The Netflix fantasy TV series The Witcher has been met with mixed reviews: most agree that the show has its faults, but still manages to be a fun, adventure-filled romp, populated with memorable characters and not-so-memorable names. Multiple reviewers have noted that The Witcher gets better with each episode and that its "monster of the week" format is a refreshing change from serialized dramatic television.
The Witcher is an adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's book series about Geralt of Rivia, a "Witcher" who hunts monsters. The book series was previously adapted into a highly-successful and critically-acclaimed video game series. The show straddles the often-difficult balance between drawing in new audiences unfamiliar with the source material, and satisfying the expectations of long-time fans of the book series and video game franchise. Based on the reviews, it would seem the Netflix original show has mixed success in this endeavour, as many reviewers criticize what seems like an over-crowded world.
On the other hand, these same reviewers note that the show is undeniably entertaining. The Witcher's first episode is not good, and some reviewers correctly identify that this show is not capable of being "the next Game of Thrones"; however, when the show finds its footing (and its comedic timing), The Witcher is down-right charming.
William Hughs - A.V. Club
...The Witcher embraces its fairy tale nature, albeit in a bloodier than normal fashion. When prophecies, enchanted knights, and cursed princesses can all be a part of the tricky maneuvering of statecraft, there’s room for a man with a silver sword and a keen eye for manticore anatomy to make an impact in world affairs, and it’s when the show looks closer at the day-to-day realities of being a mutant monster hunter (or a king’s official magical assistant, as the case may be) that The Witcher is at its most interesting.
Erik Kain - Forbes
Instead of a clear, overarching plot that ties everything together... we get Geralt off on several adventures that have seemingly little to do with one another. It reminds me, in this sense, a little bit of The Mandalorian, which has Mando off doing odd jobs as a bounty hunter. Well, Geralt is a monster hunter so we see him hunt monsters. There’s almost a “monster of the week” quality to some of the episodes, and I think it’s fantastic.
Brandon Katz - Observer
The battle scenes are particularly expansive and ambitious, bubbling with riveting action and creative execution from stunt coordinator Franklin Henson. The smaller scuffles boast nimble and kinetic fight choreography with a savagery that the genre’s predecessors dared not match. The Witcher is most certainly not for the faint of heart and scores points for pure entertainment factor alone.
Andrew Webster - The Verge
The Netflix adaptation captures the enigmatic hero perfectly. He’s struggling to survive in a world that hates him, stubbornly sticking to a moral code that forces him into dangerous situations. He’s gruff and sarcastic, always down for a fight, impossibly charming, and frequently irresistible. It’s a premise that worked well in book and video game form — and now it’s one of the best series on Netflix.
The Witcher is not without its faults, however, as many reviews have pointed to the show's poor-pacing and convoluted storylines. Henry Cavill's performance as the brooding Geralt in particular has divided critics: some thoroughly appreciate his somewhat-hammy performance, while others accuse Cavill of phoning it in.
Stephen Kelly - BBC
The Witcher's problem is not to do with the richness of Sapkowski's books, nor the baggage it carries from being associated with an RPG. It is that while the books ground you in Geralt's head, and the video games ground you in Geralt's world, the TV show does neither. That's due to both a jarringly paced, convoluted script, and a colourless lead performance from Cavill, which often leaves the impression that he’s the handsomest cosplayer at Comic Con.
Brian Lowry - CNN
...this season of "The Witcher" is burdened by a general stiffness, from the performances to the dialogue. Despite his arresting look under those flowing pale locks, Cavill's voice seldom rises above a low growl.
Lucy Mangan - The Guardian
There are attempts at knowingness: at one point, our Henry [Cavill] tells someone a prophecy has to rhyme. This is not a good idea, as it throws into too sharp relief the limits to what Geralt and his merry band of sorceresses and proto-feminist princesses can be said to know. Play it straight, dear scriptwriters, or don’t play it at all.
Overall, The Witcher's divided reviews point to a show with a lot of promise. The Netflix fantasy series is a mixed-bag in its first season, but has positioned itself well for a promising season 2. Who knows what is in store for the series; it may not be the next Game of Thrones, but if the show has indeed found its footing, it will surely entertain for many years to come.