User reviews

The Witching Hour which is the first book of the series is a masterpiece. That book is over 1000 pages. That one book easily could have lasted 2 or 3 seasons...if they took time to really tell the story and show Lasher through the generations of the Mayfair family....

Her writing was elaborate, rich descriptive and detailed it's like they made this series from the cliff notes leaving out major characters like Julian....

I had so much hope for this series and was excited that it was finally being done but they missed the mark so badly.... I regret that I sat through the entire thing...

I would suggest if you haven't read the first book of the trilogy do so ...this series is already forgettable but the written story is brilliant...

I have a HUGE problem with the fact that there is no Michael Curry in this show. How could they leave him out? He's too important and it's as much his story as Rowan's. To me, he's the heart of the first book - not to mean the center, but the actual heart. And I know Anne Rice put so much of herself into his character as far as his personality, beliefs, background, even the surname Curry is from her own family. He's practically the male version of herself. It seems unforgivable to just leave him behind.

And no Aaron Lightner either? Another wonderful character left out. I read that they basically combined MIchael and Aaron into the character of Ciprien, who of course isn't in the book at all. I mean those two are probably most people's favorite characters from the book. I know they are mine. And Alexandra Daddario, lovely though she is, is not the right choice to play a character as confident, capable, and immensely strong as Rowan. Rowan is a force of nature.

I had been SO excited about this show the moment I heard they were adapting The Witching Hour but knew that with such a complex story with so many characters stretched over three centuries, there were so many ways they could screw this up. It already looks like my fears are being realized.

The books were great but the series is horrible! I was so disappointed in just how bad it is. It's nothing even remotely like the books it's a totally different story. Changing the characters completely changes the entire dynamic of the relationships and the entire story. I was so excited and a bit apprehensive, I assumed it wouldn't be quite as good as the books , tv adaptations rarely are as good as the source material,! The series is so much worse than I could have imagined! I honestly don't know why they even bothered. It's so unfortunate really. I watched with an open mind but found it to be absolutely awful.

I don't think they've stayed close to the source material at all and I'm super disappointed. There's a lot of characters that I feel are missing from the books that I've always thought were important for the story. Also a bit disappointed in how they've portrayed Lasher. The actor does a fine job, but I still don't think he matches the descriptions in the book(s).

Also, Rowan Mayfair is not a weak and insecure character but Alexandra Diddario makes her feel that way. I hope the reason for her acting this way in season 1 is because there will be some character development throughout the series, but so far I just found her acting as cringeworthy as Kristen Stewart in Twilight.

It's probably fine if viewed as a standalone from the books or something.

I had such high hopes for this show as a huge fan of the books. I completely understand that adaptions deviate from the books, but this is too much. It's soooo slow and boring thus far. While watching I find myself pausing to see how much time I have left in the episode.

How is that Lasher? No offense to the actor, but he doesn't radiate the kind of sensual energy Lasher needs to. I'm really not sure what the casting director was thinking. Did he/she even read the amazing novel?

I guess I'll give it a shot and wait for the third episode, but I'm extremely disappointed after the first two episodes. The Interview With The Vampire adaption was much, much better!

If you have read the books, then don't watch the series because it will break your heart. Anne Rice would be turning in her grave and you can guarantee that those parties involved with overseeing her legacy don't give a damn about it! Shame on you and your lack of integrity!!

Do yourself a favour and read the books instead of watching this devolving mess. In the book you will find, and fall in love with, great characters that have been omitted from the series.

A poorly cast Lasher .... dear god. Jack Huston is a great actor, but 'Lasher' he is definitely not.

Credit where credit is due where 'locations' are concerned. Nicely done.

Again .... WHY?

I am a fan of Anne Rice's work. I've fallen in and out of love with Lestat more times than I can count. For some reason or another I never could get into the witching hour/ Mayfair series (the book the show is based on). I was excited for this show bc I watched the recent Interview adaptation and even though it wasn't 100% loyal to the book I really enjoyed the series. Mayfair was an opportunity for me to finally get stuck in to the world of the witches. I rather enjoyed it. I am not a huge fan of Alexandra dadario. I'm not sure why but I always find her acting a bit meh. However I found myself sucked in. I now am excited to read the novel for the first time. I understand all those who love the books and bc of that can't get into the books. But it's worth the watch.

