With Netflix’s upcoming fantasy series The Witcher starring Henry Cavill releasing in less than a month, critics have begun to receive review copies of the first five episodes. Though their reviews are held under a strict embargo lifting on the day of the show’s release on Friday, December 20, they were able to share some of their thoughts. We’ve collected the most notable reactions below. We’ll begin with showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich (also known as Mom in the fandom).

Lucky viewers are currently watching screeners of @witchernetflix and I am DYING OVER HERE. — Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) November 23, 2019

We’re also dying here, Lauren! Though we still have a long wait ahead of us until the season’s release, these screeners bear good news: the critical reception has been incredibly positive so far.

Some were thirsty for Henry

So… I’ve never really been thirsty for Henry Cavill. I mean, I get he’s handsome but just haven’t.



I’ve seen a screener of the first episode of #TheWitcher and, um, I think I’m pregnant. pic.twitter.com/1dIZ5egHT6 — Geek "I have nothing to prove to you."Girl Diva (@geekgirldiva) November 20, 2019

Not to be crass but sit on a towel 🙂 — Geek "I have nothing to prove to you."Girl Diva (@geekgirldiva) November 21, 2019

Ladies and gentlemen….the Henry Cavill thirst after this first episode is overwhelming. Also, shout-out to the fight choreographer for this show. DAMN. — Lelanie | Watch Harley Quinn starting 11/29 (@lelaniecypher) November 23, 2019

Many praised the fight scenes

The fight choreography is insane. First fight Geralt gets into is beautifully savage. The blend of swordplay and Geralt’s signs is perfection#TheWitcher pic.twitter.com/8JaXGfltIO — Garrick (Key Issues) (@Garrick_KI) November 22, 2019

The look of the show is solid. Sets, costumes, and effects are great – nothing to worry about on that end https://t.co/3WdpJfxiLo — Garrick (Key Issues) (@Garrick_KI) November 22, 2019

Oh I will say this. The fight scenes in The Witcher make Game of Thrones fight scenes look like two drunks fighting outside a bar. — Whispers of Oxenfurt: A Witcher Podcast (@witcherpodcast) November 24, 2019

The Fight Scenes In #Witcher WOW Makes #GameofThrones Fights Look Awful – Watching The Witcher Season 1 This Weekend pic.twitter.com/fSmkAb4mdS — Warstu (@wWarstu) November 23, 2019

Others were carefully following guidelines

Just checked #TheWitcher screener email we received and it has the longest DO NOT REVEAL list I’ve ever seen accompanying screeners. L pic.twitter.com/bMLJCuIum8 — Tom & Lorenzo (@tomandlorenzo) November 21, 2019

I can’t break the embargo, but I will express my thoughts about the screeners through a gif. First off, how dare you make make something so glorious. Second, Henry Cavill chose Roach well, and that’s the hill I die on! 💕🐺⚔️ @LHissrich @Ba66ins @witchernetflix @witchertvsite pic.twitter.com/enKBkbmsyX — Kelsey Johnston (@thepixelbaron) November 23, 2019

I’m not allowed to say much about #TheWitcher until next month…but here’s my reaction of the first episode in a GIF @witchernetflix pic.twitter.com/jsAuMo7gAw — The Nerdy Basement @ #AnimeNYC (@nerdy_basement) November 22, 2019

Other than Henry, Anya Chalotra was praised for her depiction of Yennefer

I've seen some of season one of 'The Witcher' and I am sooo happy it is getting a second season!



Anya Chalotra as Yennefer is inspired casting. Truly. https://t.co/cgnDcP9S17 — ferdosa the femme fatale (@atomicwick) November 23, 2019

Last tweet of the night because i cant make it through episode 5.



It keeps getting better and better with each episode. Anya as Yen and especially MyAnna Buring as Tissaia stand out. I have some issues, but overall it’s been fantastic. — Whispers of Oxenfurt: A Witcher Podcast (@witcherpodcast) November 24, 2019

Some think the show might not be for everyone

Gimme an “A”, gimme a “dapt”, gimme an “a”, gimme a “tion” whats that spell??



Two episodes in and already know what gripes will be, what is universally liked, but NOBODY will be able to say they went cheap with it.



Looks and SOUNDS amazing. Music and songs stuck in my head. — Whispers of Oxenfurt: A Witcher Podcast (@witcherpodcast) November 24, 2019

Phew half I’m not the only one, talking with some peers who aren’t familiar with the books or games and they seem to not be as high on it as myself, but I feel like it’s a very worthy adaptation and Cavill nails Geralt in every way https://t.co/6G3olEIPgf — KC Walsh (@TheComixKid) November 23, 2019

Me too and like I said, I’m loving it and am on my second watch through, but I can see that if your not familiar with this world it gives off a very WTF vibe and Geralt is Geralt so not sure if people will be expecting someone more charismatic — KC Walsh (@TheComixKid) November 23, 2019

The story will differ from the books, but stay true to their spirit

The show follows the heart and soul of the overall story. It is extremely well done, but be prepared for some differences. I truly believe fans of the books – and even fans of the games – will like this adaptation. But remember, it's just that – an adaptation. — Will Franklin (@SeeWillTweet) November 23, 2019

Plowed through the initial screeners for Netflix's THE WITCHER, and I've gotta say: I'm quite liking it! I'll have more to say about it when the embargo drops, but it's well-cast, smartly-structured, and nicely paced. Good, solid pulp-fantasy nonsense. — Asher Elbein (@asher_elbein) November 21, 2019

Basically. But the show polishes away some of the more obnoxious elements of Sapkowski's prose style, and that improves things a lot. — Asher Elbein (@asher_elbein) November 21, 2019

I’m also not going to say anything other than very vague thoughts. There is a lot of new content and I think going in fresh will be best.



So far, It stays true to the feel of the books, but is NOT directly taken from them, nor should it be. — Whispers of Oxenfurt: A Witcher Podcast (@witcherpodcast) November 24, 2019

If you’ve read the books and are interested in spoiling yourself some of the details, you can check this Reddit AMA held by one of the critics. Otherwise, that’ll be all for today.

The reactions are very positive and that should come as a great relief to anyone harboring doubts (though this is not uncommon for early screeners). The rest of us, mere mortals, will have to wait until December 20 to experience The Witcher season one.

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