Mayfair Witches (2023– ) User Reviews

Michael Curry

[eireoakie-971-215775 · 6/10 · 9 January 2023]

I have a HUGE problem with the fact that there is no Michael Curry in this show. How could they leave him out? He's too important and it's as much his story as Rowan's. To me, he's the heart of the first book - not to mean the center, but the actual heart. And I know Anne Rice put so much of herself into his character as far as his personality, beliefs, background, even the surname Curry is from her own family. He's practically the male version of herself. It seems unforgivable to just leave him behind.

And no Aaron Lightner either? Another wonderful character left out. I read that they basically combined MIchael and Aaron into the character of Ciprien, who of course isn't in the book at all. I mean those two are probably most people's favorite characters from the book. I know they are mine. And Alexandra Daddario, lovely though she is, is not the right choice to play a character as confident, capable, and immensely strong as Rowan. Rowan is a force of nature.

I had been SO excited about this show the moment I heard they were adapting The Witching Hour but knew that with such a complex story with so many characters stretched over three centuries, there were so many ways they could screw this up. It already looks like my fears are being realized.

Boring

[ericdhall77 · 5/10 · 10 January 2023]

I CANNOT be the only one here that found this completely boring. It was like watching Twilight only with a "witch" cast. They only difference is the first episode is sparkly vampires could half way hold my attention. I understand it's more of a drama but geesh, put some kind of action in there to hold someone's attention. I rated this a five because hopefully it will pick up through the season but if the rest of the season is like this first episode, there will not be a second season. Snoozefests like this episode are like something you find on Amazon and they turn into a C rated, terrible horror film.

Poor Anne Rice

[orlandoatthemovies · 5/10 · 14 March 2023]

The Witching Hour which is the first book of the series is a masterpiece. That book is over 1000 pages. That one book easily could have lasted 2 or 3 seasons...if they took time to really tell the story and show Lasher through the generations of the Mayfair family....

Her writing was elaborate, rich descriptive and detailed it's like they made this series from the cliff notes leaving out major characters like Julian....

I had so much hope for this series and was excited that it was finally being done but they missed the mark so badly.... I regret that I sat through the entire thing...

I would suggest if you haven't read the first book of the trilogy do so ...this series is already forgettable but the written story is brilliant...

Fun watch so far, but.. Lasher looks like an aging playboy

[thedivide · 7/10 · 15 January 2023]

I read the books long ago, and I don't remember much, but I do remember that Lasher was supposed to be hot and not overweight with a receding hairline.

Why would a demon pick such an underwhelming form? We all know if this were a female demon she would be the most beautiful woman in the room. So why does this male demon look like someone's dad trying to look young?

As it stands, I'm still going to watch the show and maybe even re read the book, but so far I really can't express how disappointed I am that women are getting ripped off in regards to a hot male demon. No eye candy here, and that's pretty disappointing.

Stretched Out And Not Very Interesting

[sumtim3s00n · 2 February 2023]

Seeing the title and genre I had hoped it was going to follow at least partially something like True Blood, a nice balance between intrigue, drama, supernatural mystery and action.

It is not really that. The story is stretched, they keep playing ping-pong with our leading lady as shes looking for explanations and getting partial answers so they can stretch it for another episode. Instead of building a quality,complex, intriguing tale with substance and moving FORWARD (which is the foundation to every story to make it interesting,to constantly move forth and discover/have new things (happen)..

Also in general her behaviour seems so lackadaisical, not demanding answers or pursuing them actively but rather lets everyone brush her off.

Lasher is also constantly on the brim of the story instead of involving him more. Nor does he give off (actor or director's fault?) the shadowy, ominous, somewhat frightening presence.

On top of already slow pace you have whole episodes now in the beginning of season where whole episode is dedicated to Rowan hallucinating and flashing between reality/dream in the most boring, random way possible. Stopping already slow pace of story and using the hallucination excuse for dedicating the episode to Rowan bedroom excursions and blundering aimlessly around the house unaware whats real. Who wants to see that?

