• 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

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User Reviews

  1. Dec 23, 2021
    5
    It's hard to know whether I'm watching the Witcher TV series, or a TV series called The Witcher.
    Adaptations to source material are needed especially when trying to make an entertaining show however season 2 is painfully average. With the rich source material, the show potential is quite high, though they seem to have done a GoT season 8 in their season 2.
    Knowingly making huge
    It's hard to know whether I'm watching the Witcher TV series, or a TV series called The Witcher.
    Adaptations to source material are needed especially when trying to make an entertaining show however season 2 is painfully average. With the rich source material, the show potential is quite high, though they seem to have done a GoT season 8 in their season 2.
    Knowingly making huge adjustments from the source material when a good proportion of the fans have been brought in due to that source material Seems foolish. it makes a disconnect between the material and the show thus meaning that the show must fall back on its simple quality.
    Here it isn't all bad, because of noticeable improvements in acting, costume design, set design and visual effects, meaning it doesn't fall flat on its face.
    Reading the reasoning behind an unexpected death in the series, probably the most notable change from the source material doesn't provide any clarity.
    It just seems that they were unable to do proper character development and fell back on people knowing the character from the source material and the games to make that death more impactful.
    Though season 1 was a testament to character development especially for Yennefer It's absent here.
    Although, it's still entertaining and will bring in the views. The showrunners seem to have divided its view base to no clear gain.
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  2. Dec 25, 2021
    5
    Season 2 does an excellent job of fixing whatever season 1 slightly confusing with the different timelines much like westworld (which didn't bother me, but I get why some people I talked to didn't like that), they fixed the characters so they look more like what I was familiar with. Eskel was a pretty big disappointment, but thats was my only real gripe
  3. Dec 26, 2021
    5
    Marvellows adaptation, the time line issues in the first season were solved and the characters history is deeppened
  4. Dec 29, 2021
    5
    It was okay but not as good as the first season. Was a very generic script writing style. Just standard Ciri is the key to everything and a big bad guy is on his way. Yadda yadda. There wasn't really much story or depth to the season. Nothing really interesting happened.
  5. Dec 17, 2021
    4
    A blundering, ham fisted piece that wastes the potential and goodwill built in the first season. The divergences for the actual Witcher story are not only uninteresting and unnecessary, but also poorly done.
  6. Dec 20, 2021
    4
    The first Season of The Witcher wasn't brilliant, but it at least moved along at a reasonable pace and with it's 'out of sequence' storytelling around the three central characters it kept you wanting to find out more. The ending, in which 'The Witcher' finds his destiny in the Princess Ciri lead into the second Season quite well.

    So after a prolonged wait that second Season is upon
    The first Season of The Witcher wasn't brilliant, but it at least moved along at a reasonable pace and with it's 'out of sequence' storytelling around the three central characters it kept you wanting to find out more. The ending, in which 'The Witcher' finds his destiny in the Princess Ciri lead into the second Season quite well.

    So after a prolonged wait that second Season is upon us.... And dear, oh dear.

    There are good points. Namely the commitment to the acting, the fantastic cinematography and the (seemingly rare) action sequences. But beyond that, this is a sh*tshow of annoying proportions. Annoying because (as others have pointed out in other reviews) it is no longer an adaptation of a book series, but more an 'inspired by', as the narrative and characters are vastly different.

    And it's the narrative where everything falls apart. The first Season worked well because we kind of knew where the main plot element was going, and the various subplots existed to be dipped in and out of.. This second Season seems to move along (slowly) to solely introduce more and more characters, plot points, and insane amounts of meandering exposition. All without really explaining anything... Characters outside the 'big three' are mainly there to say something which is clearly meant to be important, whilst we (the audience) are still waiting for something to happen which helps us understand the last three big 'reveals' that have come along.

    Ultimately this is a massive disappointment. Too much plot, not enough action, too much exposition, not enough pace.

    I'm wanting to see Season 3, but only to see if Geralt actually uses his sword in an actual swordfight in 8 hours of television... He didn't this time round!
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  7. Jan 11, 2022
    4
    Eines vorweg. Ich habe nichts gegen das Casting. Im Gegenteil ich finde die Darsteller sogar okay bishin zu sehr gut.

