Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.
- Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys
- 9 wins & 37 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'The Witcher' series is lauded for Henry Cavill's performance as Geralt, captivating fantasy world, and impressive action sequences. The show's visual effects and character chemistry receive high praise. However, it is criticized for its intricate and occasionally confusing narrative, pacing problems, and deviations from the original material. Some express dissatisfaction with casting decisions and character development. Replacing Henry Cavill has sparked significant backlash, with many fearing it will diminish the show's quality and viewer interest.
Featured reviews
As a fan of the books & games, I thought the first season was decent. It's an adaptation of a multi-book short story collection with an overarching narrative. Without prior knowledge of the series, I may have required multiple views to understand the timeline and events. It has a similar feel to the stories, though, and I enjoyed it.
Season 2 had a great first episode and an okay finale, but meandered in the middle episodes. The substance of many adapted stories were altered. Parts that were main story in the book felt like filler and lacked necessary plot & character development. I'll never understand why adaptations leave out parts that are important to understanding the main plot and characters, yet add meaningless fluff & soap opera drama. Some characters that don't say ten words in the books are main POV characters now.
Season 3 was awful. Before even looking at the train wreck of the content, I wonder why NF released half the season, when the second half will be aired three weeks? Why not wait and release the entire series, or release one episode each week? Anyway, regardless of the stupid release schedule, the first half of season 3 is abysmal. The main actors who brought the characters to life in season 1 don't seem to want to be there at all anymore. The script writers are no longer even trying to follow the Witcher stories, they're just off in the weeds doing their own thing. The drop in quality this season is precipitous. I'm sorry to say it, but Netflix's The Witcher is no longer worth watching.
Season 2 had a great first episode and an okay finale, but meandered in the middle episodes. The substance of many adapted stories were altered. Parts that were main story in the book felt like filler and lacked necessary plot & character development. I'll never understand why adaptations leave out parts that are important to understanding the main plot and characters, yet add meaningless fluff & soap opera drama. Some characters that don't say ten words in the books are main POV characters now.
Season 3 was awful. Before even looking at the train wreck of the content, I wonder why NF released half the season, when the second half will be aired three weeks? Why not wait and release the entire series, or release one episode each week? Anyway, regardless of the stupid release schedule, the first half of season 3 is abysmal. The main actors who brought the characters to life in season 1 don't seem to want to be there at all anymore. The script writers are no longer even trying to follow the Witcher stories, they're just off in the weeds doing their own thing. The drop in quality this season is precipitous. I'm sorry to say it, but Netflix's The Witcher is no longer worth watching.
Now in no way is this show as bad as people thought it would nor is it as good as some of the other reviewers here think it is either.
First of, Henry Cavill as Geralt is the best part of this show 100%. No doubt about that. The show is worth watching just for his portrayal. He really cares about the character and it shows.
Pros:
-Henry Cavill as Geralt. Can't say this enough.
-The fight Choreography is just insane. GOT could have really used some of the insane fight sequences from the witcher series.
-The Really amazing moments between Jaskier(Dandelion) and Geralt. They did Jaskier perfectly in my opinion.
-Roach
Cons:
-Really bad casting choices like Triss,Foltest and the Driads. Also they butchered an entire portion from the books which was one of my favorite parts from the Last Wish actually.
-Nilfgaard Armour. Like who in the right mind actually thought that it looked even remotely good. I wanted to skip the parts where they came up in the screens.
-Very unfriendly to people not familiar with the books or games. This is a fan-service. Not entirely a con but you get the point.
-DESTINY THIS DESTINY THAT. GOD STFU. I know destiny is a main focal point in the books but it was over done even there. I just got so tired of that word after watching for a while.
All in all its worth the watch if you're a fan of the Witcher games/books. I can't praise Henry enough for his performance though. Seriously.
All in all its worth the watch if you're a fan of the Witcher games/books. I can't praise Henry enough for his performance though. Seriously.
