There wasn’t any guarantee that the live-action Netflix adaptation ofThe Witcherwould be a hit. Outside of the gaming community and fans of the original novels it’s based on, theWitcherfranchise is not too well known. Adding to that is the fact thatnot every episode ofThe Witcherhas been well-received, but the show has nevertheless proven incredibly popular with fans and newcomers alike.
With 2019 wrapping up this week, Netflix has announced which of the many new movies, shows, and documentaries that debuted this year were the most popular among the streaming platform’s massive viewership. In a Twitter thread today, it posted several “top 10” lists across a variety of categories, revealing in the process thatthe first season ofThe Witcheris now one of its biggest hits, ranking 6th in the overall category of “Most Popular Releases of 2019.”
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That’s pretty impressive for a show that only premiered 10 days ago, as well as one going up against other much-hyped Netflix originals like the high-profile crime-dramaThe Irishmanand the third season ofStranger Things. In fact, as far as TV shows go,The Witcherwas the most-viewed series on Netflix in 2019, coming in second only toStranger Things.
It goes to show that theWitcherfranchise didn’t need to be as well known as, say,Game of Thronesto intrigue fans of high-budget dark fantasy with its impressive cast, epic vibe, and deep world-building. What’s more, because the Netflix series has been so popular, it’s resulted in increased popularity for other parts of the franchise too, leading tomore people playingThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntnow than when it launchedback in 2015.
From what we currently know, that momentum will likely only grow stronger from here on out.The Witcheris one of Netflix’s highest-rated shows, a second season has already been greenlit, and the show’s creators have plans for at least five more after that. Given how popular it is now, it’s very much possible that those seasons will get produced, giving fans even more opportunities tohear Henry Cavill’s Geralt say “hmmm.”
