Netflix is facing all sorts of turmoil with The Witcher Season 4. There’s no denying that the show’s former leading man, Henry Cavill, commands a massive and fiercely loyal fanbase, one that has now evolved into a cult of contempt for Liam Hemsworth, the new Geralt.
Honestly, it’s hard to recall the last time a Netflix title faced backlash this intense. While critics have greeted Season 4 with hesitant but open arms, viewers have outright rejected it, a reality made crystal clear by Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score for the season, currently sitting at 20% (with over 10,000 ratings).
Critics have found merits in Season 4, but fans seem unwilling to give it even an inch. It’s as if they want the show to fail and be cancelled as soon as possible, anything to mark their protest against a Geralt without Henry Cavill. The response feels less like a critique and more like a coordinated wave of outrage: a perfect storm of creative discontent, long-simmering frustration, and the immovable resentment over the recasting.
The question isn’t whether the season has flaws, it certainly does, but whether it’s truly garbage. Are fans simply hell-bent on hating Season 4, willfully ignoring the strengths that the creative team and several professional reviewers have pointed out?
Let’s start with the spark that ignited this firestorm: Henry Cavill’s departure.
The Man of Steel actor’s passionate dedication to the source material, both the books and games, made him the show’s emotional anchor. For many, his portrayal was the one element that stayed true to the spirit of The Witcher, even when the writing strayed. Which is why Hemsworth never really stood a chance. From the moment he accepted the role, he became the lightning rod for every grievance Cavill’s fans had. His casting feels like a trial by fire.
Many critics and viewers have pointed out that Hemsworth’s Geralt lacks Cavill’s commanding physicality, gravelly voice, and quiet, world-weary gravitas. However, the Australian actor brings a touch of vulnerability and expressiveness to the role, qualities that have resonated with a portion of the audience. Still, many fans believe his take on Geralt feels softer and less intimidating than Cavill’s.
The recast has become a symbol of Netflix’s creative direction, reinforcing the belief that the showrunners prioritised their own vision over fidelity to Andrzej Sapkowski’s lore. That perception, allegedly the root cause of Cavill’s exit, has only deepened the resentment toward Hemsworth.
Yet, amid the uproar, what’s being lost is the fact that The Witcher Season 4 genuinely attempts to fix many of the series’ past problems, so much so that some critics have called it the most cohesive and focused season yet.
Seasons 2 and 3 were widely criticised for their convoluted multi-timeline storytelling and a cluttered depiction of the Continent. Season 4, which adapts elements of Baptism of Fire, simplifies the structure, giving Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri clear, propulsive, and emotionally grounded arcs.
Geralt’s story even embraces a true “fellowship” dynamic, introducing beloved book and game characters like Laurence Fishburne’s Regis and Meng’er Zhang’s Milva. Fishburne’s performance, in particular, has been universally praised for adding gravitas and charisma. Meanwhile, Yennefer’s arc in Season 4 is arguably her strongest yet, as she focuses on rebuilding the political order of magic.
Even critics who weren’t sold on the new Geralt have praised the show’s production value. The action choreography remains a major highlight, and the creature design continues to impress, often described as “fantastic,” “eerie,” and “genuinely terrifying.”
Netflix has already confirmed that The Witcher will conclude with Season 5, a decision that feels both like a relief and a massive gamble.
Which means Season 5 will be an endurance test for both the cast and the fandom. The showrunners have one last opportunity to craft a finale that honours the emotional core of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, regardless of who wields the silver sword.
The Witcher’s final season must deliver a clear, heartfelt conclusion that stays true to the saga’s spirit, a story built on loyalty, sacrifice, and found family. A misstep here won’t just result in low ratings, it could cement the series’ reputation as one of fantasy television’s greatest missed opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates.
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