This was supposed to be a drama intermixed with a bit witchcraft mystery and interesting charismatic characters.

Instead its a slow, boring melodrama with perpetually confused leading character and onedimensional characters. The only one interesting currently is the "uncle" .

This show needs a new director/showrunner who would take something like True Blood for potential format and who knows how to combine Anne Rice soap opera drama with supernatural in an entertaining exciting way.

Where is Michael Curry?

[garystephens-05148 · 6/10 · 22 January 2023]

Where is Michael? In the books the only way Lasher is able to be born as a human in the flesh is because Michael (Rowan's husband) is a Mayfair and carries the double helix dna. When coupled with Rowan's double helix dna the offspring is not human, but a taltos. Lasher takes over the body of the taltos child and is born.

Lasher isn't supposed to look 'doughy'. He's a spirit, he can take on whatever form he wants. He doesn't look like a 40 year old dad who loves carbs... sorry Jack Huston.

I like the change up where Dierdre 'wakes up' and functions lucidly, if only for a fews hours..... in the book she dies uneventfully and Rowan comes back to New Orleans...

I love the cinematography and the choice of locations. As a lover of New Orleans, Anne Rice, and Witches, I'm giving this one a chance. Let's see how Mona and MaryJane Mayfair are handled.

Very disappointed

[jclsouthfl · 6/10 · 17 January 2023]

I had such high hopes for this show as a huge fan of the books. I completely understand that adaptions deviate from the books, but this is too much. It's soooo slow and boring thus far. While watching I find myself pausing to see how much time I have left in the episode.

How is that Lasher? No offense to the actor, but he doesn't radiate the kind of sensual energy Lasher needs to. I'm really not sure what the casting director was thinking. Did he/she even read the amazing novel?

I guess I'll give it a shot and wait for the third episode, but I'm extremely disappointed after the first two episodes. The Interview With The Vampire adaption was much, much better!

Why?

[ezviewer · 3/10 · 18 January 2023]

If you have read the books, then don't watch the series because it will break your heart. Anne Rice would be turning in her grave and you can guarantee that those parties involved with overseeing her legacy don't give a damn about it! Shame on you and your lack of integrity!!

Do yourself a favour and read the books instead of watching this devolving mess. In the book you will find, and fall in love with, great characters that have been omitted from the series.

A poorly cast Lasher .... dear god. Jack Huston is a great actor, but 'Lasher' he is definitely not.

Credit where credit is due where 'locations' are concerned. Nicely done.

Again .... WHY?

Give it a chance

[krissyw-08470 · 8/10 · 18 January 2023]

So I never read the books but by the end if episode 1 I had ordered all the books to the series. I understand the first 2 episodes being slow because they set the story up. The scenes are really great. The acting is really great as well. I'm really liking the way I guess the protectors are set up it's unique and I like that it's different not the same as others. I like the way lasger has this edgy but professionalism abt him. The characters are well played. I find myself waiting for the next episode. I'm loving the storyline as well it's kept my attention it's hard to do that. I see the show being a success as long as people give it a chance and like the genre. We usually tend to follow it when we like this type of show.

Interesting so far

[Jennbrant · 7/10 · 8 January 2023]

I read the books and loved them. After so many book to movie and tv adaptations I no longer expect that they'll be anything like the source material. Especially not the swoony, creepy southern gothic thing that nobody does as well as Ms. Rice. I just hope they don't mess it up too bad as it's one of my favorite series. I like the lead actress and think she is talented enough to portray Rowan as what she is -smart and strong but also scary and weird. Lasher was frankly, meh. The settings-house etc all seem to be great so far.

I'm reserving judgement but I do wonder where is Michael? He's integral to the story.

Did they read the books?!?!

[wifeofmrbeavers · 4/10 · 14 January 2023]

Why take over a beloved series and totally change it? 2 episodes in and I am throughly disappointed that there is no Aaron Lightner and Michael Curry. If you had read the books, you know how central these characters are. They didn't even get the emerald right!! There are so many descriptions for that important piece of jewelry. The cast has no influence on how the writers portray this story. I think they are working with the mediocrity they were given. Guess watch it if you need something to watch but don't look for the book in this series. I was so excited and now I will just go read the series again. Kinda let down.

