The world of The Witcher is far from finished on Netflix. With multiple projects in the pipeline—including two major live-action seasons, a new anime film, and even a fresh novel from series creator Andrzej Sapkowski—2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the franchise. Here’s everything fans need to know right now.
Season 4 & 5: A New Geralt, A Final Journey
Netflix’s The Witcher will return for Season 4 in late 2025, with Season 5 already filming and scheduled for 2026. These two seasons will serve as the conclusion to the saga that began in 2019.
The biggest shift? Liam Hemsworth will officially take over the mantle of Geralt of Rivia, following Henry Cavill’s departure after Season 3. While fan reactions have been mixed, Hemsworth is reportedly taking the role seriously, working with fight choreographers and dialect coaches to craft a Geralt that honors the original while making it his own.
Season 4 is set to delve deeper into the Thanedd Coup aftermath and the growing power struggle across the Continent. Expect bigger political intrigue, expanded world-building, and even darker moral dilemmas—in line with the books’ escalating tone.
New characters confirmed include:
- Regis (played by Laurence Fishburne): a fan-favorite higher vampire with a philosophical edge.
- Leo Bonhart: a brutal bounty hunter who plays a major role in Ciri’s arc.
- Zoltan Chivay: the gruff but lovable dwarf who’s long been a staple in both the books and games.
- Skellen and Roderick de Wett: royal manipulators caught in the escalating chaos, with the latter pulled straight from The Witcher 2 video game lore.
By filming Seasons 4 and 5 back-to-back, Netflix is aiming for narrative cohesion—and likely cost efficiency—while closing the saga with a consistent tone and cast.
“Sirens of the Deep”: A New Witcher Anime, Same Old Magic
Premiering on February 11, 2025, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is an animated film that adapts “A Little Sacrifice,” one of Sapkowski’s most haunting short stories.
Key highlights:
- Doug Cockle (voice of Geralt in the CD Projekt RED games) returns to voice the White Wolf.
- Anya Chalotra and Joey Batey reprise their roles as Yennefer and Jaskier, maintaining the continuity of the Netflix series.
- The story will focus on diplomatic tensions between humans and merpeople, giving fans a glimpse of Geralt as a negotiator, not just a monster slayer.
This project follows the footsteps of Nightmare of the Wolf, another anime spin-off that focused on Geralt’s mentor Vesemir, and shows Netflix’s ongoing commitment to expanding the Witcherverse beyond live-action.
“Crossroads of Ravens” – Sapkowski Returns
After nearly a decade, Andrzej Sapkowski is back with a new Witcher novel. Titled Crossroads of Ravens, the Polish version launched in November 2024, with an English release set for September 30, 2025.
Early reviews from Polish readers suggest the book is a prequel-style story filled with politics, prophecy, and the gritty morality the saga is known for. It’s unclear how or if this new material will tie into Netflix’s adaptations, but it confirms that Sapkowski isn’t done with Geralt’s world—and neither is the global fanbase.
The Witcher 4: CD Projekt’s Next Big Bet
On the gaming front, CD Projekt RED continues development on the next Witcher game, internally referred to as Polaris. It’s being billed as the start of a new trilogy, with Ciri strongly rumored to be the main playable character.
The game is expected to utilize Unreal Engine 5, promising major graphical leaps and more dynamic storytelling—possibly mirroring the shifting perspectives seen in Netflix’s take.
What About “The Rats”?
Netflix is also working on a spin-off series based on “The Rats,” a band of young outlaws introduced in Season 3. While controversial among fans of the books, this group plays a large role in Ciri’s journey. Details are scarce, and there’s no release window yet, but it’s expected to tie into the main timeline and possibly build narrative bridges between seasons or even post-season 5 content.
A Finale on the Horizon
Netflix has confirmed that The Witcher will end with Season 5, marking the close of a five-season arc that will likely take viewers all the way through the end of Ciri’s transformation and the downfall of the Northern Kingdoms. Whether spin-offs or movie-length episodes follow remains to be seen, but the main series will wrap with a definitive conclusion.
📅 What to Watch For:
- Feb 11, 2025 – Sirens of the Deep anime film premieres
- Late 2025 – The Witcher Season 4 debuts with Liam Hemsworth
- September 30, 2025 – English release of Crossroads of Ravens novel
- 2026 – The Witcher Season 5 concludes the main saga
Netflix is betting big on The Witcher becoming a lasting fantasy brand—even after Geralt rides off into the sunset.
Most-Watched Netflix Shows of All Time
Netflix, the global streaming giant, has redefined the television landscape with its myriad of shows that captivate audiences worldwide. As it churns out hit after hit, certain series rise to become the most-watched of all time. These shows amass millions of views within their initial release window, reflecting not just their popularity but also the shifting patterns of viewing behavior.
