The Worst Witch (2017– ) User Reviews (69)

Not! A! Ripoff! and Worth the Watch! *spoiler free*

[sanctuary_thirteen · 6/10 · 23 July 2017]

The Worst Witch. The book series by Jill Murphy was first published in 1974 and continues through to 2013 at least.

Harry Potter. The book series by JK Rowling was first published by 1997 and continued through to 2007, with more stories rumored on their way.

The Worst Witch. The first film adaptation came out in 1986 starring Fairuza Balk and Tim Curry. A television series then ran from 1998 to 2001.

Harry Potter. The first film adaptation came out in 2001 starring everyone you could ever want and more, and the series culminated in 2011. A prequel film then was released in 2016.

I love Harry Potter, but I'm old enough to have watched the Worst Witch and remembered it. The overlap and obvious repetitions between the two stories kept me from enjoying HP until much later, but today I have a healthy love for both stories, as they really do tell two different stories despite all the similarities.

British boarding schools, especially to American viewers who are by and large unfamiliar with boarding schools as a concept, may mistake normal behaviors for particularities unique to one universe or the other.

Now that we have THAT out of the way, this is a fun version of the misadventures of Mildred, the Worst Witch. Magic takes a backseat to telling a rather mundane, but poignant story about friendship, fitting in, and hard decisions.

It is perhaps a simpler story than Rowling's work, leaving out so much of the backdrop of the past that conveyed the breathing magical world of Harry Potter. The Worst Witch instead skips over the hidden world and takes on perhaps a more mythical sense. The cheaper effects are highly charming, and the children give solid performances.

This is a great series for kids perhaps not quite old enough for the darker Harry Potter world, but ready to embrace a magical school.

JK Rowling was 9 when this book came out

[kay_rock · 6/10 · 26 July 2017]

As has been said in other intelligent reviews, The Worst Witch book series significantly pre-dates Harry Potter.

Since JK Rowling was 9 years old when the first Worst Witch book was written, we might well assume there was some early influencing going on. The similarities exist, as those who don't know about the books and think THIS is the rip-off like to point out. However, any similarities would work the other way around. Did she intentionally plagiarize? Probably not. How many of us remember everything we read as children?

This series is a remake of a series that came from a movie that came out in the 1980s (from the book written in 1974). There has already also been a reboot: The NEW Worst Witch.

As with all the others, this is a relatively low budget production, but seems quite cute and would likely be very enjoyable to children, and to those who would like to know the original inspiration for the world of Harry Potter.

Expanded and updated take on the books.

[cartotheneck · 7/10 · 5 July 2017]

I was a large fan of the 90's series 'Worst Witch', which made me feel that this 'reboot' would be unnecessary and unable to match the first series. I expressed my dismay even from the promotion pictures, noting that the lead actress lacked Georgina Sherrington's natural charm and that even the cat looked wrong!

But, upon watching it - the acting is really well done, and they've expanded the world-building quite a bit. There have been law-suits filed because 'Harry Potter' seemed to take a lot from 'Worst Witch' (the Worst Witch books started in 1979 and feature a wicked potions master and a kindly old headmaster who disagree over a young student's magical aptitude). This series seems to take a lot 'back' from the Harry Potter movies though - The actress who plays Ms. Hardbroom at times seems to channel Alan Rickman's nuanced performance of Prof. Snape; and the Headmistress has the dark reflective moments we've seen from Dumbledore on occasion. Whereas in the original series (and the books) the world of Magic seemed not to be a secret, here the school is shrouded from non-magical eyes. Whereas in the original Mildred seems to come from a magical family - here she is the only magical person in her family (similar to Hermione's back-story). So in a sense they've amalgamated a more coherent world.

This is a well put together program; the sets are very nice. The actors are well competent. The stories from the books work themselves into the episodes naturally and in bits; readers of the books will see poignant moments like Ethel getting turned into a pig.

I still love the 90's show, but I have to admit that this is a better production. There is no stilted comedic acting, and the characters seem to have an inner dimension that is visited often. The writing is done cleverly and the pacing comes off well. Perhaps the special effects are not spectacular; but this is a show about relationships and characters - and both of those aspects are well done.

