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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  1. bartiorama
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    Congrats to Lauren for brave and successful plot changes. If you want the book's story, just read a book.If you want sth fresh, just watch it! Huge improvement comparing to season 1. Beautiful sets, fantastic special effects and great expansion of the original story. Thats so cringe when people complain about about the plot :))).
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. SOHI
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    i loved season 2 more than season 1. better story telling, better Special effects and more... remember The series should not be a copy of the books or games. there should be some differences. and to those who have no idea about the Witcher world, remember its just the beginning...!
  5. Clay-declaire
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't think this should be getting the hate it deserves. I've read the books and played the games. While it's not 100% accurate and necessarily sticking to source material, it's fresh, it's new and it's exciting. The characters became more 3 dimensional (eg, a brand new side to Yen losing her magic). I very much enjoyed it. CGI was fantastic, acting was great. Loved the Leshy.… Expand
  6. Artyon
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    I didn't like they went over the whole original story of books and games and tried to create a new story that destroyed the foundation of lore So they forgot that aren't the I didn't like PATHETIC
  7. Ergi
    Dec 19, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Eskel is dead
    Yen meets Cahir
    xDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD    … Expand
  8. Blackjohny117
    Dec 19, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even if we pretend the show is something on its own and has nothing to do with the source material, its still a bad show.

    -ACTING: Other than Geralt and Jaskier everything else was bad to mediocre. No joke, Fringilla is the worst actor I have ever seen. She has the same dead emotionless face throughout the whole show.

    -WRITING: Absolutely terrible, weird unnatural and cringe dialogues (with a few exceptions) and a story full of plot-holes and holywood cliches. The pacing of the series is horendous. I am sure like at least half of the people who watched the show have no idea wtf is going on with the politics, the mages, the races and stuff cause the writing is so weird and confusing you dont even bother trying to anderstand.

    -CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Absolutely trash for the most part. Yen spends the whole season trying to get her powers back and is willing to secrifice Ciri to a **** demon. Then we have Vesimir, who has zero personality in the show and is portrayed as an old weak dumb Witcher who has no idea what he is doing, then for some reason he wants to use Ciri as a blood vessel to make new generation of Witchers and doesn't mind **** poisoning Ciri to see if works? Triss ,after all the bonding scenes with Ciri, is disgusted with her all of a sudden because she is powerfull? Also Geralt uses Ciri as bait at some point? Like wtf is this? All the other characters (except Jaskier) have no character development or personalitty. Tell me do you even care about any of the characters of the show other than Geralt, Jaskier and Ciri?

    -PRODUCTION: Other than some landscape shots, maybe Kaer Morhen and the city which looked pretty good everything else is laughable. Like seriously can't they afford some qualitty contact lenses instead of using the 2$ version from Walmart? Also the costumes look like they came out of a fairy tale Barbie show. They look super clean and fancy and that makes it super akward to watch. Some special effects also looked so so weird and badly made. Like when Geralt chopped the head of that monster and it rolled in front of the camera or when Geralt punched a dude's tooth off.

    -ACTION: How much action was there? Like 4-5 scenes in the whole season 2? And were they even mindblowing or something? No, they were just ok.

    I would give the show a 6 or maybe an overated 7, but if you watch this show having in mind the source material the books and the games this is a 3-4.

    It's a shame cause Henry is a great actor and a really good Geralt but almost everything around it is just bad. Don't even know if I will watch season 3, probably not.    … Expand
  9. Iksbrown
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Season 2 is **** excellent. Don't listen to the negative reviews. Their arguments are all about how it's "different from the books" and nothing else. Yes, it's different, but it's amazingly good.
  10. GospoRadn
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    A phenomenal show that continues to improve. Better direction, VFX, writing and an all-around success.
  11. Hekke
    Dec 19, 2021
    1
    I'm huge fan of witcher universe. First I read all books (in summary six times now) then I played all 3 games, each of them on the premier day. 1 season of the Witcher has a lot of flaws but they managed to show the roughness of the world and a bit of dry humor similar to that found in Andrzej Sapkowski's prose. In Season 1, the stories were very flat, but it stuck more or less to theI'm huge fan of witcher universe. First I read all books (in summary six times now) then I played all 3 games, each of them on the premier day. 1 season of the Witcher has a lot of flaws but they managed to show the roughness of the world and a bit of dry humor similar to that found in Andrzej Sapkowski's prose. In Season 1, the stories were very flat, but it stuck more or less to the source material.

