Ever since their initial creation, video games have long been adapted into TV shows. The likes of Mario and Pac-Man have all received spin-off shows as big gaming companies attempt to milk their biggest character for even more money, with varying levels of success. However, the best of these adaptations must be The Witcher (2019). Yes, the fantasy drama arrived at Netflix 3 years ago and managed to surprise audiences everywhere with its excellent quality. Blending intricate writing with a superb cast, the show was an instant success, receiving a Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%.
A quick recap for those unfamiliar. The Witcher series follows Gerald (Henry Cavill) a mutant who hunts monsters for money as he deals with the world and a society who hates his kind. Meanwhile, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) attempts to master the art of magic, and princess Ciri (Freya Allan) attempts to stay alive against the army who killed her family.
So, what makes The Witcher so much better than other video game adaptations? For starters, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s obvious that the actors are enjoying themselves which makes the show easier to watch. Cavill (a well-known nerd and fan of The Witcher video games) truly demonstrates his passion for the franchise in this series through his outstanding performance as the dark and brooding protagonist. Alternatively, Joey Batey (who plays Gerald’s annoying accomplice Jaskier) provides plenty of comic relief to keep the show fun as well as dramatic.
Further proof that The Witcher is the best video game TV show is the battle scenes. I’ve never been more enthralled than seeing Gerald attempt to slay a series of CGI beasts. It helps that Henry Cavill is built like a tower of bricks on steroids because you don’t doubt for a second that he would be physically capable of taking down a literal dragon. But the fight choreography is off the charts, and you can’t take your eyes off it.
At the heart of things, The Witcher is a loving tribute to the game that attempts to appease to both casual and die-hard fans. The route of its success is that, much like the game, is able to take us away to a glorious new fantasy world where the audience can sit back and watch a monster hunter does his job.