In closing - it's not a 'dumb' kids show. It can be taken seriously on its own merit and I highly recommend that parents and kids enjoy it. The main character is a good example to children because she DOES make mistakes and poor decisions and have insecurity just like real kids do.

Hilarious and heartwarming -- Give it a try!

[DesdeAnitaSilvers · 10/10 · 26 July 2017]

I know this show is really new, and that is likely why the rating is so low, but I think it is also probably because people think its copying Harry Potter, when it is in fact based on an older book series/ TV show/ movie. I have never been exposed to Worst Witch before this, and it is a great show! The child actors are fantastic, especially the one who plays the lead (Mildred) and the show does an excellent job of keeping the magic aspect fun and exciting while also using it to show normal growing up struggles-- something many shows try to do but which Worst Witch does really naturally. I recommend that if you like Harry Potter, as I do, you give it a shot, and enjoy the similarities instead of judging. Also, recommended for both males and females. Just because most characters are female does not mean this show won't be fun for you anyway (trust me it will)!

A fun show.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 17 July 2017]

A fun series, which is both amusing and sweet, a long time since I read the books, these seem loosely based on them from what I can remember. Fun performances all round, Claire Higgins is super sweet, ably supported by all, but it's Raquel Cassidy that steals the show, she's a lot of fun as the dark and sinister Miss Hardbroom, surpassing even Kate Duchene. It's bound to have it's critics as some of the special effects are a little on the cheap side. A fun show 7/10

Cute little series. I read the books in the 70's.

[ldybug-79181 · 9/10 · 4 August 2017]

I remember reading the books in the 70's and then watching the movie w/Tim Curry in the 80's. I actually just rewatched it the other day. This is a cute little series that shows friendship, trying to fit in, finding your self, and trying out new things. It is refreshingly not complicated or weighed down with special effects or preachy. My daughter, though in her 20's, might get a kick out of this series. It's a fun light watch. Worth the time spent.

Harry Potter on crack.

[PotatoCrafat · 7/10 · 24 January 2022]

I am so tempted to just rate this a 10/10 since it's basically how much enjoyement I get out of it but since it's not (unironically) that good I'm not going to do that.

But yeah, this show is fun as hell. One of the most entertaining things I've ever seen. The weirdly comedic and bizarre writing, the endearing yet nonsensical characters, and my favorite, the sort of cringy but also charming acting make it a fantastic experience and a delight to watch.

...season 4 kinda sucks though, not just because they replaced Mildred's actress (which, the new actress does a great job as well but the chaotic energy is just not there you know), but also because the writing starts to kinda feel a bit tiresome and lazy.

Sorry not sorry bye.

The Worst Witch is Great! Loved every second of it!

[srobertsmegan · 10/10 · 15 July 2017]

I think this entire season was wonderful. The actors are not only very good but they truly make you believe they are witches! I was hooked within the first few minutes. It tells such a good story with all the individual back stories to help you as you go along to understand why some of the girls act they way they do. I really cannot wait until the 2nd season airs....Anyone know when that will be???

Really nice for the children

[kuhartadeja · 15 August 2019]

Watched all 3 seasons on Netflix and it was worth it. It was intresting from begining to the end. It's really good for the kids too.

Okay, needs work

[einsamax · 7/10 · 23 September 2017]

Quite a nice story overall as it is able to differentiate itself from other magic schools, however, I find it annoying how little the characters learn from their mistakes between each episode. Even children are able to learn from past mistakes and alter their future decisions based on them, but not here. Also, the administration if this school is grossly negligent, often brushing off serious crimes that are akin to attempted murder. Either make the punishments fit the crime or tone down the seriousness of the arguments between characters.

Typical cheap 2nd tier BBC kids production

[rustgold · 5/10 · 18 May 2017]

The only people who will want to watch this are those who read the books, and this unfortunately is a poorer relation to them. It's a typical second tier cheap BBC kids production, which even copies the same beginning starting theme present in other 2nd tier BBC kids productions. Whilst not outright bad, it merely goes from mediocre in the first episode, to slightly above thereafter. Watchable, even if a few things irritate.

a lot of fun.

