont buy it. Same as Triss wanting Geralt in bed without giving watchers background of their relationship. I guess no random witch offer other guy spending night at the very first day. Overrall it is poor quality nonwitcher show    … Expand
  62. Orgeorg
    Dec 17, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was one of the more tiring watching experiences I had, even though I watched it in company. The others were the first to start playing with their iphones. I don’t have an iphone so I started playing with the cat. Unfortunately for me even the cat grew tired from the show and went to sleep.
    The story is irrelevant, the characters more so. There’s not a shred of logic even in basic human interactions. Let me give you some examples:
    Triss and Ciri walk in a dream – magic don’t ask. Triss is worried says: “Let’s leave, Ciri!”. Next scene Triss silently follows Ciri| Ciri is in a gown outside in the night and snow. She has a cape inside the manor. Ciri and Geralt leave manor without entering it. Next scene in the forest Ciri wears cape, gown is gone. Pity, it was a nice gown, could fetch a small fortune./Geralt and Istred assault and knock down two Nilfgaardian riders. “Let’s leave them and the horses. Let’s leave two Ferraris with the keys on them while continuing on foot”/Mage kidnaps, tortures Yen for info and gets caught. “Why punish him? Is torturing your colleagues illegal? Let’s punish Yen instead.”|Yen unable to use magic, instead of executing Cahir, he releases him in front of all the northern kings, the mages and their guards. She nevertheless makes her escape without magic. When asked by Cahir why she did it she answers “I’m saving my life”. I rest my case./Geralt to Ciri: “We’re Witchers we have the luxury of cracking our head. You don’t”. Next scene Geralt takes Ciri climbing in a mountain during winter in 90 degrees aptitude. Witchers don’t use climbing tools./Vesemir wants to train more witchers. He wants to train professionals held in lesser regard than whores, gravediggers and **** collectors although he feels guilty about the high risk process of creating such a professional. “Grandpa Vesemir did you take your medicine?”/And our personal favorite: Kaer Morhen, keep full of Witchers. Monster attacks. Whores and Ciri hide. Gerald and Vesemir fight monster. Rest of Witchers status unknown. They certainly aren’t protecting Ciri and the whores. I would.
    And that’s only a handful. The only specimens seemingly saving face are Cavil and Ciri because of acting but mostly because their characters have a shred of plausibility. Some scenes are good because of the cameramen and usually because none speaks. And once or twice during the five episodes we laughed because we were so tired.
    It’s a 10/10 experience. Everyone must watch!    … Expand
  63. bania
    Dec 22, 2021
    2
    Boring, generic fan fiction, such a travesty. First season was not so bad, but this one is shocking. Burn it to the ground.
  64. WanDereRDG
    Jan 10, 2022
    2
    Спасибо за "Канон" Lauren S. Hissrich! Бред сывой Плотвы... Увольте ее пожалуйста!
  65. AlexTell
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    It's funny how the showrunner constantly says that she likes the source material and call herself the witcher fan, yet her """"adaptation"""" has nothing to do with the witcher books and just represent her wet dreams of believing she's better at storytelling than Sapkowski. Henry, darling, I know you tried your best. It's not your fault.
  66. trevorcj66
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    Guys, just know that elves live in Mayan pyramids and there is a YAGA under it.
  67. Maz567
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well as a show that is based on the books, it manages to completely miss the mark. The characters are nothing like their counter part in the books (Cahir being mostache twirling evil, Vilgifortz, Yen losing her power and then trying to sacrifice Ciri, Vesemir wants to make witchers using ciri, Geralt using Ciri as bait, Cahir getting captured and Eskel to name a few). This basically changes many things from the books as mentioned. Even without considering the deviations from source material the changes make no sense and make things far worse.… Expand
  68. Damkota
    Dec 19, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Incoherent disaster, ruined by extremely bad writing. The world building doesnt exist. After the chaotic first season that served as an introduction to the main characters, the world building lagged behind. A better paced second season had a chance to improve that, and it totally failed. We barely see the kings, we even barely see Tissaia, a great character reduced to Vilgefortz's sidekick, craving for his approval. We still have no idea of this world's culture and geography, only that they are all racist against elves (cause racism is bae, kids). Dijkstra is weird, there is barely any idea of what he is doing. Foltest is non existent. Places look generic.

