This month marks the return of one of Netflix’s biggest fantasy hits but its days be numbered, says streaming columnist NICK OVERALL.

The Witcher, which tells the epic tales of monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, is back for its blockbuster fourth season.

For those unfamiliar with the series, Geralt is a genetically mutated man made to hunt down beasts that traverse the kingdom for coin. But as some might guess, it turns out the most monstrous of his foes are the kings, bandits and other more human creatures that he encounters in his travels.

This time though it’s not Henry Cavill who’s playing the pale-haired hero.

The Superman actor became beloved in the role and was a huge drawcard to the series, which is based on a series of books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.

Despite the popularity, Cavill opted to drop out after season three, which aired two years ago.

Why? Well that’s never been publicly revealed but the rumours suggest he wasn’t happy with the direction the show was going.

Cavill is known to be a big fan of the books and the video game adaptations that inspired the series and wanted his character to more accurately reflect what was in the source material.

But it was “no deal” with the writers, who were firm on taking the show in their own direction.

In doing so, they lost their charismatic leading man.

As acts to follow go, it doesn’t get much tougher than Henry.

Who next to pick up the sword? Aussie star Liam Hemsworth.

In some ways I kind of feel sorry for poor Liam (barring his no doubt enormous pay cheque). He’s had enormous boots to fill and has essentially been left to save the show after Cavill’s departure.

The Witcher has something of a cult following and so fans were always going to be wary of any outsider coming in.

How’s he gone?

Well, according to the fanfare, not great.

The fourth season has so far been absolutely slammed.

On IMDB, which aggregates audience reviews, the first episode has slumped to an average of 4.3/10.

Compare that with the first episode of the first season, which still holds an 8.2.

That’s not to mention a flurry of memes that have hit social media, poking fun at Hemsworth’s performance.

So far the viewership for season four hasn’t been spectacular either. Some early reporting suggests demand is around 30 times lower than previous seasons.

The numbers don’t look good when you consider that Netflix has paid around $US27 million for every episode. A massive whack to the wallet if it’s not going to make a return.

That all pretty much sums up where The Witcher might be heading.

Like many of the grizzly characters in the show, it’s pretty safe to say Netflix won’t be far from bringing down the axe. 

PRIME Video is turning heads this month with its new British psychological thriller called Malice.

It stars Jack Whitehall as Adam Healey, a seemingly harmless nanny who is in for the big bucks when he secures a job sitting for an uber rich family.

But Adam’s intentions aren’t as wholesome as they first appear.

He has a plan to tear the family apart from the inside and take home the winnings from doing so.

To say why would be to spoil, but it’s not like before the mum and dad of this wealthy household are forced to confront the reality that their enemy is right under the roof.

Whitehall’s a cracking choice here. He’s known for his comedic timing and Malice gives him a chance to show off his funny side while also putting on show some solid dramatic skills.

X-Files alumni David Duchovny also stars in this series which has six episodes out to stream.

It’s easy but engaging viewing with a scheming premise that’s more than easy fall for.