    All what was good in season 1, season 2 is lacking. Yes few things improved like CGI, costumes but that is all. After 1 episode of season 2 i was exited, yes they change a lot but it felt ok and I was hoping for more. However, the following episodes were some kind of misunderstanding. All characters except Geralt and Jaskier depict completely different characters that have nothing to do with Sapokowski's prose. The same goes for the story, the writers stick to the overall frame of the story, but at the same time turn everything else into empty and weak stories. When Henry Cavill who is a huge fan of the witcher world, in interviews says that he had to intervene in order to smuggle more Geralt from book, you should know that something is going wrong with the show. If in subsequent seasons they continue to maintain the level of departure from the source material and a simultaneous misunderstanding of it, the series will be a disaster or another weak Netflix adaptation.    … Expand
  12. plen
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    Ужасно. Выключил сериал на 2 серии, когда увидел развалившегося быдлана Эскеля и толпу шл*х в Каэр Морхене. В том самом Каэр Морехене, куда ведьмаки собираются на зимовку по сокрытым от лишних глаз тропам...

    Персонаж Эскеля просто отвратителен. В книгах - спокойный и разсудительный, тактичный и "брат-близнец" Геральта (так как почти одного возраста), в сериале - гопник 20 лет,    Ужасно. Выключил сериал на 2 серии, когда увидел развалившегося быдлана Эскеля и толпу шл*х в Каэр Морхене. В том самом Каэр Морехене, куда ведьмаки собираются на зимовку по сокрытым от лишних глаз тропам...

    Персонаж Эскеля просто отвратителен. В книгах - спокойный и разсудительный, тактичный и "брат-близнец" Геральта (так как почти одного возраста), в сериале - гопник 20 лет, агрессивный, отчужденный. Про доброго "дядюшку Весемира" вообще молчу.

    Цири в фильме получилась уже совсем не той маленькой девочкой, которую обучали ведьмаки. С виду ей лет 20, мне кажется в таком возрасте уже физически проблематично изучать все те пируэты которых требует ведьмачье ремесло..

    Забавно как авторы умудрились полностью скопировать из игр дизайн крепости ведьмаков, при этом полностью изуродовав личности его обитателей на свой манер. Это как вообще??    … Expand
  13. G-Rivia
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Watched season 2 in one day and loved it!
    Yes, it's different than the books but it is still a great story. Acting was ok.
    I would give this season a 8, but to offset those morons with there zeros I'll give it a ten.
  14. D1monn
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    Первый сезон был отвратительно толерантный, второй ещё и феминисткий, где 80% всего времени показывают бабсовет магов с пустой болтавней и ну просто омерзительными актерами, жаль что сумели испортить сериал с неплохим потенциаломПервый сезон был отвратительно толерантный, второй ещё и феминисткий, где 80% всего времени показывают бабсовет магов с пустой болтавней и ну просто омерзительными актерами, жаль что сумели испортить сериал с неплохим потенциалом
  15. 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
  16. Xander212
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Great acting, effects, cinematography, drama and action. What you want from a TV show. Watched it in one go. Best I have seen on TV this year. Brilliant.