Wow. Season 1 was a breath of fresh air. While not completely aligned with the book, it complemented it enough to be engaging to me. Season 2 a slight drop but still a show that was engaging - albeit straying from the book more. Season 3 - glaring garbage. I see why Henry wants to leave. The writing is terrible. In fact, beyond terrible. And they are striking for more money? LMAO. They need to go back to school and learn to write. Step 1 - Stick to the book. Follow the book. Keep to the storytelling path and style. Don't try and re-invent Netflix. Your writers are not good enough. Hoping season 4 changes things but I doubt it.
Items to note: 1. I do not fault the actors - the writers are terrible at their job.
2. I fault Netflix for destroying a fantasy series similar to LOR on Amazon Prime. If your afraid to follow the books correctly - THEN DON'T MAKE THE SHOW.
3. HBO should have done this show. The only network with the guts to make a show right.
Items to note: 1. I do not fault the actors - the writers are terrible at their job.
2. I fault Netflix for destroying a fantasy series similar to LOR on Amazon Prime. If your afraid to follow the books correctly - THEN DON'T MAKE THE SHOW.
3. HBO should have done this show. The only network with the guts to make a show right.
The one real issue i have with the show is that it doesn't do a great job of distinguishing between current and flashback scenes.
Netflix has once again released a series that has incredible potential, but has been undermined by horrible writing and extremely weak casting choices. Henry Cavill was an inspired choice as Geralt of Rivia, and obviously brings a lot of knowledge and fondness to the role. He gives the series a luster that is unfortunately quickly dimmed by the horribly dimwitted writing. Eels??? What is with the Eels??? Note: that didn't need a spoiler alert. If you've seen the series, you'll know what I am talking about, and if you haven't, you will know when you witness that silly travesty.
The sets are lush and well done, the costumes are good, and the music fits well with the setting. The exception to the music is when Dandelion goes from Medival to something akin to "Pop Harp". Grating doesn't even begin to describe it. I did like the action scenes, as Henry Cavill is very believable as a athletic monster slayer.
So overall, I give a 9 to Cavill and the great atmosphere of the series. The supporting cast are sporadic and generally weak, and rate no more than a 5 or 6. The writing, and in particular the scenes added to the script that were never in the original books, was extremely weak, and garnered no more than a 2 or at the most 3. I gave the show a 6. Mildly entertaining, but falls far short of the original books and the three Witcher games.
The sets are lush and well done, the costumes are good, and the music fits well with the setting. The exception to the music is when Dandelion goes from Medival to something akin to "Pop Harp". Grating doesn't even begin to describe it. I did like the action scenes, as Henry Cavill is very believable as a athletic monster slayer.
So overall, I give a 9 to Cavill and the great atmosphere of the series. The supporting cast are sporadic and generally weak, and rate no more than a 5 or 6. The writing, and in particular the scenes added to the script that were never in the original books, was extremely weak, and garnered no more than a 2 or at the most 3. I gave the show a 6. Mildly entertaining, but falls far short of the original books and the three Witcher games.
Stars of "The Witcher" in Real Life
Stars of "The Witcher" in Real Life
See some of our favorite photos of Anya Chalotra, Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and their "Witcher" co-stars.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaHenry Cavill's training for the role consisted of extensive sword-training (besides the rigorous bodybuilding required to prepare his physique for the camera). He said, "I spent all of my free time, and when I wasn't on set, with a sword in my hand. It was getting used to the weight of the sword, using it day in and day out. I had three swords where I lived, and four at work. And it was just non-stop practice, practice, practice."
- GoofsAt various instances, the incorrect sword type is used by Geralt. Geralt carries two swords: the dark-hilted sword with Renfri's broach on the crossguard is made of steel while the white-hilted sword is coated in silver. It is established that only silver works against monsters, especially for ensuring a killing blow. This straight-forward rule is not followed in various episodes of the series despite being mentioned in the first episode (and in latter episodes as well).
- How many seasons does The Witcher have?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Thợ Săn Quái Vật
- Filming locations
- Ogrodzieniec, Slaskie, Poland(castle)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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