The Witcher is here. Netflix’s adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels comes at a crucial time for the streaming service. Will the show give Netflix a monster hit that can help it stand up to new competitors like Disney+ and HBO Max? Will it attract Game of Thrones fans eager for something to fill the space left by the departure of HBO’s phenomenon? We’re gonna find out here, episode by episode.
First, some preliminaries: The Witcher follows lead character Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), a professional monster hunter who makes his way around the fantastical continent looking for work and dealing with beasts both animal and human alike. Other important characters include Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), a sorceress-in-training, and Ciri (Freya Allan), a princess whose life undergoes a major shake-up.
So does this show have what to takes to gain a following in a post-Game of Thrones world? Let’s start at…