    No it isn't a faithful adaption of the book. Judge it on its own merits.
  17. salp
    Dec 19, 2021
    1
    They destroyed all characters from books and logic of they actions. One point only to Henry.
  18. MrMic
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    WTF!? This is non logical super stupid piece of **** Please someone take back rights from netflix!
  19. Sto98
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Мда, я не смог досмотреть сезон, остановился на 4 серии. На сом деле нужно было очень постараться чтобы снять так плохо, такого бреда я давно не видел, сюжет ужасный, персонажи неинтересные, ведьмаков превратили в сборище каких то идиотов, ну и конечно было невероятно важно подчеркнуть актуальную повесточку.Мда, я не смог досмотреть сезон, остановился на 4 серии. На сом деле нужно было очень постараться чтобы снять так плохо, такого бреда я давно не видел, сюжет ужасный, персонажи неинтересные, ведьмаков превратили в сборище каких то идиотов, ну и конечно было невероятно важно подчеркнуть актуальную повесточку.
  20. mariuscris9019
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    A very good show and this is coming from someone who has played all the games and read all the books. There are some changes, yes, but nothing that would make me not love this.
  21. Flessless
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    Not loyal to source material, total trash filled poc:s. Elves that are fat, ugly and black, wtf is wrong with netflix.
  22. 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
  23. sassy_girl
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    Beautiful books source material destroyed and degraded to a marvel level. And to top it of they made some really bad casting choices.
  24. FlappyMy
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Сперва скажу, что второй сезон на порядок лучше первого и намного интереснее, в плане графики в плане сюжета.
    Oчень много было вырезано и добавлено от себя в отличии от книг ,которые, я читал. Чувствуется что решили уйти в самостоятельность, но в то же время это смотрится на одном дыхании и интереса от этого не убавляется, понравился каст ведьмаков, особенно ламберт и эскеля. По началу не    Сперва скажу, что второй сезон на порядок лучше первого и намного интереснее, в плане графики в плане сюжета.
    Oчень много было вырезано и добавлено от себя в отличии от книг ,которые, я читал. Чувствуется что решили уйти в самостоятельность, но в то же время это смотрится на одном дыхании и интереса от этого не убавляется, понравился каст ведьмаков, особенно ламберт и эскеля. По началу не нравился каст йенифер и трисс, но по итогу глаза ко всему привыкают, и могу сказать что смотреть дальше не противно.
    В заключение хочу сказать, что рекомендую к просмотру именно 2 сезон ведьмака и тем кто читал книги, и тем кто не читал.    … Expand
  25. MERT22
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    Watching this after reading the books and playing the games feels like having a frontal lobotomy done by a rusty metal **** attached to Lauren Schmidts hips.

    Seriously, if you had even limited experience with the source material and you still think that this is a quality show then you have some problems, most likely with assessing the quality of the product that you are being fed.    Watching this after reading the books and playing the games feels like having a frontal lobotomy done by a rusty metal **** attached to Lauren Schmidts hips.

    Seriously, if you had even limited experience with the source material and you still think that this is a quality show then you have some problems, most likely with assessing the quality of the product that you are being fed.

    After watching first season I thought that Lauren Schmidt, director of the show is just lazy and therefore doesn't care much about the accuracy to the source material. After watching the 2nd season I am convinced that she must actively hate both the books and the games and most likely even their fans.

    There is no logical explanation to any of the drastic changes that she has done in the script compared to the books. The changes serve no purpose to the story, they don't simplify it for the wider audience, they don't make it more compelling, cool or attractive. They made changes for the sake of changes and all of them made the story worse compared to if they would just copy & paste. Utter lack of talent from the shows creative team.

    The director had it all for this season, budget, great source material for the story (books) great source material for the costume design and how the original characters should behave outside of the original story (games), Henry Cavill, etc. but she still couldn't do even half decent job of bringing this to the screen.

    I have honestly tried to like it but this is beyond disappointing for the fans.    … Expand
  26. AlfaMode
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    Much better than the first season. Good cast acting. But the actress who plays Ciri is very bad. Where are the emotions? Always the same facial expression no matter the situation. Many commentators don't even understand what they saw. This is not an adaptation, but a series based on books. I don’t want to see a simple retelling of books, it’s boring.
  27. Tetrion
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is not a good plot writing to take a character from the book and just make him opposite. Crafty Riens, helpless Yennifer, emotional Tissaya, clumsy Franceska? Fire magic does not require self-destruction, just talent? Ancient witch (reference to game 3 Mother and 3 Sisters characters) to fiil the gap in plot? And Ciri, who has to remain incognito to avoid tracking, but declaring her princehood and name to all and everyone along the road? Well it was a monumental task for a team but they really managed to make worse season than previous one.… Expand
  28. vitmush
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    Story is boring most of the time, if that's not enough - dialogues are awfull, very cheap. Fight scenes are dumb, original story and atmosphere is ruined. Instead of this just some nonsense unrealistic action most of the time. Don't spend 8 hours on this
  29. BloodAndWine
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    By the end of the season it has deviated almost completely from the books. Entire plotlines gone. Pivotal characters dead. Completely new characters invented. Dynamics and relationships altered entirely. All these awful changes are written together sloppily and with poor talent. Absolute disrespect for the classic and beloved stories. Why not just make an original show if you don't wan'tBy the end of the season it has deviated almost completely from the books. Entire plotlines gone. Pivotal characters dead. Completely new characters invented. Dynamics and relationships altered entirely. All these awful changes are written together sloppily and with poor talent. Absolute disrespect for the classic and beloved stories. Why not just make an original show if you don't wan't to actually adapt the story? Netflix once again proving to be a joke. Might as well have called this 'WitcherDale'.… Expand
  30. BigDegs29
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Interesting…..