    Was mich wirklich stört ist das Drehbuch. Einige Änderungen zur Vorlage verstehe ich einfach nicht. Ich hätte mir tatsächlich lieber eine Staffel die Ausbildung von Ciri angeschaut und wie sie 8 Stunden den Hindernis-Kurs versucht anstatt das zu schauen, was ich gesehen
    Eines vorweg. Ich habe nichts gegen das Casting. Im Gegenteil ich finde die Darsteller sogar okay bishin zu sehr gut.

    Was mich wirklich stört ist das Drehbuch. Einige Änderungen zur Vorlage verstehe ich einfach nicht.
    Ich hätte mir tatsächlich lieber eine Staffel die Ausbildung von Ciri angeschaut und wie sie 8 Stunden den Hindernis-Kurs versucht anstatt das zu schauen, was ich gesehen habe...

    Die politischen Konflikte verstehe ich zwar, sind aber für Leute ohne Vorkenntnisse einfach zu schlecht erzählt.

    Der Produktionswert ist super. Nur bitte bleibt lieber bei der Vorlage. Denn eure Erzählung ist leider einschläfernd...
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  8. Dec 22, 2021
    4
    Весь сезон происходит какой то сумбур, скачки из одного места в другое, пустые диалоги которые вообще не двигают сюжет, персонажи все пустые абсолютно, мотивация у всех на уровне - ну надо, значит надо. Ближе к концу сезон более или менее разгоняется, но так и остаётся максимально средним по ощущениям. Помимо, нам пытаются показать масштаб событий, разворачивающихся на площади несколькихВесь сезон происходит какой то сумбур, скачки из одного места в другое, пустые диалоги которые вообще не двигают сюжет, персонажи все пустые абсолютно, мотивация у всех на уровне - ну надо, значит надо. Ближе к концу сезон более или менее разгоняется, но так и остаётся максимально средним по ощущениям. Помимо, нам пытаются показать масштаб событий, разворачивающихся на площади нескольких стран, но масштаб этот не чувствуется абсолютно, все персонажи в шаговой доступности друг от друга оказываются в течение сезона, будто там всё в одном районе находится. И вот вроде специалисты по декорациям и костюмеры постарались со своей частью, создав определённый антураж, но сериал все равно не погружает в себя и чувствуется пластмассовым. Expand
  9. Dec 21, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In December 2019 the first season of Netflix's The Diverse Witcher launched, and after two years the second season has finally released. Ciri and Gerald have finally found each other through the bs powers of destiny. Does destiny also have the strength to make a good follow-up season? No!!

    The season starts out strong with an atmospheric and dark first episode, but quickly becomes a mediocre dramashow that features hours of insecure people needing constant reassuring (Was the writer of The Old Guard involved in this?) and **** their way to the end of each episode. Ciri has turned into a whiny stubborn nuisance that needs a baby sitter all the time. Geralt can't turn his butt or she has started new drama somewhere.

    You'll probably have guessed it by now, but I'm very annoyed and frustrated with the characters in this season. What were once strong, focused and disciplined characters have turned into whiny insecure parodies of themselves. Yennefer is nothing, Cahir is cooked air and Fringilla is just a shadow of the bad ass Nilfgaard Mage that made the counsel **** their pants. Geralt is kinda there, but follows the plot points around him for contrived goals.

    And then there are the new characters. Vesemir... is an old grumpy goat that has an one track mind. The Witchers are a joke, being killed like disposable soldiers. For a bunch of mutants that are specialized in killing monsters they die pathetically easy. You can't sneek up on a Witcher... except through Ciri's plot armor and contrived powers -_-

    After eight episodes it feels like the season wasn't done, yet was filled to the brim with filler that could have been cut out. People teleport from one location to the other as if traveling doesn't matter, and they find each other because... Destiny again? It's contrived and dumb writing.

    Apart from the first episode and Yennefer's low cut dress there was little in this season that i found entertaining. Once again, the sets look so clean as if it was made on the set of a low budget porn movie. Geralt barely fights anything, and when he does it is over in 60 seconds. Phillipa Eilhart is latest character to have been black washed by the compulsive 'pro-diversity' movement, and now there are even black witchers, a red-head Lambert and Eskel is killed off... Yup.

    Dissapointing. By now Netflix is already marketing spin-offs like Blood Origin, even if The Witcher has yet to make a lasting mark as a tv-series. I give this season a 4/10.
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  10. Dec 18, 2021
    4
    So i played the game first and loved it.
    Even thou its not based on the game, i cant help for compering the show to the game.
    That´s part of why i don't really liked this show. Henry cavill is the reason i came back for the 2 season, but i have only watched 4 episodes. I find my self distracted by another things that's more interesting. In the game Triss is one of my favorite
    So i played the game first and loved it.
    Even thou its not based on the game, i cant help for compering the show to the game.
    That´s part of why i don't really liked this show.