Never read the book, but now I want to.

[jexe-51145 · 8/10 · 23 February 2023]

I am a fan of Anne Rice's work. I've fallen in and out of love with Lestat more times than I can count. For some reason or another I never could get into the witching hour/ Mayfair series (the book the show is based on). I was excited for this show bc I watched the recent Interview adaptation and even though it wasn't 100% loyal to the book I really enjoyed the series. Mayfair was an opportunity for me to finally get stuck in to the world of the witches. I rather enjoyed it. I am not a huge fan of Alexandra dadario. I'm not sure why but I always find her acting a bit meh. However I found myself sucked in. I now am excited to read the novel for the first time. I understand all those who love the books and bc of that can't get into the books. But it's worth the watch.

Such a mess

[GeekWoman2000 · 6/10 · 6 February 2023]

How could they make such a mess of this incredible story? I hadn't read the first book for 15 or so years and this felt so off the mark, I picked it back up to refresh my memory. The first 200+ pages of the book are all about Michael Curry. He had nothing to do with the Talamasca. He was the conduit to get Rowan to New Orleans. She was in love for the first time in her life with him. Yet they opted to leave him out of the story and merge him with this Cipian character.

The hallucination scenes are making very little sense even to someone who knows the story. I can only imagine what those who don't know the story are thinking. It's all disjointed and convoluted.

I'm doing my best to keep watching after five episodes but I cannot imagine this is what Ms. Rice had in mind.

Why mess with success?

[auburndancellc · 2/10 · 9 January 2023]

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice was my favorite of all of her books, and I have been waiting for someone to address it in movie or tv form. And yet from the beginning, the writers were compelled to completely change the story, add stuff that's irrelevant, omit salient points and turn the plot sideways until it is completely unrecognizable.

Why in the world would anyone think they could do a better job with this story? The story as it exists in the book is immediately complelling, and unfolds in layer after delicious layer of history and intrigue. So why cheapen it?

It's the same thing I have said about those who attempt to make movies of Stephen King's works: you can't cut a story this rich, this well-told, and it is arrogant for anyone to think they can do a better job than the actual writer. I should think Anne Rice would be turning over in her grave ... or at least come back to mercilessly haunt those who distorted her masterpiece.

So disappointing!

[nataliepoodlepretty · 21 January 2023]

The books were great but the series is horrible! I was so disappointed in just how bad it is. It's nothing even remotely like the books it's a totally different story. Changing the characters completely changes the entire dynamic of the relationships and the entire story. I was so excited and a bit apprehensive, I assumed it wouldn't be quite as good as the books , tv adaptations rarely are as good as the source material,! The series is so much worse than I could have imagined! I honestly don't know why they even bothered. It's so unfortunate really. I watched with an open mind but found it to be absolutely awful.

Hopeful for this series

[beautybydarlayocom · 7/10 · 22 January 2023]

As a huge fan of Anne Rice, I was ecstatic to watch this new series. I've read the books multiple times but had no expectations when it came to bringing it to life since that rarely pays off. However, I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed into the beauty of New Orleans and seeing Anne's gorgeous home presented in this series as the Mayfair home.

The cast is great and although the show doesn't follow the books so far, which isn't required or necessary, I found the twists quite intriguing.

I look forward to the rest of the season and hope fans enjoy the show by having an open mind when viewing. I can't wait!!

A bold representation that doesn't quite work.

[reneewestberry · 6/10 · 16 February 2023]

So I've only been able to watch one episode (because it was free) but I think I've seen enough to have some thoughts. The Mayfair Witches is my favorite series of Rice's so I had hopes even while knowing some things would be different. However I didn't foresee a complete absence of the main male lead! Interesting choice! I really don't know how they're planning to pull it off without Michael, but ok... Rowan was better than I originally expected- she's got the stare down and just enough presence to pull off such a strong character.

