“Mayfair Witches,” also known as “Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches,” is an American television series that debuted in 2023. The show is a supernatural thriller drama that captivates audiences with its mysterious and otherworldly elements. Esteemed creators Esta Spalding and Michelle Ashford are the masterminds behind the series, bringing it to life on the small screen.
The series is adapted from the critically acclaimed novel trilogy “Lives of the Mayfair Witches,” written by the renowned author Anne Rice. The trilogy is known for its intricate narrative and richly developed characters, making it a beloved work among fans of supernatural fiction.
The storyline of “Mayfair Witches” follows the journey of a talented neurosurgeon who discovers her extraordinary heritage as the unlikely heir to a family of witches. This revelation plunges her into a world of magic, mystery, and danger, where she must navigate the complexities of her newfound powers and the legacy that has been passed down through generations.
As the protagonist grapples with her identity and destiny, she is confronted by a malevolent and sinister presence that has haunted her family for centuries. This dark force threatens not only her own safety but the very fabric of the Mayfair family’s existence. The show delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the battle between good and evil, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot twists and eerie atmosphere.
Overall, “Mayfair Witches” is a compelling series that combines the allure of the supernatural with the depth of human emotion. Its gripping narrative and intriguing characters make it a must-watch for fans of the genre and a standout addition to the world of television.
Cast
The cast of the TV series “Mayfair Witches” (2023) includes the following actors and their respective roles:
- Alexandra Daddario as Rowan Fielding (8 episodes)
- Tongayi Chirisa as Ciprien Grieve (8 episodes)
- Jack Huston as Lasher (8 episodes)
- Harry Hamlin as Cortland Mayfair (8 episodes)
- Hannah Alline as Suzanne (7 episodes)
- Beth Grant as Carlotta Mayfair (5 episodes)
- Annabeth Gish as Deirdre Mayfair (5 episodes)
- Ravi Naidu as Samir
Production
“Mayfair Witches,” also known as “Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches,” is an American supernatural thriller drama television series created by Esta Spalding and Michelle Ashford. The series is based on the novel trilogy “Lives of the Mayfair Witches” by Anne Rice. The show stars Alexandra Daddario as Rowan Fielding, Harry Hamlin as Cortland Mayfair, Tongayi Chirisa as Ciprien Grieve, and Jack Huston as Lasher. It premiered on AMC on January 8, 2023, and is part of Rice’s Immortal Universe, with “Interview with the Vampire” being the first television series in the universe.
Reviews
Despite its lush and captivating setting, the series has been criticized for its emphasis on mythology and mystery over character development and plot. As a result, viewers may find it difficult to become fully invested in the storyline. Some of the most memorable scenes are those involving Lasher, a shapeshifting entity bound to the family, who becomes a potent manifestation of desire. However, the series has been described as frustratingly opaque and exasperating, with a lack of clarity regarding the motives and desires of the characters.
Fun facts
Here are some fun facts about “The Mayfair Witches” series written by Anne Rice:
- In “The Witching Hour,” Miss Carlotta is the second daughter of Mary Beth and Daniel McIntyre, born on September 1st, 1899. Carlotta has the ability to see Lasher and read minds, but she does not approve of her powers.
- Deborah Mayfair is considered a merry-begot in her hometown of Donnelaith, Scotland, meaning she was conceived during the May Festival. She was born to Suzanne Mayfair and the Earl of Donnelaith and was taken to Amsterdam after her mother was burned at the stake for witchcraft.
- Michael names his construction company after his favorite Charles Dickens’ novel, “Great Expectations.” He feels like a Dickens’ hero many times throughout the novel.
- The Julien Mayfair Trust Fund is an archaeological project set in Donnelaith, Scotland. Julien visits the ruins while in Europe with Mary Beth, hoping that the project will reveal something about Lasher’s past.
- Three men of the Talamasca, Arthur Langtry, Stuart Townsend, Petyr Van Abel, and later Aaron Lightener, are killed in connection to the Mayfair Witches throughout the “Mayfair Witches” trilogy.
- The qualification for a prospective Mayfair designee is that she must be able to see Lasher when she is all alone.
- Michael Curry is a Mayfair through Julien and is a carrier of the giant helix DNA, but he is unaware of this fact when he marries Rowan.
- Marguerite Mayfair, the daughter of Marie Claudette, practices voodoo and collects human body parts in jars. She also steals the bodies of her slaves’ babies for Lasher to possess. Lasher is never able to reside in any of the bodies because he cannot sustain cells that have ceased to divide.
- At the age of 13, Mona Mayfair has two major goals: to seduce all the Mayfair men and to set up her own mutual fund. Early in “Lasher,” Mona sleeps with her cousin in a cemetery before seducing Michael Curry.
- Cortland Mayfair, much like his father Julien Mayfair, had several relationships that resulted in illegitimate children, including children with Amanda Grady, Barbara Ann, Stella, and Dierdre.
Please note that these fun facts are based on the book series written by Anne Rice and may or may not be reflected in the 2023 TV adaptation.