These series set records, with some racking up views by the hundreds of millions. They’re measured in the total hours viewed, especially within the crucial early period post-release, which often indicates their lasting impact and cultural footprint. With a range of genres spanning from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, these most-watched shows reveal the diverse flavors that global audiences crave.
Based on the latest available data, here’s an overview of the most-watched Netflix shows of all time:
Top Shows (by hours watched / views):
- Squid Game (Season 1): This South Korean survival drama continues to hold the top spot as Netflix’s most-watched show. Its cultural impact and high viewership numbers remain unmatched.
- Stranger Things (Season 4): The latest season of this sci-fi horror hit is a strong contender for the top, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
- Wednesday (Season 1): This Addams Family spin-off starring Jenna Ortega quickly became a massive success and ranks among the most-watched.
- Squid Game (Season 2): The recently released second season of Squid Game has also performed exceptionally well, quickly climbing into the top ranks.
- DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story: This limited series garnered significant attention and high viewership.
- Money Heist (Part 5): This Spanish heist drama maintains its strong global appeal.
- Bridgerton (Season 3): The latest season of this historical romance series has also performed very well, with multiple seasons of Bridgerton appearing on the most-watched lists.
- The Night Agent (Season 1): An action thriller that quickly captured audience attention.
- Adolescence: This limited series, released in March 2025, has surprisingly climbed the charts rapidly.
Key trends and insights:
- Global Appeal: The top shows demonstrate Netflix’s global reach, with non-English language productions like Squid Game and Money Heist consistently ranking high.
- Continued Success of Franchises: Established hits like Stranger Things and Bridgerton continue to draw massive audiences with their new seasons.
- Diverse Genres: The most-watched list includes a variety of genres, from survival drama and sci-fi to comedy horror, true crime, and historical romance.
- Recent Successes: Shows like Adolescence and Ginny & Georgia (especially Season 3, which is currently dominating weekly charts) highlight the ongoing emergence of new hits on the platform.
It’s important to note that Netflix regularly updates its viewership data, so these rankings can shift over time. The “most-watched” metrics often refer to hours viewed within a specific timeframe (e.g., first 28 days or 91 days after release) or total hours watched.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix’s most-watched shows highlight the platform’s influence on global viewing habits.
- Total hours viewed, particularly in the first 28 days, are critical for gauging a show’s popularity.
- The diversity of genres among the most-watched indicates a broad range of audience preferences.
Analyzing Netflix’s Most-Watched Shows
Netflix has reshaped how we watch TV by offering a vast array of shows that appeal globally. This section looks into the most popular shows on Netflix and the trends within viewership data.
Popularity Metrics and Viewing Trends
Netflix uses viewership numbers and total hours viewed to gauge show popularity. Metrics show a spike in viewership within the first 28 days of a show’s release. This period is critical for determining a show’s success on the platform.
Top English-Language Series
Shows like “Stranger Things” and “Bridgerton” have dominated Netflix’s English-language category. They achieve high engagement with compelling stories and beloved characters that resonate with a wide audience.
Leading Non-English Titles
“Money Heist” and “Squid Game” are among the top non-English Netflix originals. They show that good storytelling crosses language barriers, with “Squid Game” amassing high viewing hours globally.
Impact of Series Renewals and Releases
When Netflix announces new seasons, such as “The Witcher” Season 2 or “You” Season 3, the platform sees renewed interest in earlier episodes. This leads to a jump in total hours viewed for these series.
Netflix Originals and Their Significance
Netflix Originals, such as “Ozark” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” often become part of the site’s global top 10. Their success highlights the importance of original content in keeping viewers engaged.
Notable Characters and Themes
Characters like Eleven from “Stranger Things” have become cultural icons. Themes of love in “Bridgerton” and survival in “Squid Game” keep viewers across the world glued to their screens.
Influence of Creators and Cast
The impact of creators like the Duffer Brothers and casts including Tom Ellis in “Lucifer” is significant. They bring unique visions and performances that draw in audiences.
Cultural and Global Impact
Netflix’s global reach allows shows to influence and reflect diverse cultures. Non-English series like “Elite” and “Dark Desire” gain international popularity, showcasing cultural trends.
Evolution of the Platform’s Content Strategy
Netflix adapts its content strategy based on viewing trends and metrics. The variety of shows, from drama to reality TV, keeps the service fresh and attractive to subscribers.
Netflix’s Role in the Battle of Streaming Giants
Netflix competes in the streaming category by consistently topping the charts in viewership and engagement. It plays a major role in the battle for viewers’ attention among streaming services.
Future Prospects in Viewership and Content
With the expansion of the service, future viewership prospects look bright. New content, such as “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” aims to capture even more viewers.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
Netflix uses a methodical approach to rank its shows. It considers viewership data, hours watched, and top 10 lists among other metrics to determine a show’s popularity.
