A New Chapter for The Witcher

Netflix’s The Witcher returned for its long-awaited fourth season on October 30, 2025 - bringing major changes, both on and off screen.
Adapted from Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, the show continues to explore the intertwined fates of Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Ciri, as war, destiny, and magic collide across the Continent.

But Season 4 stands out for another reason: it marks the arrival of Liam Hemsworth as the new Geralt, replacing Henry Cavill after three seasons.

Season 4 Recap: What Happened in The Witcher’s Newest Chapter

Season 4 dives into the chaos left after the events of Season 3.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the main storylines and what they mean for the future.

Geralt of Rivia (Liam Hemsworth)
Geralt now leads his Hansa - a band of allies formed during his search for Ciri. The shift in actor is felt immediately, but critics like Slashfilm note that Hemsworth “embraces a more stoic, world-weary Geralt,” offering a slightly different interpretation without betraying the character’s essence.

Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra)
Yennefer steps into a new role as a leader among the mages, helping rebuild the Brotherhood and later forming the Lodge of Sorceresses. Her arc focuses on balancing power, responsibility, and her lingering bond with Geralt and Ciri.

Ciri (Freya Allan)
Separated from her companions, Ciri finds herself among the outlaw gang known as The Rats, taking on the name Falka. Her storyline grows darker as she confronts her identity and destiny. By the finale, she’s captured by the sadistic Leo Bonhart - setting the stage for a brutal continuation.

Major Deaths and Changes
Season 4 diverges from the books at several points. GamesRadar reports that some long-standing characters - including Vesemir and Istredd - die earlier than expected, underscoring the showrunners’ intention to heighten emotional stakes and surprise long-time fans.

Tone and Reception
Critics are split. Some praise the world-building and production value, while others argue the show feels uneven tonally and creatively adrift without Cavill. Still, some reviewers - including Forbes - highlight the improved pacing, action choreography, and a renewed sense of urgency that gives the show fresh energy.

The Ending: A World on the Edge

The final episode closes with all major characters in turmoil:

• Ciri is imprisoned, Geralt remains on her trail, and Yennefer’s political alliances start to fracture.
• Vilgefortz continues to manipulate events behind the scenes, and the Continent inches closer to all-out war.

It’s a somber, suspenseful setup - and intentionally so. As showrunner Lauren Hissrich told GamesRadar, Season 4 was “built as a bridge to the end.”

The Future of The Witcher: Season 5 and Beyond

Netflix has officially confirmed that Season 5 will be the final chapter of The Witcher. Production for the last season wrapped in September 2025 after being filmed back-to-back with Season 4.

The next season will adapt the remaining books in Sapkowski’s saga - Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake - promising an epic and emotional conclusion to Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri’s intertwined fates.

What can fans expect?

• Ciri’s captivity and eventual transformation into her prophesied role as the Lady of Time and Space.

• Geralt’s redemption arc, leading the Hansa through war and sacrifice.

• Yennefer’s return to center stage as her power and emotions collide in the final battle for the Continent.

• Large-scale political and magical confrontations - all building toward the bittersweet resolution faithful readers will recognize.

Final Thoughts

The Witcher Season 4 is both a reset and a reckoning. It dares to change - actor, tone, and structure - in pursuit of a grander finish. While it hasn’t pleased everyone, it succeeds in laying the groundwork for a powerful conclusion.

Season 5 now carries enormous expectations: to deliver emotional closure, restore fan confidence, and solidify The Witcher’s place among Netflix’s most ambitious fantasy series.

Until then, the Continent stands divided, our heroes scattered - and destiny, as always, waits for no one.