The Witcher Season 4 Review: Netflix’s The Witcher is back — and it’s bringing the biggest change in its history. With Liam Hemsworth stepping in as Geralt of Rivia, replacing fan-favorite Henry Cavill, all eyes are on Season 4. The result? A good-but-not-great chapter that’s more focused and emotional, even if it sometimes stumbles along the way.
A Fresh Yet Familiar Ride
Season 4 marks the most anticipated return of The Witcher since its debut. The new season continues to deliver the show’s trademark fantasy action and dark adventure, though this time it feels more streamlined and purposeful as the story heads toward its endgame.
Yes, it’s actually better than Season 3 — just not enough to feel like a full comeback. The finale, in particular, leaves a few loose threads, making you wish for either an earlier wrap-up or an extra episode to tie things neatly.
This season unfolds through three separate journeys, following our main trio: Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri — each with their own path and struggles.
Three Paths, One Destiny
Season 4 takes inspiration from Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire (with some changes, of course). The season was filmed back-to-back with the fifth and final one, which might explain why it sometimes feels like “Part 1” of a two-part finale.
Each of the three storylines — Geralt’s search for Ciri, Ciri’s new life with the outlaws known as “the Rats,” and Yennefer’s quest to rally powerful sorceresses against Vilgefortz — stays mostly separate. There’s less crossover than before, which makes this season feel more like a setup for the big finish coming next.
Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt: Not Bad, Just Different
Let’s address the big question first: How is Liam Hemsworth as Geralt?
In short — he’s fine. Not great, not terrible. Just fine.
Replacing Henry Cavill was never going to be easy, and yes, it does take a bit of time to adjust to Hemsworth in the role. Still, the show cleverly integrates him into the story (in a way that might remind some of Peacemaker Season 2’s opener).
Hemsworth’s Geralt spends most of the season away from Yennefer and Ciri, instead traveling across the war-torn Continent with a new band of allies — including Jaskier (Joey Batey), Milva (Meng’er Zhang), Zoltan (Danny Woodburn), Percival (Linden Porco), and vampire Regis (Laurence Fishburne).
Since Geralt is recovering from serious injuries and going through emotional changes, this transition actually works. It allows Hemsworth to grow into the role without being compared too directly to Cavill’s more stoic, fatherly version.
Would it have been more satisfying to see Cavill portray these changes? Definitely. But for what it’s worth, the shift feels natural enough.
Yennefer Steals the Spotlight
Once again, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) ends up with the most compelling storyline. This season, she takes charge, gathering every magical woman she can to stand against Vilgefortz, who now controls all portal travel.
Her mission builds toward the explosive Battle of Montecalvo, one of the best action sequences in the entire series — a reminder that The Witcher can still deliver jaw-dropping magical mayhem when it wants to.
Yennefer’s journey this time isn’t just about revenge or survival; it’s about leadership, transformation, and legacy. Her standout episode, “Twilight of the Wolf,” proves she’s the emotional core of the show now.
Ciri’s Journey Hits a Rough Patch
Ciri’s (Freya Allan) arc is the messiest of the three. Now calling herself “Falka,” she tries to reinvent herself while running with the Rats — a group of rebellious outcasts.
Their dynamic, full of betrayal and moral conflict, never quite clicks. You’ll likely find yourself waiting for Ciri to move on from them. The emotional highlight comes from her bond with Mistle (Christelle Elwin), which adds complexity and heart, but the overall plot feels scattered.
Thankfully, the season introduces a chilling new villain: Leo Bonhart, played by Sharlto Copley. He’s ruthless, unsettling, and instantly one of The Witcher’s best antagonists.
A Season That Feels Like Half a Story
While The Witcher: Season 4 delivers plenty of strong moments, it often feels incomplete — more like setup than payoff. The Wild Hunt, teased for so long, is totally absent this year.
This isn’t new for Netflix shows, which often stretch one big story over multiple parts. Still, earlier Witcher seasons felt more self-contained. Season 4 feels like a long “to be continued.”
Verdict: Good, But Not Great
The Witcher has faced plenty of challenges — divided fanbases, creative changes, and now a new lead actor. Liam Hemsworth steps into an impossible situation and does a respectable job.
He’s not as commanding as Cavill, but the story’s focus on Geralt’s transformation helps ease the transition. Strong supporting characters and Yennefer’s standout arc keep things lively, even if Ciri’s subplot drags a bit.
In the end, Season 4 is solid fantasy TV — entertaining, emotional, and flawed in familiar ways. It sets the stage for what could be a powerful final season, but on its own, it feels like half the tale.
Rating: 7/10 — Good.
Even with the actor swap, The Witcher holds its ground and delivers another round of swords, spells, and soul-searching.
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