    The plot is a chaotic nightmare. After the very good first episode, it totally gets out of the track, loaded with unnecessary side characters. Too much character development from the last season is now being problematic - Istredd, Dara, Cahir, Fringilla, all of them need a place in a story that doesn't even need them yet. There are random Demons (wtf was that Voleth Meir stuff and why was it there, what purpose did it serve in the end), monsters popping in or out without importance. Remember when killing someone had actually importance and relevance for the plot? Remember how the dragon plot served as an exposition to Geralt's relationship with Yennefer? Remember how killing Renfri made Geralt question his entire life path? Remember how Geralt fighting ghouls to save a villager showed him as a good character at heart? Remember how Yennefer's failure against the assassin made her question her entire life choices? Well, forget about that. Have a flying chernobog, flying dragons, a myriapod killing a leshy (what was the point of that leshy - Eskel thing anyway?). Next time we will add Godzilla and King Kong and make them rampage around Kaer Morhen.

    Inconsistency in travel and magic and basically everything else: this world has no rules. Anything can happen as long as it is necessary for the plot development. Powerless Yennefer carving her way out with an axe through a group of mages, kings, soldiers? That was the dumbest escape I have seen in a film in a while. Geralt travelling from Kaer Morhen to Cintra, then back to Kaer Morhen with almost no time commitment, if feels like all characters are able to just teleport everywhere within no time, as long as the plot needs them to. Groups of people just running into each other when they need to (Yarpen Zirgin and his crew) and saving the day. Speaking of which, everyone can just teleport themselves into Kaer Morhen, cause it is a top secret stronghold, you know. Unfulfilled potential of character development. Ciri is supposed to be training hard, but we actually rarely ever see her do it. We see rarely any effort, wounds, anything, apart from one episode. We don't understand why she needs Triss' help: she seems to be doing okay all the time, so whats the point? Her bond with the other witchers is no existent: Lambert is only throwing jokes, Eskel is an **** that dies turned into a piece of wood (xd), Vesemir is talking about mutagens, no one respects him, hoes are brought to his home, everyone ignores his advices. There are hardly any dialogues between him and Cavill, the supposed father-son relationship doesn't have time to exist, cause Geralt is busy with bs magic monoliths. Henry Cavill is trying hard, but his role in the show serves no purpose. He is an occasional teacher, but most likely shows up to only kill a monster in the very last moment: literally every episode has a Geralt ex machina moment, killing some stupid leshy, some stupid dragon or myriapod, some stupid something in the very last minute. A complex, mature, grown up man, reduced to a monster slayer ex machina. Not to mention that his relationship with Yennefer is basically non existent, it even worsened. There is no chemistry between them, no time spend and we are supposed to believe that they are great lovers, especially after what Yennefer did in that bs demon plot. In the moment when they were all supposed to be a family, they just never had a chance to become one.

    The villains: we know nothing of the major political players, we know nothing of who is who, but there is also no sense of mystery, anticipation, all secrets are gave out cheaply: we know who Emhyr is, we know who Vilgefortz is. Their secrets have been given away, they have been totally stripped of all their menace. They simplified these great villains and replaced them with magic bs monoliths and magic bs demons. The fight against Michelet brothers means nothing. Remember the Blaviken fight, when Geralt is relentlessly pushing himself against Renfri and her gang, despite the fact he doesn't want to kill her? Remember how they had an entire conversation through their body movements, eyes expression? I see there is no point in having complex, mature and dangerous villains anymore, have a Godzilla in Kaer Morhen instead and clap your hands.    … Expand
  69. El30
    Dec 20, 2021
    2
    Generally, I don't care that the story of S02 has almost nothing in common with the books (however, I would like to point out that if I expect a steak, then I would like to get a steak, not a hot dog). The problem is different. The problem is that S02 is sooo boooring. After GoT I thought the producers finally understood that audience want to watch a mature, serious fantasy. Meanwhile theGenerally, I don't care that the story of S02 has almost nothing in common with the books (however, I would like to point out that if I expect a steak, then I would like to get a steak, not a hot dog). The problem is different. The problem is that S02 is sooo boooring. After GoT I thought the producers finally understood that audience want to watch a mature, serious fantasy. Meanwhile the Witcher S02 is infantile and neuter. Not recommend at all.