    I was very impressed by this season, only to come here and find so many people complaining about it. Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Metacritic user scores are more about people with tiny voices spouting off than giving an actual decent review. I even hear people talking about wokeness. You want to see actual wokeness, go check out that piece of trash Wheel of Time series on Amazon. You want to see an adaptation that pointlessly and detrimentally deviates from its source material? Same place.

    The Witcher though, went from good in season 1 to great in season 2. This season really focused on the relationship between Geralt and Ciri, which is the crux of the entire series, and delved into Ciri’s bloodline in tantalizing snippets. The moment to moment is harder hitting, the politics are interesting, and so is the world. While I had some reservations about the cast originally, no longer. They’re nailing it! The writing and directing are both excellent. I do have some complaints about the narrative deviating from the source material, but that certainly doesn’t negate how great this season otherwise was.

    Season 2 leaves plenty of intriguing threads to weave into season 3 that I just can’t wait to see!    … Expand
  31. smartinvestor30
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    It was tough to watch, for their credit some of the fight scenes with the monsters are pretty good. The story is ruined and of course a lot of things were changed for it to work in the wokeness era (aka the dark ages). They threw in some token black people to check off the diversity boxes but that's about it. All women are in power for the obligatory "women in leadership positions"It was tough to watch, for their credit some of the fight scenes with the monsters are pretty good. The story is ruined and of course a lot of things were changed for it to work in the wokeness era (aka the dark ages). They threw in some token black people to check off the diversity boxes but that's about it. All women are in power for the obligatory "women in leadership positions" propaganda. Ciri is a strong female character and Geralt is almost like a side character in this supposed Witcher series. I knew it was going to be ruined as soon as Netflix got the rights to it but I still wanted to give it a chance.… Expand
  32. Motoserdar
    Dec 18, 2021
    5
    Nothing special! Avarage on everything. The first season had some character and it was worth to watch. There was great music, deep character stories, variety of original monsters, amazing places and costumes and furthermore every detail were sexy and charismatic. There is none of them in the second season. It feels like a stretched 2nd class movie not a full season series.
  33. carsona45
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    This was an awesome season! Less jumping around and all together a great fantasy show. Will watch time and time again!
  34. Lamcza
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    WTF is this? Someone even read the books out there? The source is good, and they decide to change everything lol like what's the point...
  35. Kedanza
    Dec 18, 2021
    8
    Stick and Stones may Break Bones, but every season an entitled superfan will reviewbombthe **** out of something he disagrees with.

    If you liked season 1 the chances will be high you will like season 2. It's not the best show ever, but also far from being bad. Metacritic should just remove all the 1 star reviews by manbabies who just complain becuase of the skinor hair color of some    Stick and Stones may Break Bones, but every season an entitled superfan will reviewbombthe **** out of something he disagrees with.

    If you liked season 1 the chances will be high you will like season 2. It's not the best show ever, but also far from being bad. Metacritic should just remove all the 1 star reviews by manbabies who just complain becuase of the skinor hair color of some charectersor because it isn't a 1:1 copy of the books/games and the writers took some freedome to change some stuff.    … Expand
  36. owenw218
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    Better than season 1, and enjoyably paced, I see an unfortunate number of bad reviews by people claiming black people and people of color broke their immersion in a show that happens in a different universe with magic and monsters... Why would this universe speak in English, let alone dialetc we would recognize in 2021?

    I didn't get triggered by wokeness, and anyone who did is pushing    Better than season 1, and enjoyably paced, I see an unfortunate number of bad reviews by people claiming black people and people of color broke their immersion in a show that happens in a different universe with magic and monsters... Why would this universe speak in English, let alone dialetc we would recognize in 2021?

    I didn't get triggered by wokeness, and anyone who did is pushing an agenda and not just watching the show for what it is, a fantasy show about elves, witchers, magic and monsters.