    Henry cavill is the reason i came back for the 2 season, but i have only watched 4 episodes.
    I find my self distracted by another things that's more interesting.

    In the game Triss is one of my favorite characters in the game, shes strong sex and interesting.
    In the show shes non of this...
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  11. Dec 25, 2021
    4
    Technically good, good actors(Henry cahil well done) but the plot.... Forget what you read on books... Season one had strange ideas but season two is ****
  12. Feb 9, 2022
    4
    I get the critics. The overall quality has drastically improved, especially the CGI.
    But the writing is just SO bad you can't think about anything else.
    As the showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich herself said: "She didn't know how to adapt the third book, so she made up a whole new story to replace it." Such a bad idea. Especially since the books are just that good. Sadly, Lauren's inability
    I get the critics. The overall quality has drastically improved, especially the CGI.
    But the writing is just SO bad you can't think about anything else.

    As the showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich herself said:
    "She didn't know how to adapt the third book, so she made up a whole new story to replace it."
    Such a bad idea. Especially since the books are just that good.

    Sadly, Lauren's inability to deal with this series is highlighted (aggravated) by the terribly written dialogues and a completely off-character cast.

    The Witcher is just a multi-million-dollar FANFICTION.
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  13. Dec 21, 2021
    4
    I wanna love this so much but the writing is so poor and the majority of each episode is so much of a slog focused on characters that are so one note and boring I can't recommend this. If feels like the writers think I'm stupid. The game and books are much better. Geralt, Ciri, Yen, and the bard are the only characters I enjoy in the show. Please for season 3 stop focusing on such boringI wanna love this so much but the writing is so poor and the majority of each episode is so much of a slog focused on characters that are so one note and boring I can't recommend this. If feels like the writers think I'm stupid. The game and books are much better. Geralt, Ciri, Yen, and the bard are the only characters I enjoy in the show. Please for season 3 stop focusing on such boring characters with basic storylines we've seen a dozen times before. Expand
  14. Dec 20, 2021
    4
    This review is specifically meant for Season 2, just so you know.

    When Season 2 was announced I was really excited, I was one of the ones that quite liked Season 1 despite the problems it had. Upon release though I realised that it's just too different from the books. This is mostly due to the changes they made which, in my opinion, do not improve the overall story in a substantial
    This review is specifically meant for Season 2, just so you know.

    When Season 2 was announced I was really excited, I was one of the ones that quite liked Season 1 despite the problems it had. Upon release though I realised that it's just too different from the books.

    This is mostly due to the changes they made which, in my opinion, do not improve the overall story in a substantial way. Characters often behave nothing like their book counterpart which its based on which makes it feel like a totally different story, and not in a good way. Social commentary on real life issues, which I normally enjoy in media, is shallow and on several occasions the show demonstrates very clearly that it is ill-equipped to tackle said subjects. Pacing is definitely better compared to Season 1 but it's all sort of lost because the plot did not interest me apart from a few scenes that were well done, but you can count those on one hand.

    Such a shame because the amount of time, money and passion that went into this shows. On a technical level, it's an improvement over everything Season 1 did. Cinematography is stunning, effects look more lifelike and blend better into the environment but again, since it's not supported by stellar writing, it all falls flat for me.

