Three series to watch on Netflix while waiting for ‘The Witcher’ season 4
It won’t be long before the grand gates of the Continent fling open wide for a grander welcome to The Witcher season four on Netflix. But even then, the wait feels never-ending with so many changes grabbing attention in the Witcherverse.
Henry Cavill will no longer flaunt the White Wolf medallion, nor will he showcase his incredible swordsmanship this time around. Instead, Liam Hemsworth has taken on the mantle to ensure the legend lives on.
While the showrunners cannot wait to have viewers on board with all that The Witcher has to offer, for those tired of Netflix testing their patience, kill the blues with these three series on Netflix, which serve as the perfect streaming substitute. Sure, you won’t have Geralt, Ciri, or Yennefer joining you on the marathon.
But even without them, the binge season won’t feel any less as you wait with bated breath for The Witcher season four.
Three series to watch on Netflix before The Witcher season 4
The Sandman (Allan Heinberg, 2022-2025)
Whenever you think of The Witcher replacement on Netflix, The Sandman comes to mind as the default option. Despite their fantasy roots, they have always looked distinctly different from one another: the first is a gripping monster-hunting adventure; the second is a metaphysical adventure through dreams and myths. However, even with their diverse storylines and settings, The Witcher and The Sandman unexpectedly share a select few core concepts.
Firstly, the idea of destiny as opposed to free will is central to the former Netflix adaptation, which shows how Geralt constantly tries to resist fate only to fall victim to it. Similarly, The Sandman showcases the importance of a predestined path by binding not only mortals but also the immortals to its inescapable principles. Both Netflix series feature a solitary protagonist who is inherently bound to incredible responsibilities.
Although the shows are distinguished by their fantastical and philosophical paradigms, they use the same toolkit to accomplish their worldbuilding: a dip into mythology with highly morally complex characters.
Arcane (Christian Linke and Alex Yee, 2021-2024)
Arcane is also conceived in a fantastical world that’s generically different from The Witcher. While Arcane is a steampunk animated series, The Witcher takes place in the medieval era of monster-hunters. The adult animated series revolves around sisters Vi and Jinx against the backdrop of Zaun and Piltover. But besides its gripping premise, the visual animation is to die for. The Netflix series is a 100% Rotten Tomatoes scorer that has religiously wooed the League of Legends players. However, even those who haven’t played the game have extolled Arcane for its exceptional attention to detail, from the high-octane action sequences to incredible character development.
At heart, Arcane and The Witcher are deep, character-driven narratives that have evolved into favourites for their intricate worldbuilding and relatable real-life themes. Even with their fictional undercurrent, they equally represent a world that’s inherently grounded and convey the aura of a lived reality. Although it’s not a live-action adaptation, the animated series has a cinematic edge. So, if you’re struggling with the absence of The Witcher, watch Arcane before the fourth season drops on October 30th.
Castlevania (Warren Ellis, 2017-2021)
If you’re seeking the perfect streaming replacement for The Witcher to kill your time with until the arrival of the fourth season, Castlevania should be your ultimate pitstop. Although they each originate from different media and have distinct styles, they are similar in more ways than one. Castlevania follows a trio of misfits, Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard, who join forces to prevent Dracula’s mortal devastation after his human wife was burned at the stake.
Like Geralt, Trevor is overwhelmed by a natural sense of duty and legacy that they didn’t necessarily choose. Additionally, both anti-heroes operate within a world that clearly needs their aid but also fears them because of their unusual and unnatural abilities. While they would prefer nothing better than the world to leave them on their own, contrary to their expectations, the idea of a found family becomes the centrepiece of their lives.
The Witcher and Castlevania are rooted in a grim and dark fantastical world, complete with heavily stylised action sequences that give the chills and yet feel earned. But unlike the former’s Slavic medieval aesthetic, the adult animated series incorporates traditional Gothic aesthetics against the backdrop of religious hypocrisy.