Netflix’s The Witcher Season 4 Soars as Spinoff Surprises Fans
Netflix’s popular fantasy series, The Witcher, has made a remarkable return with the release of its fourth season on October 31, 2025. The series has overcome significant behind-the-scenes challenges and controversies, including a major casting change that had many questioning its future. With Liam Hemsworth stepping into the lead role of Geralt of Rivia, replacing Henry Cavill, the show has defied expectations, topping streaming charts and gaining positive reception from both fans and critics.
Strong Performance Amid Changes
The launch of The Witcher Season 4 coincided with Halloween, a strategic move that appears to have paid off. Netflix reported that viewership for the new season nearly doubled that of other recently released series, including the new rom-com Nobody Wants This, which has faced criticism regarding its perceived drop in quality.
In this latest season, the story continues from the dramatic events of Season 3, where Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are separated by a raging war. As their paths diverge, they encounter new allies who may help them reunite. Alongside Hemsworth, returning cast members include Freya Allan as Ciri and Anya Chalotra as Yennefer. New characters are introduced, including Laurence Fishburne as Regis, a wise barber-surgeon, and Sharlto Copley as the bounty hunter Leo Bonhart.
The transition from Cavill to Hemsworth was met with skepticism from some industry experts, but early indications suggest that Hemsworth has successfully embraced the role. Critics have noted that his performance may be one of the least problematic elements of the new season.
Surprise Spinoff Debuts
In an unexpected twist, Netflix also announced the availability of a spinoff series titled The Rats: A Witcher Tale. This series unlocks upon completion of Season 4 and has been a pleasant surprise for fans who had previously thought the project had been shelved. The spinoff is set just before the group encounters Ciri, exploring the origins of the Rats gang and their subsequent notoriety.
The plot revolves around a daring heist at Dominik Houvenaghel’s brutal fighting arena, with each character playing a crucial role in a plan that quickly goes awry. The cast includes Mistle (Christelle Elwin), Asse (Connor Crawford), Giselher (Ben Radcliffe), and others, each contributing to the unfolding drama.
Both The Witcher Season 4 and The Rats: A Witcher Tale are now streaming on Netflix, reaffirming the franchise’s strong position in the competitive streaming landscape.
As the series continues to evolve, its ability to attract viewers and maintain interest amid significant changes demonstrates the enduring appeal of The Witcher brand. Netflix’s strategic decisions appear to be paying off, keeping audiences engaged as the fantasy saga unfolds.
