A Discovery of Witches - Season 1

Magic, vampires, demons, and romance; the ingredients of a power struggle in which tradition, discrimination, a curse, and a prophecy vie for dominance. These are the elements of A Discovery of Witches. Diana Bishop is, at first glance, an ordinary young woman. She discovers an ancient manuscript in the university library that shakes society to its foundations. Not our society, but that of the groups of beings who live among us. Without ordinary people realizing it, vampires, demons, and magicians live in our cities.

Because they look like ordinary people, they don't stand out. They prefer to keep it that way. Their respective powers wouldn't be accepted without fear by ordinary people. The consequences of their discovery would be enormous.

The vampires, in particular, want to keep things the way they are. They live for centuries, giving them plenty of time to gain a powerful position in the world. This isn't something they're willing to give up. To keep things under control, a mixed council has been formed. Together, they decide which rules will be followed to preserve their shared future.

Anyone who dismisses magic and the like as childish fabrications and therefore doesn't go see it is missing something.

Diana's discovery threatens to change everything. This frightens the council, and so a hunt for the manuscript and Diana ensues. She could certainly use some protection. Fortunately, she receives help from an unexpected source. But can she trust that help?

So, the tone is set. Anyone who dismisses magic and the like as childish fabrications and therefore doesn't watch is missing something. This series offers a quite credible portrait of a hidden society alongside and within our own. It shows that these beings, too, possess very human traits. Greed, love, envy, discrimination, and prejudice are not foreign to them.

Above all, A Discovery of Witches demonstrates that love is a powerful emotion. The consequences of giving in to love, or rejecting it, are profound. Their impact can span centuries and shake civilizations. Okay, this is a romantic image, but it fits the series.

Lead actors Teresa Palmer (Mix Tape) and Matthew Goode (Dept. Q) are in fine form. Their mutual magic is almost palpable. The supporting roles from well-known and lesser-known actors like Alex Kingston (I know him best from Doctor Who), Owen Teale (Line of Duty), Lindsay Duncan (Truelove), Steven Cree (Outlander), and many others are also delightful.

A lot of attention was paid to the overall aesthetic. The sets and exterior shots are also beautiful. I found the special effects sufficiently believable. The budget, of course, was ample and was used effectively.

I would say that it is best to watch this series with your partner.

I'd guess that A Discovery of Witches' target audience is primarily women. However, there's plenty for men with a somewhat romantic bent to enjoy. I'd say it's best to watch this series with your partner. It's definitely not a soap opera; the script is too good for that. I certainly couldn't handle that myself. There are some episodes that are a bit slower-paced and sometimes lean a bit too heavily on the characters' relationships. Still, the average pace is sufficient to keep it all digestible.

The first season ends on a cliffhanger. That would be a shame if a second and third (final) season weren't already available. The series aired between 2018 and 2022. Viewers who started watching afterward can binge until the very end. I don't think you'll regret it.