    PS: First episode of S02 is really nice. Almost it seems to come from a completely different series. All the more I do not understand what happened to the rest of S02.    … Expand
  70. elZane555
    Dec 20, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a train wreck. I won't rehash all the issues that have been addressed regarding the show no longer being an adaptation. I solely want to evaluate and judge what was in front of me.

    First the good. The first episode was pretty enjoyable. Certainly it missed some of the motifs and deeper conversations the short story had. But I never expected those things from this show. Season 1 was flawed but it was entertaining and had a fairly coherent plot. Which is more than can be said about season 2.

    Also I will say that Henry Cavill and Freya Allan did their best to portray a deep and sincere connection between Geralt and Ciri. The writing and plot certainly didn't make that relationship feel earned. But I will credit those two for their efforts. I could tell they were trying hard to convey the emotional connection between the two characters.

    Unfortunately that is where the positives end.

    Now, let's talk about Yennefer. Nothing encapsulates the utter disaster that was this season better than following Yennefer's arc throughout the season. I can't fault Anya Chalotra. As far as I know she could be a very talented and serious actress. But the writers absolutely dragged this character through the mud.

    Never have I seen a character that is supposed to come across as powerful, complex, and independent come across as so weak, one dimensional, and easily manipulated. So the writers decided to create a subplot that deviates from the books where Yennefer loses her magic. Ok cool.

    So she goes through an arc where being stripped of her power leads to her becoming a stronger and more dynamic character, right?

    Nope! Instead Yen goes on an adventure where she pulls off what, in theory, is a string of badass escapes - fleeing during the attempted execution of Cahir, burning Rience's face. I say in theory because the execution of those scenes is just so absurd it defies even magical fantasy logic.

    The escape with Cahir is done so sloppily that we are to believe Yen, with no magic power, is able to one chop the chains, one chop the towers, and flee before an audience of knights and sorcerers are able to do anything.

    For plot convenience Rience holds Dandelion in the middle of the same tavern he performed at earlier where Yennefer is able to casually stroll in. The two go on the run only for them to be sold out by the prostitute Yen foolishly showed her face to even though she's wanted and spent the prior episodes purposely hiding her face.

    But indulge me. Let's pretend these are badass Yennefer moments where she learns to use her cunning and courage to defy the odds even without her magic. Ok cool. In theory that would be a fine subplot to give to Yen if we're deviating so far from the books.

    Except all that is abandoned when Voleth Meir is somehow able to pluck Yen out of thin air. It was supposed to be a character statement when Yennfer turned down Voleth Meir when Fringilla and Francesca were unable to turn down the power she offered.

    But instead Yennefer decided she'd do anything to have her power back. Not only is Yen willing to sacrifice Ciri and betray Geralt but she is willing to risk all kinds of unknown disastrous consequences by handing over Ciri.

    This all culminates in my most loathed dialogue in a season of terrible dialogue. When Geralt, somehow arriving just in time to fend of the Nilfgaardians despite a vast geographical difference, calls out Yennefer for her actions, Yennefer screams:

    "I was stupid. I was selfish. I was stupid and selfish."

    Yennefer. One of the most powerful and badass women in all of fiction reduced to a whiny teenager who lost all ability to think for herself. And instead of making bold and risky decisions for the greater good as she is supposed to, she risks everything for her own selfish ends.

    The hallmark of a bad show is having main characters do dumb things solely for the purpose of moving the plot. Yennefer, Geralt, Vesemir, Dandelion all had a field day doing that the entire season. Like Vesemir's desires for Ciri's blood resulting in it getting stolen by Rience.

    Now let's talk about that ending. So the all powerful demon who was able to manipulate 3 expert sorceresses, pluck Yen out of thin air thousands of miles away, and summon hell beasts can be vanquished by kind words? Huh.

