Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale – Worth Watching? Reviews, Seasons

Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale is set in a world where witchcraft is legal but not fully accepted, and the show leans hard into that tension. Sarah Fenn and her daughter Harper navigate suspicion after a teenage boy is found dead, and Season 2 doubles down on the accusation formula with Sarah returning amid a new murder investigation.

Genre: Supernatural drama · Creator: Debbie Horsfield · Based on: 2020 novel by V.V. James · Platforms: AMC+, Netflix · Release year: 2024

Is Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale Worth Watching?

The answer depends heavily on what you’re looking for. If you’re expecting spell-slinging fantasy, you may feel shortchanged—Paste Magazine noted the series feels “lacking in magic” with scattershot execution, and the show leans heavily into human drama, fear, and small-town prejudice. But if you want a slow-burn mystery with supernatural undertones, the two-episode premiere did a nice job of introducing a world where witchcraft is legal but not fully accepted, according to The Geekiary. IMDb ratings hover around 6-7/10, with viewers praising the strong female leads but criticizing a rushed finale in some cases.

Reviews and Reception

User reviews on Rotten Tomatoes tell a split story. Some Season 1 viewers criticized what they called bad writing, while others expressed wanting more after the finale. One reviewer called the culmination scene “superb,” noting it redeemed some earlier pacing issues. The early reception for Season 2 has been less forgiving—one user review by Episode 5 called it “SUPER DISAPPOINTING,” specifically frustrated that Sarah Fenn faces another accusation, echoing Season 1’s central conflict.

Pros and Cons

Is There a Season 2 of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale?

Yes—and it arrived on December 25, 2025, nearly two years after Season 1’s January 2024 premiere. The series was renewed for Season 2 in August 2024, giving fans a long wait but confirming AMC+’s commitment to the property. Season 2 picks up with Sarah Fenn returning to Sanctuary amid a new horrific magical murder, working with DI Maggie Knight as the political climate for witches worsens following the events with Sarah and Harper.

Season 2 Trailers and Announcements

Fandango at Home joined AMC+ as a streaming platform for Season 2, marking a slight expansion in availability. Rotten Tomatoes hosts Season 2 episode pages and user reviews, though no aggregate critic score is visible. Season 2 Episode 1 features a “twisted plot” with a witch murdering Ryan at the boathouse, according to DMTalkies, and the episode also reveals Lachlan as Harper’s father—a significant family reveal that changes the dynamic between characters.

Netflix Availability

This is where things get murky. Season 1 of Sanctuary became available on Netflix in some regions alongside its AMC+ run. However, there is no direct Netflix confirmation for Season 2 at this time, per Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re counting on bingeing Season 2 on Netflix, you may need to subscribe to AMC+ or wait for an announcement that hasn’t come yet.

Where Was Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale Filmed?

The series was filmed in Devon, UK—a choice that has earned praise from locals and critics alike. The small-town English setting is central to the show’s atmosphere, creating that claustrophobic feeling where everyone knows everyone’s business and suspicion spreads easily. Filming in Devon helped establish the visual identity of Sanctuary as a place where witchcraft’s legality hasn’t erased centuries of prejudice.

Filming Locations in Devon

Devon’s coastal and rural landscapes provide the backdrop for Sanctuary, a town that feels both quaint and sinister. The production choice to film in a real English location rather than studio sets adds authenticity to the witchcraft elements—there’s history baked into those stone walls. Reviews have noted how the Devon settings enhance the show’s ability to build tension, making the viewer feel trapped in the same geography as the characters.

Why Was Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale Cancelled?

As of early 2026, the series has not been officially cancelled. Season 2 premiered in December 2025, which contradicts any cancellation rumors. However, the mixed reception to Season 2—with early user reviews expressing disappointment—means future seasons remain uncertain. No announcement regarding Season 3 has been made, and with limited aggregate critic scores available, it’s difficult to gauge whether AMC+ considers the show a success worth extending.

Cancellation Reasons

The show has not been cancelled, but the trajectory isn’t guaranteed. Season 2’s early reception suggests viewer fatigue with the “accused again” plot device, and if this pattern continues, renewal decisions could go either way. The show faces the classic problem of supernatural dramas: balancing the unique premise with fresh storytelling that doesn’t repeat arcs viewers have already seen.

Future Prospects

Season 3 would need to break the cycle of accusations and find new ground for Sarah Fenn and Sanctuary’s witches. If the series can evolve beyond its current formula—perhaps exploring the broader political implications of anti-witch laws—it could sustain another season. But as of now, this remains an open question with no official word from AMC+.

What Is Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale About?

The series is set in a world where witches live openly among humans, but legality hasn’t meant acceptance. Sarah Fenn, played by Elaine Cassidy, is a witch living in Sanctuary with her teenage daughter Harper, played by Hazel Doupe. When a teenage boy is found dead, suspicion immediately falls on Sarah and Harper—a modern witch hunt playing out in a small English town where old prejudices never fully died.

Plot Summary

Based on V.V. James’s 2020 novel, the series establishes Sanctuary as a town where witchcraft is technically legal but socially fraught. The two-episode Season 1 premiere introduced viewers to Sarah and Harper navigating this tension, with the death investigation pulling them into a conflict that threatens everything they’ve built. The show builds tension through cliffhangers and focuses on human drama over magic—a deliberate choice that divides viewers.

Season 1 Overview

Season 1 ran on AMC+ and Sundance Now with a January 4, 2024 premiere. Critics noted the show did a capable job introducing its world, though some felt the magic elements took a back seat to procedural mystery. IMDb ratings around 6-7/10 reflected this division—viewers who wanted fantasy felt underserved, while those who prefer character-driven drama found more to enjoy. The finale earned praise from some reviewers for delivering a strong culmination scene, though others felt the pacing rushed the ending.

Timeline

Confirmed vs. Unclear

What Reviewers Say

“So far season 2 is SUPER DISAPPOINTING AND WE ARE ONLY ON EPISODE 5!! Why oh why is Sarah Finn being accused AGAIN??”

— Rotten Tomatoes User Review (Rotten Tomatoes)

“The two-episode premiere of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale did a nice job of introducing viewers to a world where witchcraft is legal (but not fully accepted).”

— The Geekiary Reviewer (The Geekiary)

“AMC+’s Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale is a valiant effort, but the series’ scattershot execution leaves its magical elements and characters

— Paste Magazine (Paste Magazine)

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Sanctuary’s blend of witchcraft and drama recalls the whimsical Sabrina the Teenage Witch guide that defined 90s fantasy TV with teen magic and spells.

Frequently asked questions

For viewers who prefer character-driven dramas with supernatural undertones, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale offers a compelling premise with strong performances, but the series’ willingness to repeat accusation arcs may test patience by Season 2. Give Season 1 a try if you’re curious—and approach Season 2 with eyes open.