The Witcher

Joey Batey as Jaskier playing Free Bird by popular demand.

ⓘ

Every other fantasy series lacks in quality and / or worldbuilding. Across eight tight episodes, the first season of The Witcher manages to avoid both, realizing a dark and vulgar realm with the craftsmanship of prestige TV. As someone who did not enjoy the games, I fully expected to roll my eyes at this, yet that never happened.

I have one personal complaint: based on my expectations from the games, I don't agree with Yennefer's casting. However as a standalone interpretation separate from the games, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Anya Chalotra's performance, and rest of the cast is great. Special shoutouts to Tissaia (MyAnna Buring) and Jaskier (Joey Batey) who always delighted.