    So are Yen's actions forgiven now because she said kind things to bring Ciri back?

    Regardless, no kind words could bring this show back to relevancy or anything resembling an intriguing story.

    The irreparable harm done to these characters make it so that no future seasons or writing can make any of their motivations make sense. The plot holes and plot contrivances can not be undone by any further explanations or added events.    … Expand
  71. Matiokso
    Dec 21, 2021
    2
    Fact is that this whole series start to look like some fanfik not a book adaptation
  72. Infidelp
    Dec 21, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am disappointed that they decided are no longer adapting the series from the original source material. Many characters have had significant changes which means they will have completely different plot arcs. Cahir being power hungry and a Nilfgardian? Vesemir willing to sacrifice Ciri by making her a Witcher, Ciri being possessed, Yen losing her power, Eskel turned into Lambert and then killed. They literally made 20 witchers just so they could kill them off. I'm all for representing a diverse cast, but having a strong Jamaican accent in a medieval tavern is immersion breaking. It just causes me to lose any suspension of disbelief. When says a lot as it's fantasy. Although they stopped with constant timeline switching there are still loads of dreams thrown in that is very confusing. That fact that GOT is 20x more complex story and anyone can watch it while I (after reading Witcher X5 times) get confused every 10 minutes shows how bad they are at writing. Another thing is attention to detail. Ciri is living with the witchers or running through a forest and has perfect straight hair and make-up?

    My 2 points go to the actors and other workers who worked hard and have no say in how the story is told. They did a splendid job it's not their fault the director and writers value political correctness over telling a story. I mostly feel bad for Henry as he is a big fan of the books.    … Expand
  73. romanchikkotik
    Dec 21, 2021
    2
    Второй сезон оказался еще хуже первого. Сущий кошмар. Полное незнание книжного канона.
  74. Arnagard
    Dec 22, 2021
    2
    Only technical part of the show is OK (not great). All the rest (plot, dialogues, characters motivation...) is terribly bad.
  75. Jopich
    Dec 23, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A guide to destroying a beautiful wonderful fantasy world. It's a pity that all this modern garbage was applied to the witcher (I hope you understand what I mean), completely ignored not only the little things, but also the main aspects of this series. Listen to your fans next season if you still want to save the show's ratings… Expand
  76. Roman111
    Dec 24, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Отвратительный сезон, очень далеко от канона.… Expand
  77. Tajfun92
    Dec 26, 2021
    2
    Poor quality and boring. Most of it have no sense at all. I had some hopes after the first season, but not anymore.
  78. Jonny_Kung
    Dec 27, 2021
    2
    I am a huge fan of the books, having read them all and a massive fan of The Witcher universe. I can honestly say that I have no idea what happened to this season. Almost nothing that happens has anything to do with the books and the storyline. Instead we are given painfully generic dialogue, a plot that is as boring as it is nonsensical. Characters with no development or investment,I am a huge fan of the books, having read them all and a massive fan of The Witcher universe. I can honestly say that I have no idea what happened to this season. Almost nothing that happens has anything to do with the books and the storyline. Instead we are given painfully generic dialogue, a plot that is as boring as it is nonsensical. Characters with no development or investment, characters that are completely disrespected and lastly, pandering to the "message of wokeness". This is how NOT to write an adaptation or any show for that matter. Henry and Freya do as good a job as they can but i do feel sorry for Henry, as he must be wondering what on earth Lauren has done to the show. It's a Witcher show in name only at this point and does feel disrespectful to the actual books and the fans. Lauren (the show runner) has completely butchered this for her own means, clearly.