    It's good, it's only too woke if you're gassed up on ben shapiro and a lack of relationships with normal people in your life.    … Expand
  37. MrPositiveClint
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    The 2nd season is a masterpiece in improvement over Season 1. Ignore the racists reviews that can't handle a couple secondary roles be people of color. It's awesome!
  38. Tavin93
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    Eight hours of my life that I’ll never get back. Not so much an adaptation as a frolic of its own, the Netflix show has departed from even the core motivations of Sapkowski’s characters in favour of a cheap, generic fantasy story. If the show had either kept a semblance of the source material (like in S02E01, the strongest episode of the season), or enjoyed a modicum of internalEight hours of my life that I’ll never get back. Not so much an adaptation as a frolic of its own, the Netflix show has departed from even the core motivations of Sapkowski’s characters in favour of a cheap, generic fantasy story. If the show had either kept a semblance of the source material (like in S02E01, the strongest episode of the season), or enjoyed a modicum of internal consistency and logical decisinmaking, it could’ve been a passable Witcher story. It wouldn’t have made any sense after the first season was an adaptation, but it might’ve still been enjoyable.

    But for the first episode, I would’ve given it a lower ranking.    … Expand
  39. grubbykiller
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Disappointing season, story was modified in every worst way comparing to the books.
  40. Ahlgren
    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...    … Expand
  41. Nissan7893
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    Just brilliant, an all-around improvement. Can't wait to see more of this masterpiece. The changes made unexpected but fantastic.
  42. arckmeez
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I know there is a lot of wokeness on the show casting selection, but to my surprise, was a lot better than the first, with only a main character (well two that might anger hardcore readers, in a way, I understand it, Yennefer for example, I will never understand, why they try to make her out of character likeable, when the Lannister proves, that you can be a bastard and beloved, and Eskel there's a lot of fun with him in both games and books and Now is gone forever, for some woke nobody Witcher who might replace him) from the original books and games been sacrifice.

    I happy to report that the season just scratch the surface and might give more seasons come and yet give some bone to eat to the normies. The change from the script I liked more, at least the woke Characters are doing a lot more than the original characters on the first season, in general an excellent season to be honest with a good story been told from it, Henry kept his word... I do recommend though, that read the damn books and played the games, those media deserves to turn you into a show hater...    … Expand
  43. smith67
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    Just finished the books. The changes are initially weird but unwind themselves. The idea that they’re making The Witcher “woke” is hilarious. Anyone who actually read the books would know that racism is one of the driving themes of the narrative. There are literally race riots and pograms driving the central conflicts. Geralt and non-humans are constantly facing prejudice in every scene.Just finished the books. The changes are initially weird but unwind themselves. The idea that they’re making The Witcher “woke” is hilarious. Anyone who actually read the books would know that racism is one of the driving themes of the narrative. There are literally race riots and pograms driving the central conflicts. Geralt and non-humans are constantly facing prejudice in every scene. Bewildered how anyone could tread those books and think otherwise.… Expand
  44. your_own_quest
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Смертная скука, дешевые эффекты, изобилие чернокожих персонажей! Пустые диалоги, напичканые штампами.
  45. KeraTerra
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    This show is so bad it's even awesome. It shows that screenwriters are perfectly aware of the source material which is a book and game series beloved by many fans across the world. But instead of adapting the source, the authors consciously decided to use a famous franchise to tell their own (very mediocre) story.

    Even if we put aside that the series is not true to the source, the show    This show is so bad it's even awesome. It shows that screenwriters are perfectly aware of the source material which is a book and game series beloved by many fans across the world. But instead of adapting the source, the authors consciously decided to use a famous franchise to tell their own (very mediocre) story.

    Even if we put aside that the series is not true to the source, the show completely flops as a standalone material. Character plotlines are completely made up and lack motivation, the pacing is so chaotic that trying to figure out what's happening is exhausting, and there is no logic in character dialogues or actions whatsoever.

    When the show was announced, it was expected to be a successor to the Game of Thrones in the fantasy genre. The books and games proved it has such potential. With Netflix's budget baking up the series, it had everything necessary to define the genre... besides the showrunner who would love the world and the characters as the fans do. Unfortunately, it is not the case.

    As another reviewer here mentioned:
    "Everything that I loved was worn out and mutilated before my eyes. For those who have read books, it will be very painful to look at it. I have one question: Lauren, why did you treat us so cruelly?"