Carlotta was perfect- just as I always imagined her.

The First Street House was also beautifully done.

Ellie was a surprise, but not an unwelcome one. I have no problem with changing her ethnicity.

Much of the rest was either absent or somewhat disappointing. I wish they had used more of Rice's dialogue as it was one of her biggest strengths as a writer and the show writer's efforts to modernize the dialogue only seemed to dumb it down to near absurdity.

The acting was somewhat heavy handed which I'm going to blame on direction rather than the skill of the actors. The whole mood of the story was just... too much- too overdone. One of the spookiest things about the Mayfair family was their matter of fact manner about all the weirdness and spookiness surrounding their lives. They didn't sidle around giving people meaningful and menacing stares every time something strange happened which is part of what was terrifying about them. Uncle Cortland came closest to capturing this casual creepy decadence though even he was over the top.

Lasher was also not quite right from what little I saw of him. He's supposed to be lithe and menacing but elegant- the actor seemed to be more smoldering and overtly sexual which seemed a bit too much.

All in all I didn't hate it, but I do feel there were a lot of missed opportunities. I also feel like the assumption that the audience has to be beat over the head with what's happening was a mistake. Some nuance would have been welcome. Stop assuming we're too dumb to get it if it's not blatantly obvious. It's supposed to be a mystery.

If they'd done a better job I would have paid for the streaming service, but it wasn't quite captivating enough for me to pay for another service to watch it.

Such anticipation to be disappointed.

[alessarian · 6/10 · 2 March 2023]

I was so enthused to watch this show as I am true Anne Rice fan. I have read the books more than twice. It's hard to admit but I'm disappointed. Two VERY important characters were combined into one, erasing almost a third of the book's original plot. The main character is supposed to be a confident woman, a successful surgeon yet comes off as an insecure teenager. I won't go into the disappointing styling/costumes of the main characters. I was so surprised it was the costume designer who created the impeccable looks for Mad Men. The scope of the Mayfair family's powers and wealth is diminished in this series. The Talamasca doesn't come off as a global entity, just a local organization. Lasher's haunting and inhuman traits are wrongly portrayed in a normal looking human man. If I had produced this show I would have created a seasonal arch in which Rowan would have met her mother at the end of the season creating a cliffhanger. I would have introduced maybe 2 or 3 of the first Mayfairs in flashback episodes. ( At least Marybeth and Julien. One episode dedicated to Michael.

Highly Disappointing!

[wvyxmzzz · 3/10 · 16 January 2023]

A gross injustice to Anne Rice's "Mayfair Witches" in storytelling. Omitting main characters who are an integral part in storylines & rest of the books in the series, timelines are off, character attributes & casting was hit & miss at best. After watching the first two episodes, I was so frustrated with the show's writers. I had high hopes for this series because I thought AMC did a pretty good job in their adaptation of "Interview with a Vampire" from Anne Rice's "Vampire Chronicles", but I've been thoroughly disappointed in this adaptation. I really doubt that the rest of the first season is even worth watching at this point.

Loved it! (Didn't read the books)

[deenap4-211-59987 · 9/10 · 8 January 2023]

I didn't read the books so I went in with no expectations. I was looking for something to watch and saw this. I loved this! I've only watched the first episode so far but it set the tone and pace for the season. The previews for the rest of the season look really good and it left me excited to see what happens. I love most things witches/vampires/supernatural and I generally like darker/more sinister takes. This show kind of hits those themes. If you're into that, give it a shot! It does make me want to read the books but I'll probably wait until after I finish this season. If you've read and loved the books, I say go into this with an open mind and try not to compare it to the books. In my experience, tv/movie versions almost never live up. I'll update my review and ratings if I feel differently as the season goes on! ✌🏽

Pretty solid pilot

[rainydays-94449 · 7/10 · 9 January 2023]

I have not read the books. I went into this because I like supernatural shows. I obsessively enjoyed IWTV and this is in the same universe so wanted to give it a try. The two shows are very different! First of all, the atmosphere is very eerie and creepy (which I don't mind at all!). Much more horror influenced, kind of in the vein of AHS Coven but not all the way horror like AHS + hints of mystery. The overall tone is dark and moody. The pace of the episode is very slow, but I've heard from others that the books are also very slow paced. I don't mind slow paced shows so don't have a problem with that. The acting was pretty solid. None of the characters really stood out to me in a compelling way though. It's a show I still will continue to watch just because I like the spooky genre and I enjoy the visual aspects of it a lot. I think it's a decent start!