    Season 1 followed plots from the books and whilst the broken chronology sometimes made things difficult to know where in the books you were; a reasonable job was done. Season 2 however....well.... it made no sense. I was so confused as most of what you see never happens in the books and it really shows. Bitterly disappointed and yet another trashy, bad-faith show to add to the vault of shame to be forgotten about. Such a wasted opportunity!    … Expand
  79. PickleRickBaby
    Jan 1, 2022
    2
    OK, I admit I'm a huge fan of the original book series. I loved the games too. But I'm not judging the season just on its differences vs. the source material. I understand that you can't simply take several pages of dialogue from the book and insert it straight into a movie material. I can also accept some alterations to the main storyline to make it more "compact" or "robust" (althoughOK, I admit I'm a huge fan of the original book series. I loved the games too. But I'm not judging the season just on its differences vs. the source material. I understand that you can't simply take several pages of dialogue from the book and insert it straight into a movie material. I can also accept some alterations to the main storyline to make it more "compact" or "robust" (although after timeline magic confusing to people not knowing the original books I wouldn't say the show creators cared about it much).
    But my problem (and not only mine - my wife who knows only some of the first short stories agrees with me completely) lies elsewhere. The writing is so absurd and chaotic that you scratch your head and murmur "wtf?".
    The first season parasited on the source material and pushed woke culture on us but at least the main characters had _some_ character.
    In season 2 the writing is so off that you no longer know what the hell is going on, who's where and where this where is, characters meet at random and noone knows why... the list goes on and on. It's no longer the original saga based on greatly written characters - there's almost none of that left. It's not even a hack and slash show. It's some weird GoT wannabe written probably by some interns.
    The only thing I liked about the show was the visuals. I liked the cyan-yellow colour range, I like the lighting in most of the shots. It was pleasing to watch. But that's all.
    I didn't like Geralt's new contact lenses!    … Expand
  80. triumphtinltcdg
    Jan 5, 2022
    2
    I have a big grudge against the creators of this series, the source material was treated by them without respect and understanding, there are no emotions between the characters, only pompous lines spoken to each other...no world building... they took the easy way and made a generic fantasy series without the depth of source material
  81. smolny1
    Jan 8, 2022
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Show is unlogical, have for the most part nithing to do with book. Changes made (Emhyr reveals that Ciri is his daughter, Yennefer kidnapping of Ciri etc) makes impossible to comeback to main plot of book and force writers to continue making up their own week story.… Expand
  82. busiek
    Jul 3, 2023
    2
    I watched second season - it was bad, but Henry Cavill still was good as Gerald.
  83. admad
    Jan 8, 2022
    1
    This is pure crap. The new story is just boring and stupid, it might be acceptable if it weren't for the original stories which are there for the taking, but they decided to go their own way which is very bad. You had one job Netflix, and you failed.

    The only way season 3 might recover from this is that the season 2 was just a nightmare that Geralt was having, he wakes up and says    This is pure crap. The new story is just boring and stupid, it might be acceptable if it weren't for the original stories which are there for the taking, but they decided to go their own way which is very bad. You had one job Netflix, and you failed.

