UPDATE: Netflix has confirmed that The Witcher will return for a fifth season, immediately following the release of Season 4 on October 26, 2023. This announcement comes amidst mixed reviews, with the latest season earning a disappointing 58% Rotten Tomatoes score and an even lower 18% audience rating.
Fans are still processing the significant change in lead actors, as Liam Hemsworth takes over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill. The transition has left many viewers divided, raising questions about the future direction of the beloved fantasy series. Despite this, excitement remains for the continuation of the story based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and the popular video game franchise.
In a surprising move, Netflix also released a new Witcher movie alongside Season 4, hinting at a lingering interest in the franchise despite the current fan backlash. The fifth season, which has already been filmed back-to-back with Season 4, will see Hemsworth return alongside key cast members including Freya Allan as Ciri and Anya Chalotra as Yennefer.
However, there is some bad news for fans: Netflix has yet to announce a release date for Season 5, which is currently in post-production. Despite the completion of filming, viewers will have to wait until 2026 for the next chapter in Geralt’s saga. This looming gap has left many fans concerned about the fate of the series, especially since Netflix has confirmed that Season 5 will be the final season.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich has teased that the upcoming season will adapt the remaining novels: Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. However, many fans worry that significant deviations from the source material have already marred the adaptation, leading to decreased enthusiasm for the series.
“The good news is I won’t say goodbye to it quite yet, because I’m in post for a very long time for season five,” Schmidt-Hissrich stated, reflecting on the emotional toll of wrapping up the series. The anticipation surrounding Season 5 is palpable, but with the show failing to secure a top spot on Netflix’s charts, currently sitting in third place behind a romantic comedy and a reality series, the road ahead remains uncertain.
As fans eagerly await further details, they can currently stream all eight episodes of Season 4 and the new prequel film, The Rats: A Witcher Tale, on Netflix. The future of The Witcher might be uncertain, but the passionate fanbase continues to hope for a story worthy of its epic origins. As developments unfold, the world of The Continent and its characters remain a focal point for audiences worldwide.