I read the books long ago, and I don't remember much, but I do remember that Lasher was supposed to be hot and not overweight with a receding hairline.

Why would a demon pick such an underwhelming form? We all know if this were a female demon she would be the most beautiful woman in the room. So why does this male demon look like someone's dad trying to look young?

As it stands, I'm still going to watch the show and maybe even re read the book, but so far I really can't express how disappointed I am that women are getting ripped off in regards to a hot male demon. No eye candy here, and that's pretty disappointing.

A gross injustice to Anne Rice's "Mayfair Witches" in storytelling. Omitting main characters who are an integral part in storylines & rest of the books in the series, timelines are off, character attributes & casting was hit & miss at best. After watching the first two episodes, I was so frustrated with the show's writers. I had high hopes for this series because I thought AMC did a pretty good job in their adaptation of "Interview with a Vampire" from Anne Rice's "Vampire Chronicles", but I've been thoroughly disappointed in this adaptation. I really doubt that the rest of the first season is even worth watching at this point.

I didn't read the books so I went in with no expectations. I was looking for something to watch and saw this. I loved this! I've only watched the first episode so far but it set the tone and pace for the season. The previews for the rest of the season look really good and it left me excited to see what happens. I love most things witches/vampires/supernatural and I generally like darker/more sinister takes. This show kind of hits those themes. If you're into that, give it a shot! It does make me want to read the books but I'll probably wait until after I finish this season. If you've read and loved the books, I say go into this with an open mind and try not to compare it to the books. In my experience, tv/movie versions almost never live up. I'll update my review and ratings if I feel differently as the season goes on! ✌🏽

I've never read the books so I don't know how it differs from them. I don't think it's boring like some have said but it's not terribly enthralling like I thought it would be. I believe that is largely due to the main character being so contrary to her title.

I'm only to episode 7 but I'm having a really hard time with Rowan's character. I think it's bad casting and scripting. She's a neurosurgeon but she is so unbelievable as such in this role that I have to keep reminding myself she's not a 14 year old indecisive meek little girl. She lacks confidence and even the hotel scene where she corrects the front desk guy for not referring to her as Doctor, it is a very forced awkward moment. She oddly gives the impression she has no idea what to do when people around her are in need of medical assistance. She is so incredibly annoying in this role that I don't understand why she was cast.

The show also jumps around without building a dynamic between characters. An example, is Sip is in charge of keeping Rowan safe. One minute Rowan is crashing at Sip's pad the next they are in some relationship. I feel like we need more than one day of trauma bonding to create a connection worth caring about.

This would've been a much better show with a different lead actress. Someone with a strong, alluring personality and even a touch of eccentricism could've worked. I'll finish the season but it's not the easiest watch.

Why take over a beloved series and totally change it? 2 episodes in and I am throughly disappointed that there is no Aaron Lightner and Michael Curry. If you had read the books, you know how central these characters are. They didn't even get the emerald right!! There are so many descriptions for that important piece of jewelry. The cast has no influence on how the writers portray this story. I think they are working with the mediocrity they were given. Guess watch it if you need something to watch but don't look for the book in this series. I was so excited and now I will just go read the series again. Kinda let down.

I have not read the original book, but I have to say even though we follow through the series until the very last episode, the main character was so boring it was difficult to believe anything going on. Alexandra Daddario had the range of a cardboard box and the role actually required someone with a much wider array of expressions and ability to embody a character worth Anne Rice's masterpiece.

Literally everyone else who belong to the cast acted really well. But when the main character gives such a of putting 5 it is difficult to follow through the story. And also something that kept bothering us was how the story cap jumping from place to place without a proper facing. There was a lot that could be unpacked at the series to the lower pace and really got into a lot of the new once at the story has to offer.

Seeing the title and genre I had hoped it was going to follow at least partially something like True Blood, a nice balance between intrigue, drama, supernatural mystery and action.

It is not really that. The story is stretched, they keep playing ping-pong with our leading lady as shes looking for explanations and getting partial answers so they can stretch it for another episode. Instead of building a quality,complex, intriguing tale with substance and moving FORWARD (which is the foundation to every story to make it interesting,to constantly move forth and discover/have new things (happen)..