    I sign under every word. Us, fans, had one chance for the true TV adaptation of the story and characters we love. There will be no other series, not after this disaster the show turned out to be. Why Lauren? You just had to adapt what was already there. Did you think that you may handle twisting the characters so badly to push whatever agenda you had instead? Well, that didn't work out. Crafting a cohesive story requires some storytelling skill, so it would be better for us all if you just stuck to the source.    … Expand
  46. Gervantri
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    «Основано на книгах» - шикарная надпись. Основано на книгах - это взять имя персонажа и полностью изменить его характер и историю, сделав из рассудительного ведьмака - идиота, который даже не знает, как лешего убить. Основано на книгах - это изменить характеры почти всех положительных героев в отрицательную сторону. «Дядюшка Весемир», который ненавидел создание ведьмаков и не хотел«Основано на книгах» - шикарная надпись. Основано на книгах - это взять имя персонажа и полностью изменить его характер и историю, сделав из рассудительного ведьмака - идиота, который даже не знает, как лешего убить. Основано на книгах - это изменить характеры почти всех положительных героев в отрицательную сторону. «Дядюшка Весемир», который ненавидел создание ведьмаков и не хотел смотреть, как из-за этого страдают, теперь просто жадный старик, который может ставить эксперименты на Цири ради создания ведьмаков. «Сестричка Трисс» - теперь вместо помощи Цири, будет кричать на неё «ТЫ УНИЧТОЖИШЬ МИР». Ламбер - идиот. Эскель - идиот. Весь Нильфгаард - не империя, которую все боятся, а сборище идиотов. Маги - не высший совет, а сборище кретинов. «Вырезать все хорошее и добавить плохое» - девиз нетфликс. Первый сезон я ещё мог смотреть(благодаря геральту и лютику), но второй - невозможно. «Мы учли ошибки первого сезона и сделаем все отлично» - это значит ещё больше изменить персонажей. Если персонаж не подходит характером и историей под книжного, то зачем ему давать такое же имя? Почему нельзя просто взять и дать ему другое имя, введя нового персонажа.

    «Сериал основан на книгах, а не на играх» сказали жадные нетфликс на фоне популярности игр. Притом от «основан на книгах» есть только имена персонажей. Зато из игр они спокойно украли броню нильфгаарда + вид каэр морхена + некоторые элементы внутри него + ещё очень много. Из книг же они взяли только название. Так на чем основан сериал? На жажде наживы и лени. Создатели сериала больше заботились, чтобы впихнуть как можно больше меньшинств, чем о том, как бы сделать хороший и интересный сериал, не затронув фанатов. На чувства фанатов им пофиг, зато если Цири - белая, то это расизм и так нельзя. Смотря сериал, не ощущаешь этой истории, не ощущаешь, что Цири кому-то дорога, поэтому не переживаешь за персонажей, ведь они все твари. Нетфликс, как всегда, огонь - 0/10. Не советую смотреть, если не хотите потратить 8 часов в пустоту.    … Expand
  47. tehJo
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Yet another atrocity. They really loosely used books. Changing the meaning of stories, added more and more. The script is really bad, dialogs are horrible, characters are butchered. Season one was really bad and due to changes made to the story, they are going deeper and deeper into the world of terrible confusion and at the same time feeding us horrible experiences. Dialogs are writtenYet another atrocity. They really loosely used books. Changing the meaning of stories, added more and more. The script is really bad, dialogs are horrible, characters are butchered. Season one was really bad and due to changes made to the story, they are going deeper and deeper into the world of terrible confusion and at the same time feeding us horrible experiences. Dialogs are written once in the tones of fantasy and in other times modern talk. The political correctness that changed the plot and characters in season one now just makes it unwatchable. The story of Ciri was a story of a child and clearly here she is a woman. I do not see redemption for this series. I like Henry but he should know better not to be part of this atrocity.… Expand
  48. HTrembler
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. really enjoyed the second season. as someone who has played the game and enjoyed the first season, I should say that this was a step up compared to the first season. The story was more understandable, the characters were real, and fighting scenes with monsters were on a whole other level. back then when they released the first season, I really enjoyed the music and I'm happy to see that they were able to do the same with this season.
    also loved Dijkstra's and Lambert's actors and I was ok with VesEmir too. can't wait for next season    … Expand
  49. Noe11
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Loved the books, loved the games. The show is unfortunately an utter garbage. I had minimal hopes after a terrible 1st season but somehow they managed to make a story, acting and characters even worse in this one.

