Parijat Ghosh 
The Witcher Season 4, has hit a rough patch. According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it currently carries an approval rating of 58% from critics. Similarly, audiences aren’t exactly cheering from the stands either. While we don’t yet have a full audience average listed for this season, the overall sentiment suggests major disappointment.
What happened? The fall from grace
Once upon a time, The Witcher seemed unstoppable. Season 2 scored a whopping 95%. Then Season 3 cooled things off to 79% — still okay.
But now: Season 4 lands at barely over the line, and many fans are shaking their heads. Why the tumble? Here are a few culprit-swords:
- A big casting switch. The shift in the central role of Galérlt of Rivia (for long played by Henry Cavill) and other changes reportedly rock the show’s established groove.
- The feeling of “too much, too fast”. Critics say it got bloated — more kingdoms, more conspiracies, less of that monster-hunting, raw simplicity the early seasons offered.
- Tone and pacing problems. Some episodes drag, others feel rushed. The balance between gritty fantasy and silly heroic moments seems off.
Why we’re still watching (barely)
Yes, there’s still some love for the show. For die-hard fans of the source material (books, games) and of the characters (especially for the actor who plays Ciri and Yennefer), The Witcher continues to offer familiar faces, monster-mayhem, and set-pieces that shine. It just… doesn’t always deliver in the way it used to.
Plus: Netflix hasn’t yet saddled the Witcher for good. Season 5 is on the schedule, which gives hope for redemption.
What this means for fantasy TV
When a big-budget fantasy show hits a rough patch like this, it’s a cautionary tale. Audiences expect coherence, fun, and some monster slaying. When the show sways into “everything and the kitchen sink”, the appeal can fade. The Witcher is no longer “fresh new thing” but now legacy-title — and legacy comes with expectations. And, the first episode did do us pretty dirty.
Should you watch Season 4? Here’s the verdict
If you love the Witcher novels, games and consider them sacred, then do not watch it as it might make book fans’ eyes and ears bleed. If you love the Witcher Netflix universe in general and aren’t too picky: Go ahead, give it a shot. You’ll recognise characters and moments you liked, and there will be good bits. If you’re casual and thinking “hmm maybe I’ll start this one”: I’d say skip to Season 5, or re-watch Season 2 (that really was strong though highly deviated from books). If you loved the early seasons for their simplicity and monster hunts: Be prepared to compromise. Some of the shine is missing.
At the end of the day: The Witcher’s silver-sword isn’t as sharp right now. But the blade might yet get a polish in the next chapter. Whether Season 4 will be remembered as a stumble or a setup for the comeback remains to be seen. We still have little hope (hopefully).
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