Witcher 3 is considered among the best games ever made, but people who love the games and books don’t love the Netflix Witcher Series that much. Let us see why.
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and massively popularized by CD Projekt Red’s Witcher games, the Witcher franchise has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. The Witcher games, especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, set a ridiculously high bar with their rich storytelling, complex characters, and gritty atmosphere. Then came the show, aiming to capture that magic for the small screen. The Netflix Witcher series promised to bring the beloved universe of the Witcher to life in a big way.
But the response from hardcore Witcher fans has been far from universally positive. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Witcher fans hate the Netflix Witcher series. In fact, Henry Cavill, the lead actor, who loves the Witcher games and books himself, decided to quit because of creative differences. Despite the hype and big budgets, many feel the Netflix Witcher series missed the mark—badly. If you’re wondering why, here are 5 brutally honest reasons why many Witcher fans hate the Netflix Witcher series.
1. The Storytelling Is Confusing and Messy
The biggest gripe among Witcher fans is how the Netflix Witcher series handles its story. Unlike the games, which follow a mostly straightforward player-driven narrative with clear stakes, the story in the show is all over the place. It tries to juggle multiple timelines and characters without much clarity. Many fans feel this leaves the plot confusing, especially for newcomers who don’t already know the lore. Instead of the tight, immersive storytelling of the Witcher games, the show feels like it’s trying to do too much at once and ends up muddled. This is a main reason behind the Witcher games vs Netflix Witcher clash.
2. Geralt’s Character Feels Off
Geralt of Rivia is the heart and soul of the Witcher franchise. In the Witcher games, he’s the gruff, sarcastic, badass monster hunter with layers of complexity underneath. The Netflix Witcher series’ version of Geralt, played by Henry Cavill, feels different. Geralt’s personality in the show doesn’t quite hit that mark for many Witcher fans. Some say he’s too stiff, too cold, and lacks the dry humor and depth that made Geralt such an iconic character. This disconnect makes it harder for fans of the games to fully embrace the show’s portrayal.
Game Geralt vs Netflix Geralt- 5 Differences That We Can’t Ignore –
3. The Show’s Production Values Can Feel Inconsistent
We know the Netflix Witcher series isn’t cheap. It’s got some killer sets, costumes, and CGI. But many fans point out the inconsistency in production quality. Some episodes or scenes look cinematic, while others fall flat with obvious green screens or rushed effects. Compared to the polished and immersive world-building of the Witcher games, particularly Witcher 3, this inconsistency in the show can pull fans right out of the experience. When you’re used to the high-quality visuals and detail of the games, seeing the show’s sometimes sloppy execution is a letdown.
4. The Lore Gets Twisted and Changed
One of the biggest attractions of the Witcher universe is its deep and often dark lore, mixing Slavic mythology, complex politics, and mature themes. The Netflix Witcher series sometimes simplifies or changes key elements, which pisses off die-hard fans. The depth and nuance that players love in the Witcher games vs Netflix Witcher comparison often feel watered down on screen. When the show bends the lore for accessibility or dramatic effect, it can feel like a betrayal to the rich source material, which is among the reasons why many Witcher fans hate the Netflix Witcher series.
5. The Pacing Is All Over the Place
Another reason why Witcher fans hate the Netflix Witcher series is because unlike the games, where players control the pace and explore at will, the Netflix Witcher suffers from a pacing problem. Some episodes drag through slow, unnecessary scenes, while others rush through important plot points without enough build-up. This uneven pacing frustrates fans who expect the kind of careful storytelling pacing found in the Witcher games. The show’s inability to find a consistent rhythm makes it harder for many Witcher fans to stay engaged.
Final Thoughts
The Netflix Witcher series had a massive task of living up to both the original books and the wildly successful games. The show isn’t entirely bad, in fact, many newcomers love it. But unfortunately, for many Witcher fans, it falls short in several critical areas, whether we talk about confusing storytelling or its inconsistent production values. If you’re a fan of the games or the books, these issues might make watching the show a frustrating experience. Still, despite the hate, the Netflix series keeps its own solid fan base and is far from a complete failure. Despite not being lore-accurate, the Netflix Geralt is definitely a badass who takes no nonsense.