    Lauren Schmidt (shows director) should seriously consider a change of career as anything creative apparently isn't her cup of tea. Seriously what sort of a mental midget you    Loved the books, loved the games. The show is unfortunately an utter garbage. I had minimal hopes after a terrible 1st season but somehow they managed to make a story, acting and characters even worse in this one.

    Lauren Schmidt (shows director) should seriously consider a change of career as anything creative apparently isn't her cup of tea. Seriously what sort of a mental midget you have to be if cant even copy from an excellent sources material such as the books and games.

    The director has no understanding of source material, what makes it attractive and so compelling and whats worse even has no understanding of her own craft, story and character building, camera, script etc.

    Cavill the only spark of light in this abomination does what he can but cant fight alone against an idiotic directors decision. In Henrys position i would leave this show as soon as possible even if I had to cancel the contract just to not have my name attached to it.

    The beautiful world built in a book series by Mr. Sapkowski deserves much more than this stinking heap of excrements.    … Expand
  50. Zhilkata
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    Giving a 1 simply because Henry Cavill keeps this **** somewhat intact. Can't afford to give more though - dipped in wokeness, you're constantly hit with "progressiveness" you can't ignore. Even with the politically correct agenda aside, there simply isn't anything worth the time to watch this show - extremely poor casting choices for 95% of the actors, the script tries to change stuffGiving a 1 simply because Henry Cavill keeps this **** somewhat intact. Can't afford to give more though - dipped in wokeness, you're constantly hit with "progressiveness" you can't ignore. Even with the politically correct agenda aside, there simply isn't anything worth the time to watch this show - extremely poor casting choices for 95% of the actors, the script tries to change stuff around, succeeding by completely losing the point of the characters and the world they live in, music is forgettable, effects are admittedly better, but still not breathtaking for the $15+ million-an-episode budget. An expected disappointment for every fan of the real Witcher story and atmosphere.… Expand
  51. MrJimmy
    Dec 18, 2021
    5
    A step down from the first season. The first episode is the best of the season in my opinion. Its the only one which felt like it could stand by itself whilst still having moving the story as a whole forward. The season as a whole drags with not enough happening to justify its run length. Nowhere feels unique or different from anywhere else. Unless you are really keyed into where eachA step down from the first season. The first episode is the best of the season in my opinion. Its the only one which felt like it could stand by itself whilst still having moving the story as a whole forward. The season as a whole drags with not enough happening to justify its run length. Nowhere feels unique or different from anywhere else. Unless you are really keyed into where each place is all you need to know is whether the characters are trying to get away, or get to there. The overall design isn't bad, its just the same across every location making the entire continent feel the same and giving no sense or scale to the world or ever makes you believe there is a livingg briefing world past where the camera shot ends. All the exposition and in the world cant make up for this which is a shame as the main focus of the season seemed to be setting up that everything is in danger. Outside of Geralt of Rivia, who Henry Cavill does a great job as, every ones character motivations seemed a bit muddled and confused. Alligiances seemed to change on a whim and no one can decide what it is they are fighting for or why.… Expand
  52. 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.
  53. madmentat
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    It's a disaster. For those who read and loved the books it's just unbearable to watch. The characters, plot, the world have been drastically changed without any coherent reason. Somebody thought they can create something more interesting and engaging then Sapkowski did. They were wrong. This is at best amateur level fan fiction writing - only fans do not mutilate the original as much.It's a disaster. For those who read and loved the books it's just unbearable to watch. The characters, plot, the world have been drastically changed without any coherent reason. Somebody thought they can create something more interesting and engaging then Sapkowski did. They were wrong. This is at best amateur level fan fiction writing - only fans do not mutilate the original as much. Everything is dumbed down, the dialogue is atrocious. Every single time someone exclaimed **** with a serious face and full of emotion - it was predictable at least 2 seconds in advance. The games took the book material and expanded it with love, respect and great care. They created new plots, recreated the characters' personalities from the books almost perfectly and made the book characters perform in those new plots in mostly exactly the same way they would've if it's been written by Sapkowski or so it felt. It is incomparable to the hack job that the netflix did. The only things that are half-decent are the ones directly reused from source - everything that is added on just doesn't even make any sense on its own and doesn't fit with the source either.… Expand
  54. Mully79
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Absolute garbage. This was no mere tweaking of source material. A complete alteration and defilement is a better description. Truly sickening to watch Sapkowski’s masterpiece ruined.
  55. Skippycja
