I came to the Witcher franchise late, just this year discovering The Witcher 3 PC game, so I am aware I haven't had the lore and canon immersion that many viewers of this will have had. There are character changes I noticed but nothing that destroyed those characters at least as I know them but I was disappointed they changed Dandelion's name. I don't see a reason for that aside from the thinking that changed Bruce Banner to David Banner for the TV series. Season 1 happens prior to the Witcher 3 game (have no idea about the books) so I don't know what was changed there but I imagine quite a bit. Given the way the story was spread across 8 episodes they must be planning a minimum of 3 seasons, even given the changes I am aware of. There isn't as much action as I was expecting and they made Geralt of Rivia a committee character of conflicting traits. He is abrasive and standoffish, as we are used to, but he is also sort of dumb and exceptionally lucky when operating within his profession (though he is Captain obvious in the game). Yennefer on the other hand is exceptionally portrayed as a driven, powerful, and aloof sorceress who takes what she wants consequences be damned. The timeline isn't linear so you may be a little confused until you can recognize what is happening before and what is happening at the moment. The story runs thin in places and brilliant in others. The battle at the keep on the river is one of the best sequences I've ever seen in any movie or series (tactical magic is awesome and terrifying), an exceptional amount of thought went into its creation. They change directors on the episodes, didn't catch if it was for all 8, but it may be the reason why the telling of the story runs thick and thin. While it may be a good idea to read the Witcher wiki so you have some notion of the players and knowledge of the lands and events surrounding the age of the White Wolf and his elder blood ward, but not absolutely required. I think even the most dedicated fans will find themselves confused here and there just at different things than the novice. I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps Elric of Melniboné will find his way into such a production if this show manages a good amount of interest following on the heels of Game of Thrones. Perhaps a renewed interest in swords and sorcery fantasy will shake that tree finally. There were a few things that cheapened the production IMO, Nilfgaardian armor being a stand out example. Overall I'm pleased with the series through season 1, hopefully there will be enough viewer interest that the second season budget will be enough to refinish some of the rough areas. If you are a hard core Witcher affecianado I imagine you will have a 4 page list of 'errors' but hope you can adapt enough to enjoy the parts they 'got right'. For the uninitiated it's a bit of a toss up but if you can stick with it through the confusion I think you will find it promising and enjoyable. For people like me I know just enough to know what I don't know but that doesn't really matter because I was already predisposed to enjoy it. It would have had to be a trainwreck to destroy my interest, something it easily avoids. If you are okay with fairies and trolls at the Renaissance faire, a fan of swords and sorcery like Conan, Kull, Red Sonja, and John Carter, or just like a fresh take on classical themes I would recommend this series without reservation. If Game of Thrones is as far as your fantasy tastes go/have gotten then the straight forward by comparison 'pulp' style hero focus may not appeal to you (unlike GoT it's pretty clear certain characters aren't going to die). I will say if future seasons incorporate the events in Witcher 3 (especially with the 2 expansions) a lot thicker and juicier steak is on the way, though the 3 main characters will still dominate the show. I will probably watch it through a few more times before the long night to season 2 (if it comes at all). Recommended.