UPDATE: Netflix has just confirmed that The Witcher will return for a fifth season, but there’s a mix of excitement and disappointment among fans. The fourth season premiered on October 26, 2023, featuring Liam Hemsworth as the new Geralt of Rivia, following the departure of Henry Cavill.
This latest season has received lukewarm responses, with critics giving it a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences even lower, at just 18%. Despite this, Netflix’s decision to renew the series suggests they see potential in the franchise, which is adapted from the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski and the popular video game series by CD Projekt RED.
Filming for Seasons 4 and 5 was completed back-to-back, ensuring that fans won’t have to wait long for more content. Freya Allan as Ciri, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer, and Joey Batey as Jaskier will return alongside Hemsworth. New cast members include Sharlto Copley and Laurence Fishburne, adding fresh energy to the series.
However, the bad news is that Netflix has not yet revealed a release date for Season 5, raising concerns about the future of the franchise. Currently, it is expected to return in 2026, leaving fans to speculate on the storyline and character arcs. The fifth season will adapt the remaining novels, including *Baptism of Fire*, *The Tower of the Swallow*, and *Lady of the Lake*, but significant changes to the source material have led to mixed feelings within the fanbase.
Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich, the showrunner, expressed her emotions about wrapping up 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.”
However, the confirmation that Season 5 will be the last has dampened enthusiasm, especially as the series struggles to maintain a spot in Netflix’s Top 10, currently ranking behind shows like *Nobody Wants This* and *Selling Sunset*.
Fans of The Witcher can catch all eight episodes of Season 4, as well as the newly released prequel film, *The Rats: A Witcher Tale*, streaming now on Netflix. As the show enters post-production for its final season, viewers remain hopeful for a revitalized narrative that may restore their faith in the franchise.
The urgency to engage in discussions about *The Witcher* is palpable as fans await more information. Stay tuned for updates on the release date and further developments in the saga of Geralt and his companions. Now is the time for fans to rally and express their hopes for the future of this beloved series.
