TV Show review
Review basis: 2 seasons, 16 episodes · through March 2, 2025
January 8, 2023 · TV-MA · Returning Series
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Mayfair Witches follows neurosurgeon Rowan Fielding as she discovers she is the heir to a New Orleans witch family haunted by the demon spirit Lasher. Across two seasons she grapples with her powers, family secrets, and a prophecy that leads to her giving birth to an embodied Lasher who rapidly ages. The adaptation highlights female power and features a diverse cast with a Black actor in a key composite lead role and a trans woman character played by a trans actress.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Mayfair Witches.
Woke representation / casting
Prominent Black actor in a composite male lead role and explicit trans woman character in the family, with creators citing desire to reflect diverse audiences and all identities.
Woke political dialogue
No clear activist or political lectures in the story; focus stays on gothic family drama and supernatural powers.
Identity-driven story themes
Matrilineal witch power and female agency are central. Added trans character and emphasis on inclusive identities plus sexual and procreative elements boost visibility.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Mentions of historical persecution of women healers in creator comments, but main narrative is personal family horror without modern systemic critiques.
Woke character or canon changes
Key male characters from books merged and race-swapped for Ciprien; trans Jojo added. Creators described changes as updating for diversity and inclusion.
Production
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some fan complaints about casting changes and story alterations appear in forums. No significant news coverage or widespread claims of woke propaganda.
Creator track record context
Creators voiced feminist views and pushed for diverse casting and identities. Anne Rice held liberal positions on gay and women's issues but focused on erotic gothic horror.