    The only way season 3 might recover from this is that the season 2 was just a nightmare that Geralt was having, he wakes up and says "Damnit, what a nightmare" and the life goes on from season 1 as per the books.    … Expand
  84. DexEngineer
    Dec 24, 2021
    1
    This is not Witcher. It has its title, that's it. Producers missed the opportunity chance to create great experience. Henry tried, kudos to him. Him alone couldn't save the show. Moving forward.
  85. Steyraus
    Jan 2, 2022
    1
    There was one thing that Made The Witch Season one good, Henry Cavil as Geralt , every gruff word, every sword fight ,was compelling and entertaining. Henry gave his all for the performance and pulled of The Witcher perfectly.. The show was riddled with other issues , but Henry made it great.
    SOOOOO what do they do in the Second season??? Focus of the female side characters!!!! It is 2021    There was one thing that Made The Witch Season one good, Henry Cavil as Geralt , every gruff word, every sword fight ,was compelling and entertaining. Henry gave his all for the performance and pulled of The Witcher perfectly.. The show was riddled with other issues , but Henry made it great.
    SOOOOO what do they do in the Second season??? Focus of the female side characters!!!! It is 2021 after all , we cant have nice things..
    Henry is still great, but his great performance is interlaced with boring Stories about the female sides characters that are nothing like the books or games. Yenifer in this show is just an embarrassment to the Franchise here, she is nothing like the Character from the books or Games.    … Expand
  86. White_Bear
    Dec 24, 2021
    1
    It is quite difficult to watch if you read the book. Main characters are missing depth and motivation for their actions. The main story from the book is simplified but idiotic new story is introduced. What is Baba Yaga doing here? She is from Russian tales, probably they read the wrong books by mistake.
  87. ScienceAdvisor
    Dec 20, 2021
    1
    Witcher in name only. This does not have anything to do with the books or games. The intersectional feminism and bad CGI duel for being the worst part of the show, but are just elements of the entire team making this. They chose to corrupt a great story just for their own person agenda like a cultural cancer.
  88. Lekhter
    Dec 23, 2021
    1
    That's not witcher. Plot is f***ed. Miscast and no books atmosphere. Netflix, please, change showrunners.
  89. leviathanarg
    Jan 4, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved the Witcher 3 game and I liked Season 1 (although I am not fan of black-washing characters).
    Season 2 is bad. Save for episode 01. Also for Geralt and Ciri, both actors fill their roles perfectly.
    My two cents, the series is called The Witcher, so put more witcher in it. Also, there is no need to censor boobs in a TV show not aimed for children. Finally, the author of the books and the developers of the games wrote interesting stories, why don't you bring those to the screen.    … Expand
  90. willerkiller
    Jan 16, 2022
    1
    Feels like a bad fan-fiction. Only, the writers of this show evidently aren't fans of the original source material. Just turn your brain off while watching to laugh at what it is: More woke trash from Netflix.
  91. OlivierPiel
    Dec 21, 2021
    1
    Season 1 was fun and light, Season 2 is utterly badly written/dumb and the most convulated and stupid story I have seen on screen in a long time. Bye Witcher! I dropped after 3 episodes
  92. Kunray
    Mar 30, 2023
    1
    I’m really hoping they keep the good quality going and explain more of the lore eventually. I loved the characters and how human they are despite their fantastic powers. Here’s to season 2!!
  93. LeandroB
    Dec 26, 2021
    1
    Terrible decisions all over the season, it completly departures from the books, kills beloved characters just to subvert expectations and so much more...
    Its was a very disappointing season after a very good season 1.
  94. Arcello
    Dec 23, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s just bad. I read all book and payed games long before the series. Creators told us about books but the series has nothing to do with them. Terrible attitude of the authors. Many illogical moments in the script. Very bad graphics. The death of Eskel, constant teleports of the characters over long distances, the loss of Yennifer's magical abilities, and so on, much can be said. I am very sorry that my favorite universe was destroyed in Netflix’s creation. After watching the eighth series I was extremely disappointed and there was only one thought “Just how? How?”. Only people that didn’t read books or played games can barely enjoy the series. But even as a stand-alone product it’s awful. Of course 140 million views (2 minutes of watching counts as view already lol) is an indication of good job (no). Funny that nothing will change and they will continue to make another strange things in their series.… Expand
  95. ay1908
    Dec 26, 2021
    1
    Practically unwatchable. Not only I was incapable of making it to the end of the season, I did fast forward several scenes as they were too embarrassing to watch. As if stripping the books of all their polishness to make a generic American woke fantasy series with no flavour wasn’t enough, they even messed up the story and the characters. Contrary to the books, they created an incoherentPractically unwatchable. Not only I was incapable of making it to the end of the season, I did fast forward several scenes as they were too embarrassing to watch. As if stripping the books of all their polishness to make a generic American woke fantasy series with no flavour wasn’t enough, they even messed up the story and the characters. Contrary to the books, they created an incoherent world filled with shallow characters. The writing and pacing is terrible. The show is all over the place as they try to squeeze in as much as they can in too few episodes instead of focusing on the main aspects of the story. It results in cheap shortcuts, lack of character development, lack of context of many scenes, superfluous side stories that don’t make sense when it’s not straightforward butchery of the books and characters. I understand taking liberties from the source material when you adapt a book to make a tv show but here is it done very poorly and it doesn’t make sense.

    The only decent thing in this show is Cavill’s acting.