Writers can't write or even plagiarize properly....

[amyemcdonald-91626 · 1/10 · 20 January 2023]

This is atrocious. Read and loved the books in my youth and just watching the first episode brought back my memories of Anne Rice's fantastic world of witches. So forgive me when I'm pissed at even the littlest thing they could have gotten right. This actress is NOT Rowan. Rowan had ash blond hair and GREY eyes. I remember Rice making that clear distinction. She was not some mousy girl but had a husky voice and knew what she wanted. She was not unstable and knew she could kill and thus controlled her anger even though she didn't fully understand what was happening. This actress is terrible and is portraying a grown woman acting as if she's 14.

Don't get me started on Lasher. What a joke! Lasher is supposed to be tall, skinny and incredibly handsome and if I'm not mistaken smells like a newborn. He is also supposed to be very convincing. This short, creep with the oily long hair would make any female cringe. Get the hell away from me!!!

And the jewel?! WRONG!

No David? No Michael?

Stop adding stupid sex scenes that have no bearing on the story!!! And learn how to write!!! Or at least just copy from the generous source material!!!!!

Just no!

Oh wait. The house they got right. Congratulations...they at least managed that...

Enjoyed Immensely!

[missreneb · 8/10 · 9 January 2023]

As a longtime reader of Anne Rice, I was excited to learn of this project. Just as the Vampire books, I loved The Witching Hour book as well. Having read them many years ago, I am surprised the Mayfair Witches were not put on the screen sooner. Iifound EP 1 very interesting and beautiful to watch. I eagerly await EP 2 and I suspect I will find it just as satisfying. I have learned to appreciate what film makers get right rather than focus on what went wrong and so far, I am a very happy camper! Don't be deterred by the naysayers. Watch it and make up your own mind. I'm sure glad I did. It is very worthy of a view.

Bewitched and unbothered!

[elleraye_k · 7/10 · 9 January 2023]

Long time Ann Rice fan here! I'll confess, I've often adored her characters more than her books, but feel the adaptation from the books into both tv series has been 100% worth it.

I'm excited to see where this series will go. Some of the original characters have been omitted but (I believe) these changes will be worth it. I've enjoyed the variations from the novels and hope it can weave a far superior tale than that of the books as I was never comfortable with the where the three book series took it.

Loved seeing Beth Grant and Annabeth Gish as Charlotta and Deidre Mayfair and Harry Hamlin is convincing as Cortland. My verdict is still out on actor playing the devilish Lasher; but have high hopes for Tongayi Chirisa as Citroen; and despite not being blonde, Alexandra Daddario does well as the bewitching and powerful Rowan.

I much preferred the Blackwood Farm books and Vampire Chronicles to the Witching Chronicles, but am hopeful the two tv series will eventually overlap.

A complete and utter travesty

[sapphyrez · 1/10 · 20 January 2023]

I have read this entire series 5 times- now on my 6th reading- in my excitement to see this amazing story come to life.

This series DOES NOT follow the story and quite honestly is a complete and utter DISRESPECT to the actual STORY. I am appalled, and highly disappointed in this waste of what could have been, perhaphs one of the VERY BEST series ever made.

WHY oh WHY did this intricate, woven story that spanned CENTURIES get decimated so?

Deborah, Charlotte- Mary Beth- they TURN in their very fictional graves.

READ THE SERIES of actual BOOKS l! Do NOT watch this contemptuous "adaptation" of a truly captivating story that will stay with you for eternity.

I am BEYOND APPALLED, DISAPPOINTED and GAH!