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    Yes there some changes from the book but I don’t see it as a negative as it adds something different to the show. Pacing isn’t always great but the world and characters it builds is amazing and HC kills it once again in the lead from an all round brilliant cast
  56. VayhanRin
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dead Eskel ?
    Rly?
    Are u mad?
    Do you destroy the Witcher universe as easily as you drink coffee?    … Expand
  57. mroowol
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    I love the first season, so I do the second. I smell bigger budget here (CGI, Effects, Costumes). I like that each espisode beside main story, has it's own side story. I like it a lot. Henry Cavil is the true Witcher ;)
  58. Peterdpol
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    A great step up from the first season. Henry Cavil
    Is fantastic as Geralt and is given a lot more dialogue this season.
  59. Ravn7
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    The story is just ridiculous. And because of that also very boring. I fast forwarded many scenes. It's a very bad show and a disastrous Witcher show. Only Cavil tries to make it as close to the source material as possible. But still it's not even close.
  60. 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
  61. Jean1
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    Much better than the first season, that plot twist at the end was so good I can't wait for the third season
  62. m0rph1us76
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    I was afraid that the 2 year anticipation of season 2 would leave me dissapointed. Not only did season 2 meet my expectations, but exceeded it. Brilliant storyline, suplimented with superb acting!
  63. Murkwood
    Dec 17, 2021
    1
    From game and fame to lame and tame -- most disappointing to see blatant censorship at work -- missed opportunity for the show to continue to impress, dashed upon the rocks of cowardice.
  64. 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
  65. AZone
    Dec 17, 2021
    0
    Everything that I loved was worn out and mutilated before my eyes. For those who have read books, it will be very painful to look at it. I have one question: Lauren, why did you treat us so cruelly?
  66. Zyzz15
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    They corrected the problems that the first season had and did a great job, there are some changes with respect to the books but in general I loved it.
  67. BearRaven
    Dec 17, 2021
    6
    There's no doubt the second season improved on many things and I'm fine with most of the changes to the story even though I would prefer more closer adaptation. In fact, I've been enjoying this season quite a lot. But I despise the fact they completely destroyed the dynamic between Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer. The whole storyline with Baba Yaga wannabe is so dull and unnecessary! YenneferThere's no doubt the second season improved on many things and I'm fine with most of the changes to the story even though I would prefer more closer adaptation. In fact, I've been enjoying this season quite a lot. But I despise the fact they completely destroyed the dynamic between Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer. The whole storyline with Baba Yaga wannabe is so dull and unnecessary! Yennefer would never betray Geralt and never sell out Ciri (even before she became her "mother").… Expand
  68. zombox5000
    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.
  69. 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
  70. Madara1
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    Very Good second season! Maybe more fight with monster ) Wait next season!)) Hello all witchers from Ukraine)))
  71. Gongora
    Dec 17, 2021
    0
    What even is this garbage? This is the worst series off all time! Terrible cgi! The acting is so bad.. The story is horrible, everything about this show is crazy bad, advise people to not waste their time on something this bad, trust me you will waste time if you watch this!
  72. Thecrazyjoke92
    Dec 17, 2021
    0
    This is a disgrace! people cannot be serious watching this garbage? the acting is bad, the cgi is even worse! the series jumps from one place to another in such a bad way that it is actually gut wrenching watching this! its so far from the books and even the games that is laughable! why change the story from the books this much when the books are great? the thing with Eskel is not accurateThis is a disgrace! people cannot be serious watching this garbage? the acting is bad, the cgi is even worse! the series jumps from one place to another in such a bad way that it is actually gut wrenching watching this! its so far from the books and even the games that is laughable! why change the story from the books this much when the books are great? the thing with Eskel is not accurate at all... so stupid that i had to write a review.. i will rather watch the old Hercules series or samurai cop than this low budget crap.. they even have a transformers looking monster.. horrible… Expand
  73. Faradeyyy
    Dec 17, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They just cut out all the hardcore, cool fights and nudity from the series, and we have to take it and keep silent.… Expand
  74. 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.....
  75. 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
  76. Kingaj007
    Dec 17, 2021
    9
    The story is much better than the first season, the characterization is very different and the special effects are very good. I am very pleased with this season and I can tell you that this is a good start to continue Spekowski's masterpiece.
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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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