    I am glad it's doing well because it brings more people to these amazing stories but sadly the show seems to be for an audience that I am not a part of.
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  15. Dec 25, 2021
    4
    While I enjoyed season 2 a bit more than the first one, I still don`t understand who is this adaptation for.
    If they wanted to attract the folks who loved the games to take the advantage of the hype The Wild Hunt generated, then they missed terribly. If they targeted the novel fanbase, then they misfired even more dramatically, since not a single character in the series even remotely
    While I enjoyed season 2 a bit more than the first one, I still don`t understand who is this adaptation for.
    If they wanted to attract the folks who loved the games to take the advantage of the hype The Wild Hunt generated, then they missed terribly. If they targeted the novel fanbase, then they misfired even more dramatically, since not a single character in the series even remotely represents those from the books. And that`s the problem we have with modern trend of "lets try to push in several books into an 8-episode TV series". The narrative feels underdeveloped and rushed, the number of characters vs the number of episodes ratio denies their proper exposure, a terrible miscast alienates you from feeling sympathetic to at least somebody on a screen. I have a lot of respect to Henry Cavill, but he is just not a proper Geralt, he just isn`t. He`s too buffed, too brutal, too handsome, too perfect. That`s not how a witcher must look. And when you fall short so hard with your main character, there`s no surprise the rest will go even worse. The only two I can sorta comply with are Ciri and Jaskier. And what the hell happened to Eskel? Why does he look like a mentally unstable, 17-year old junkie who is in the middle of his puberty? WTF? And what about Vesemir? Where is that old, calm, and experienced witcher who replaced a father and became a mentor to the rest in Kaer Morhen? What we got insted is a middle aged man who seems to have a drinking problem and is incapable of holding his **** together, making one bad decision after another. WTF, Netflix?!
    So, the show fails to deliver the atmosphere and experience the books and the games were able to, leaving to core fanbase unsatisfied, while simultaneously being too rushed to explain anything to those who know NOTHING about the Witcher universe. It is just ok enough to sit through it for a couple of evenings while having a snack, but has nothing to add upon or improve regarding books and games, making it completely not worth your time.
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  16. Dec 23, 2021
    4
    Honestly disappointing, I really wanted to like this season since the first one was so entertaining. The writers inserted so much cheesy dialogue that it killed the vibe halfway through the season. Many of the actors did a terrible job in conveying the emotions of their characters with Geralt being the only consistent character with his development being built upon in a good way. A lot ofHonestly disappointing, I really wanted to like this season since the first one was so entertaining. The writers inserted so much cheesy dialogue that it killed the vibe halfway through the season. Many of the actors did a terrible job in conveying the emotions of their characters with Geralt being the only consistent character with his development being built upon in a good way. A lot of plot points make no sense and nothing is explained by the end of the season so you come out of it with more questions than answers which I don't think we should be having as an issue from the second season of the show. I'm going to look at reviews before using my time on the next season after seeing this one get botched so badly. Expand
  17. Dec 19, 2021
    4
    Why does ciri have cakes of makeup on. Looks immaculate after being in a fight in the woods and the makeup stays perfect throughout the series. Why is geralt always grunting he can talk he’s not a dog. How did the big bad flame magic guy(already forgot his name) find kaer morhen? Doesn’t make sense. Hopefully next seasons sticks to source material and doesn’t let Netflix writers destroy it.
  18. Dec 21, 2021
    4
    Story is written in a terrible way, it doesn't remind the original story. It's sad but sometimes I was laughing due to dialogues or CGI effects. Camerawork is impressive, acting was good.
  19. Dec 22, 2021
    4
    It'll be much quicker to share the positives:
    -Geralt played by Henry Cavill is really good, I see Geralt on screen when Henry is shown and that is really something considering how much Henry differs visually from Geralt described in the books. He feels what Geralt is and it shows. Great actor. Same thing goes for Joey as Jaskier. These are great casting choices, and I really wish they
    It'll be much quicker to share the positives:
    -Geralt played by Henry Cavill is really good, I see Geralt on screen when Henry is shown and that is really something considering how much Henry differs visually from Geralt described in the books. He feels what Geralt is and it shows. Great actor. Same thing goes for Joey as Jaskier. These are great casting choices, and I really wish they could play their characters with better script written for them,
    -First episode "Grain of Truth" was pretty good. It showed what adaptation is all about: It doesn't have to be exactly like in source material, some freedom is needed but if the show is called "The Witcher" it should stay true to the atmosphere of the original and don't change the story at it's core. Wasn't awesome, but it filled my heart with hope.
    And that hope was gone after 10 minutes of watching the second episode of this season. Bad storytelling and usage of characters from the original story without understanding their personality and values (not gonna mention changing whole story of some them, cause that could be fun if done right) Boring dialogues, boring music. Maybe the fighting scenes were pretty fun but that's it. Show is rotten, I truly wish someone else would make series about the Witcher, it deserves much better.
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  20. Dec 22, 2021
    4
    Besides first episode, which still has some flaws and controversial elements in my opinion, it was overwhelmingly boring, bland and convoluted mess with no regards to consistency, conciseness etc. Cheap Hollywood entertainment in a nutshell. From adaptation POV it was mostly unforgivable. A bad fanfiction at best.
  21. Dec 27, 2021
    4
    The first episode gave me hope that the season might be good - showing an interesting, morally ambiguous and self-contained story that doesn't need preliminary introduction or complex interaction of characters, events etc. in order to understand and enjoy. However, the rest of the season delved into exactly that - explaining how numerous storylines combine into a single plot about theThe first episode gave me hope that the season might be good - showing an interesting, morally ambiguous and self-contained story that doesn't need preliminary introduction or complex interaction of characters, events etc. in order to understand and enjoy. However, the rest of the season delved into exactly that - explaining how numerous storylines combine into a single plot about the "chosen one". In my opinion, it just doesn't work. Exploring that many storylines and treating them like cogs in a "chosen one" plot machine means you don't treat any of them in a meaningful way. Additionally, I think that the way scenes were shot was pretty bad - e.g. seeing how Geralt was standing in the background doing nothing in the final fight scene was ridiculous. It doesn't even matter if it went along with books or games, one can make a good series by not relying entirely on the source (or side-source) material. Expand
  22. Jan 11, 2022
    4
    Ужас, растянули сериал. Рассказывают глупые истории. После игровой адаптации, я не могу смотреть на Йениффер, а тем более на Трисс. Боже какое же убожество!!! Господи много чернокожих персонажей. Генри Кавел конечно молодец, но вот остальное аж глазам больно. Лучше бы не ибали мозги, и просто скопировали игровую адаптацию.Ужас, растянули сериал. Рассказывают глупые истории. После игровой адаптации, я не могу смотреть на Йениффер, а тем более на Трисс. Боже какое же убожество!!! Господи много чернокожих персонажей. Генри Кавел конечно молодец, но вот остальное аж глазам больно. Лучше бы не ибали мозги, и просто скопировали игровую адаптацию.
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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!
  27. 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.
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  28. 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
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  29. 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
  30. Dec 19, 2021
    3
    Awful, I could not even imagine they are possible to make things worse. Won't be awaiting the next season.
  31. 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).
  32. 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.
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  33. 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
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  34. 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.
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  35. Jan 29, 2022
    3
    Way to ruin something. Fantastic game, decent season 1... and now just poor writing and extremely boring.
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. 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
  39. 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.
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  40. Dec 21, 2021
    3
    Sapkowski jak to oglądał płakał podcierając łzy studolarówkami............
  41. 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.
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  42. Jan 14, 2022
    3
    bad
    [ bad ]

    adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
    not good in any manner or degree.
  43. 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
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  44. Dec 17, 2021
    3
    Актерский состав желает лучшего, но хуже всего то, что нигеров в сериал понагнали столько как будто там плантации сахарного тростника.....
  45. 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
  46. 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.
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  47. 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.
  48. 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
  49. 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
  50. 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.
  51. 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
  52. Dec 21, 2021
    3
    This is not an adaption. This is bad written fan fiction. Disgraceful and disrespectful.
  53. 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
  54. 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.
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  55. 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 !!!
  56. 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.
  57. 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
  58. 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
  59. 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
  60. 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.
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  61. 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
  62. 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 !!!
  63. 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
  64. 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.
  65. 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.
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  66. 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")
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  67. 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
  68. 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.
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  69. Nov 2, 2022
    2
    Everything went wrong. Only the role of Geralt is close to the original novel.
  70. 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
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  71. 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
  72. 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
  73. 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
  74. 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
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  75. 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
  76. Dec 22, 2021
    2
    We have amaying stories in books, but they did this... Some actors are amazing tho.
  77. 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.
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. 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
  81. 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."
  82. Jan 11, 2022
    2
    In its attempt to build a bigger world, the series falls prey to more fantasy tropes than it masters.
  83. 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
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  84. 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!
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  85. 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.
  86. Jan 10, 2022
    2
    Спасибо за "Канон" Lauren S. Hissrich! Бред сывой Плотвы... Увольте ее пожалуйста!
  87. 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.
  88. Dec 19, 2021
    2
    Guys, just know that elves live in Mayan pyramids and there is a YAGA under it.
  89. 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
  90. 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.
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  91. 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.
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  92. 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.
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  93. Dec 21, 2021
    2
    Fact is that this whole series start to look like some fanfik not a book adaptation
  94. 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.
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  95. Dec 21, 2021
    2
    Второй сезон оказался еще хуже первого. Сущий кошмар. Полное незнание книжного канона.
  96. Dec 22, 2021
    2
    Only technical part of the show is OK (not great). All the rest (plot, dialogues, characters motivation...) is terribly bad.
  97. 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
  98. Dec 24, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Отвратительный сезон, очень далеко от канона. Expand
  99. 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.
  100. 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!
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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.