The Henry Cavill starrer Netflix show The Witcher has been one of the top hits of the streaming platform Netflix ever since its release. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series of the same name, the show has gained massive viewership and following around the globe. It explores the legend of Geralt of Rivia and has followed the same success for the last two seasons of the show. However, the same doesn’t seem to be followed with the third season of the show, which was recently released on Netflix.
After the lead star of the show announced his departure last year, things have not been the same for the popular show. And after its spin-off Blood Origin went through a review bombing, the third season of the Henry Cavill starrer has also seen a massive fall in its viewership.
The Witcher Records a Huge Drop in Viewership
Last year Henry Cavill announced his departure from the popular Netflix show The Witcher. He also stated that the third season of the show would be his last run as Geralt of Rivia. While the reason why he decided to quit the popular series, fans have not been very pleased with the news, and it is visible in Season 3’s ratings and viewership.
The first volume of The Witcher Season 3 has recorded a 15% decrease compared to the Season 2 premiere. And the viewership of the first five episodes of the show suggests that it is not able to hold the audience till the very end.
According to a report from Samba TV, the first episode of season 3 recorded 1.1 million viewers, which slightly went down to 505,000 viewers by the end of Volume 1. This records a loss of almost 600,000 viewers over the first five episodes of Season 3. It has not been the same for the past two seasons of the show.
While Season 1 continues to be Netflix’s most popular TV season, the second season drew in more than 1 million viewers during the first week of its debut on Netflix. The drop in viewership is believed to be due to Henry Cavill’s departure and Liam Hemsworth’s taking over as Geralt of Rivia.
The Witcher Faces Backlash For Marketing Tactics
It is believed that Herny Cavill’s departure is the reason behind the show’s falling viewership. And many have also claimed that Liam Hemsworth would not be able to live up to the standard set by Cavil as Geralt of Rivia. However, considering the same, the streaming giant came up with a unique promotion tactic.
The series is being promoted with the quote, saying, “Yes, he’s still Geralt in Season 3,” referring to the Immortals star leaving the series. The statement also suggests that the makers and the streaming platforms are concerned that the audience might stop watching the series due to Cavill’s departure.
Just in case you need a reminder. pic.twitter.com/bvV0hYjymU
— The Witcher (@witchernetflix) July 3, 2023
The marketing and promotional technique has been taken as disrespectful to Liam Hemsworth, who is set to replace the lead star of the show from season 4. Many have called out the streaming giant and its makers for not believing it’s recasting and the future star of the show.
The Witcher season 3 is streaming on Netflix.
Source: Samba TV