Also in general her behaviour seems so lackadaisical, not demanding answers or pursuing them actively but rather lets everyone brush her off.

Lasher is also constantly on the brim of the story instead of involving him more. Nor does he give off (actor or director's fault?) the shadowy, ominous, somewhat frightening presence.

On top of already slow pace you have whole episodes now in the beginning of season where whole episode is dedicated to Rowan hallucinating and flashing between reality/dream in the most boring, random way possible. Stopping already slow pace of story and using the hallucination excuse for dedicating the episode to Rowan bedroom excursions and blundering aimlessly around the house unaware whats real. Who wants to see that?

This was supposed to be a drama intermixed with a bit witchcraft mystery and interesting charismatic characters.

Instead its a slow, boring melodrama with perpetually confused leading character and onedimensional characters. The only one interesting currently is the "uncle" .

This show needs a new director/showrunner who would take something like True Blood for potential format and who knows how to combine Anne Rice soap opera drama with supernatural in an entertaining exciting way.

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice was my favorite of all of her books, and I have been waiting for someone to address it in movie or tv form. And yet from the beginning, the writers were compelled to completely change the story, add stuff that's irrelevant, omit salient points and turn the plot sideways until it is completely unrecognizable.

Why in the world would anyone think they could do a better job with this story? The story as it exists in the book is immediately complelling, and unfolds in layer after delicious layer of history and intrigue. So why cheapen it?

It's the same thing I have said about those who attempt to make movies of Stephen King's works: you can't cut a story this rich, this well-told, and it is arrogant for anyone to think they can do a better job than the actual writer. I should think Anne Rice would be turning over in her grave ... or at least come back to mercilessly haunt those who distorted her masterpiece.

So last review I said give it a chance. This season I'm telling you if you haven't ran to watch this show you are not true to supernatural tv. The character have grown with the show. The first episode starts running were not walking. Lasher is growing in days and we're watching it in real time.rowan has gotten her confidence she's fierce and she wears it with pride. We have deceit already playing out. Talamasca is getting ready to make moves. There was no dull moments, no pause, scene after scene action on the edge of your seat. The show really comes alive this season and I'm here for it. I'm in anticipation willing to rewatch the first episode waiting for the next. I also think knowing that Ann rice played a big part in the first season has truly made me enjoy this show and we see it from her perspective as she seen it play out in her head. I love supernatural, sci-fi, thrillers this is one of the good ones. We don't have alot of great shows out there in this category and I appreciate when we do get them and they have taken the time to make it great. No show or movie will ever live up to a book but they have done a great job.

I read the books and loved them. After so many book to movie and tv adaptations I no longer expect that they'll be anything like the source material. Especially not the swoony, creepy southern gothic thing that nobody does as well as Ms. Rice. I just hope they don't mess it up too bad as it's one of my favorite series. I like the lead actress and think she is talented enough to portray Rowan as what she is -smart and strong but also scary and weird. Lasher was frankly, meh. The settings-house etc all seem to be great so far.

I'm reserving judgement but I do wonder where is Michael? He's integral to the story.

As a longtime reader of Anne Rice, I was excited to learn of this project. Just as the Vampire books, I loved The Witching Hour book as well. Having read them many years ago, I am surprised the Mayfair Witches were not put on the screen sooner. Iifound EP 1 very interesting and beautiful to watch. I eagerly await EP 2 and I suspect I will find it just as satisfying. I have learned to appreciate what film makers get right rather than focus on what went wrong and so far, I am a very happy camper! Don't be deterred by the naysayers. Watch it and make up your own mind. I'm sure glad I did. It is very worthy of a view.

I haven't read the books, I had no idea about the existence of this saga until I saw the series. I mention this because I see many people saying that the adaptation is very bad.

Therefore, my analysis will only be of the series. The series is watchable, it's not bad, but it's also not very good. Generally, series of this style have a very interesting world, which takes time to introduce, with many different elements, and not just witches; they often combine with other types of supernatural beings. In this case, the world seems quite simple, there's not much depth, and the central story about the past, I think, is not deep enough to hook you.

At times, it gets a bit boring. I think there are some interesting performances that make the series worth watching.