    I stopped watching before the end of ep. 4    … Expand
  96. WreckWren
    Dec 22, 2021
    1
    I enjoyed the first season enough to re watch several times. Sure, it was a bit hard to follow at first, but otherwise the quality was just barely enough.

    This is nowhere near that "good". The casting is somewhat better but the acting has dropped through the floor Metacritic's mobile site is as bad as this season, so I can't finish that sentence. I can't add any more below this either,    I enjoyed the first season enough to re watch several times. Sure, it was a bit hard to follow at first, but otherwise the quality was just barely enough.

    This is nowhere near that "good".
    The casting is somewhat better but the acting has dropped through the floor

    Metacritic's mobile site is as bad as this season, so I can't finish that sentence. I can't add any more below this either, also because their site is as bad as this season.
    2/10 at best.    … Expand
  97. V0X_Populi
    Dec 19, 2021
    1
    Ещё дальше уходят от книг в погоне за бредом и у них это получается. За Эскеля особенно обидно.
  98. xbudx
    Dec 20, 2021
    1
    cons - another show that suffers from being too woke. the writing in witcher seems like they just tossed out everything great about the books and asked a 4-year-old what an encounter between fantasy characters might be. (fire **** this fire **** that mixed with the bards cringe commentary) this show also decided to include classic Disneyesque quick quips that are so lame it makes me wondercons - another show that suffers from being too woke. the writing in witcher seems like they just tossed out everything great about the books and asked a 4-year-old what an encounter between fantasy characters might be. (fire **** this fire **** that mixed with the bards cringe commentary) this show also decided to include classic Disneyesque quick quips that are so lame it makes me wonder if the creator isn't 4 but is actually a 55-year-old suburban woman ripping from big bang theory. Netflix likes to "consult the algorithm" and see how many random demographics they can attract while making the show just good enough to be not good but passable. you would think with GoT being so huge and LotR being the best trilogy of all time they'd actually hire someone who isn't a dullard to make the show. some of the acting is so bad my head hurt as I thought I was in some sort of distorted mental hell but realized this is just the current state of tv. they should have just given geralt blue hair, made him trans, and then cast anyone from a google search of "woke actors" and called it complete because they're not far off. dummy bird brain **** for little guys.

    pros - cool monsters    … Expand
  99. kycapuk1
    Dec 20, 2021
    1
    Is not problem when you adjust plot of books, you can't create tv-show exactly the same like books. It's problem when your aim to show people oppression of the elves and how Jasker fell in love with Geralt. The atmposhere of Witcher was destroyed
  100. pikan
    Dec 21, 2021
    1
    Разочарование года, снимали 2 года и вышел кал в продакшен. Актеры не выразительны, моменты с наиграностью актеров, а драки это просто показуха какая-то просто нужно было вставить и все. 1 сезон лучше намного раз чем этот. Я молчу уже про каст актеров, сцены с цири просто скипал ибо вызывала отвращение, рвоту и уныние.Разочарование года, снимали 2 года и вышел кал в продакшен. Актеры не выразительны, моменты с наиграностью актеров, а драки это просто показуха какая-то просто нужно было вставить и все. 1 сезон лучше намного раз чем этот. Я молчу уже про каст актеров, сцены с цири просто скипал ибо вызывала отвращение, рвоту и уныние.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Polygon
    Reviewed by: Joshua Rivera
    Jan 6, 2022
    80
    The show has earned a sizable amount of goodwill in an impressively short time, and even if we can no longer see the destination, The Witcher still feels like a hell of an adventure.
    Read full review
  2. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Dec 19, 2021
    67
    Watching the foundation get laid isn’t always exciting, but it does feel like showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich is building toward rousing sequences and cares about each of the characters equally. Whether you feel the same doesn’t really matter. “The Witcher” is in it for the long haul, and even if Season 2 feels longer than it should, you won’t regret the ride.
    Read full review
  3. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Dec 17, 2021
    50
    “The Witcher” constantly struggles to balance its dialogue-driven scenes with pushing the plot forward. It can be an exhausting show in terms of pace—every single episode feels longer than it actually is.
    Read full review
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