[jsrnightwing · 10/10 · 30 July 2017]

Lets not dwell on the obvious comparison. This is not a rip off of that other witching school. This series is a lot of fun, and has been around for decades.

The casting is great, there is a lot of chemistry between cast members. The stories are engaging, well written and this show kept the spirit and sense of humor of the books, while adding a few modern touches. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.

Good series, but has a few problems

[ChillFinity2000 · 6/10 · 16 February 2023]

First, let me get this out of the way, and just say that this is, no doubt, a good and fun overall series.

It has a few problems though. First of all, the CGI. It's just absolutely horrible. The broomstick animation, in particular, is so bad, you can actually see how the animators went about placing it on the background, and the keyframes are jarringly visible.

The speed-potion running in the 4th Season was also horrible. The speed was never consistent and the closeups on the runners' faces and the overhead shots never matched. The spell-casting had none of the realism and believability of Harry Potter, which was released over a decade before this.

The snake and eagle fight in the last season also just falls apart. The wing animations of every bird (bats, for example) were too slow to keep an actual specimen of the bird in the air.

Even the practical effects were bad. In every scene where someone is falling, you never actually see the person hitting the ground. It's just falling, and next cut is the person on the ground after falling.

I have seen some films that employ this technique and actually make it look good, but in this case, it's just so jarringly fake I could go on and on, but now let's focus on the other stuff.

(BTW, there is just one episode where I think the CGI actually holds up. The Vanishment scenes in the very last episode of season 4 is actually surprisingly good. But, all the other scenes in the episode are crap so...)

Second, the character continuity. This is mainly about the specific character, Ethel Hallow. In one episode, she makes a mistake and learns a lesson. Then, in the next episode, she is as horrible as ever. All the other characters are surprisingly well-written and don't have many problems.

There are a few good things about this series though. The acting, both by the children and the adults was marvelous. I like how they explained the actor changes away with appearance-changing potion accidents.

One other thing i noticed, were the similarities to Harry Potter. I mean, it's almost the exact same story but with a few twists. This series feels like a watered-down, not so mature version of Harry Potter meant for younger kids. It doesn't quite have that air of magic that made Harry Potter so popular.

The CGI notwithstanding, I think this is overall a good series and a definite must-watch. It's got its issues, but its just so fun to watch (mainly why I rated this 6/10).

Not worth it

[catiemonaghan92 · 2/10 · 12 January 2018]

Noticed the first season on Netflix quite recently and thought I would check it out. Big mistake. I could barely get through the first episode. The characters were bland and not likeable. The actors for the characters weren't the greatest either. Green screen in it was horrible and noticeable which took away from being able to watch the show.

Great show

[mitchellfsledge · 10/10 · 25 July 2017]

This show got me hooked at the very beginning. There is something different about it but at the same time exciting. Kept me glued to the TV wanting more. The plot is very interesting and different from anything on TV right now. The characters do a great job there extremely diverse. The acting is surprising considering this show as mostly kids in it but they do a great job of being the characters. I wanted more and felt like the show could even get even better.

Entertaining cross of Harry Potter and Sabrina

[subwmn · 7/10 · 3 August 2019]

I like supernatural shows and was iffy about this show. It is a cross between Potter with the school/academy and Sabrina with Melissa Joan Hart. The school has all female students instead of being co-ed. A "normal" student doesn't realize she is a witch until she meets one and enrolls in the school. Things happen to her the way they happen to Sabrina and gets into trouble, except Sabrina knew she was a witch. Cats are their familiars like Sabrina's Salem. It is a light-hearted show and entertaining.

Great Modern Outlook

[bdanielson-89172 · 10/10 · 26 July 2017]

Coming from watching the 1986 film when I was 6, and now watching it on Netflix this version, I am grateful that they have filmed this. I appreciate the story line and love the characters of this new one. If anyone has not read the books like I have not, this is a great beginning to the actual story line and how it has progressed in the modern world.

Great job guys.

Predictable

[rpalarczyk · 7/10 · 29 September 2021]

It is a Harry Potter rip off, for girls.

Cute. But very predictable 🙄

This came out BEFORE Harry Potter

[pencilprint · 8/10 · 23 July 2017]

I just felt the need to say, The Worst Witch stories came out in the 90's, well BEFORE Harry Potter. Before anyone claims The Worst Witch is a rip-off from Harry Potter.. it is actually the other way around.

Additionally, I've actually never read The Worst Witch or seen the shows from the 90's, but I felt addicted to this reboot series. The acting was very good, some special effects were cheaply done, but overall, the story line was well written.

Writing Good, The Rest Not So Mauch

[thebronzedragon · 2/10 · 11 August 2017]

This series has occasional delights: bouncing cakes off the floor to see if they are done; a hair-growth spell that goes haywire and threatens to drown the girls in waves and waves of hair; the moment when a fly breaks the fourth wall, lands on the camera lens, and the one male professor at the school, who was once cursed as a frog, snaps it up with a very long tongue. (These are not spoilers - none of them are key plot points.)

Overall the writing for the show is well done and engaging, even clever at times. Especially the plotting, which shows good use of foreshadowing, engagement, and interrelation of story elements.

Unfortunately almost everyone involved in the actual execution of these stories is suspect. The cast is mostly young and so can be forgiven for some lack of acting chops, but a competent director can bring out good performances in most willing child actors. Unfortunately nearly everyone else behind the camera show little more than amateurish skills.

The direction, blocking and staging of the show is nothing short of disturbingly off. There are many occasions when the dialog seems to indicate one sort of action while the cast is engaged in another, one instance in particular where a character is drawing attention to an element in the room while everyone else is simply standing the other direction. There are scenes where a character enters a scene in such a way that makes it obvious they were merely waiting off camera. For example the girls trotting into a room when the mood of the scene would demand they come in at a dead run.

Editing is horrendous. Many poorly done cuts, badly done scenes where we are given a reaction shot while all action pauses only for that shot, as if everyone is waiting for that reaction before moving on with what they need to do. Other times when no reaction shots are shown while the viewer is left wondering what the reaction is.

Set decoration is bland and unambitious: wide tracts of lawn showing no feature such as shrub, statuary; bland rooms with minimalist furnishings or decoration; vast halls with likewise no feature at all.

FX are passable, certainly of higher quality than one would expect given all of the other problems with production. It is a given that any minor shortcomings of the special effects would be less glaring if other production values were higher.

Overall a less than inspiring effort, even for children, whose entertainment should aspire to be as well done as any other form of entertainment.

Ethel is the WORST

[LoverOfFilmsAndMusic · 10/10 · 28 July 2019]

I love this series. It's adorable. I just CAN'T stand Jenny Richardson's character. I know they're just kids but I just want to knock her out for being a bully

The worst show

[gerardw · 1/10 · 13 September 2018]

The source book may have predate Harry Potter, but this dreck of a TV show doesn't. Panders and condescends to its young audience.

Wanted a family show we and the kids could watch

[cpedwick-30998 · 10/10 · 1 July 2019]

Found this on Netflix love it, great cast. great effects , great story, good cliffhangers not like game of thrones or Lucifer, but good all the same. it has the kids saying one more ect, As well as us, the setting for the show is great, it plays out like a mature version of some of the stuff from the 90's in terms of the cast scripting. which also makes it grab the viewer. chicken and the egg no this came first its a revised series from a much earlier one. Out dating said movies with witching schools.

Sooo cute!

[queencastle-39458 · 10/10 · 1 August 2017]

I found this on Netflix and it's absolutely adorable. Binge watched season 1. Great little actresses and very fun to watch. The first episode I thought wow this is really like Harry Potter but then I Googled it realized these books predate HP by 20 years. JKR is lucky she hasn't been sued yet for copyright infringement if you ask me. This is much more lighthearted and I really love it. HP is great but this is just too cute! Recommend! Can't wait for season 2!

Excellent Show

[julianv-57202 · 10/10 · 7 September 2019]

We started watching this from the 1st season here in Australia & we love it! I know it is very popular & we hope to see lots more seasons!