A Netflix series is gaining immense praise, with fans claiming it surpasses Game of Thrones and even calling it the “greatest series in history.”
For years, Game of Thrones dominated television, captivating audiences with its intricate plot, shocking twists, and ruthless battles among noble families vying for control of Westeros. The show’s massive success led to the prequel House of the Dragon, which has continued to draw in loyal viewers.
However, for those who have already binged both and are looking for a new epic saga, there’s an underrated gem that is finally getting the recognition it deserves—one that some say is even better.
The Last Kingdom—A Hidden Masterpiece
A historical drama based on Bernard Cornwell’s novel series The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom follows the gripping journey of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, played by Alexander Dreymon. Born into a noble Saxon family, Uhtred is captured by Danes as a child and raised within their culture. As he grows older, he faces a deep personal conflict—should he stand by the people who raised him or reclaim his birthright and fight for the land of his ancestors?
The show features a stellar cast, including David Dawson as King Alfred, Timothy Innes as King Edward, Millie Brady as Aethelflaed, and Ian Hart as Beocca. House of the Dragon fans may even recognize Ewan Mitchell (Osferth) and Phia Saban (Aelfwynn), both of whom appear in the Netflix hit.
A Show That Gained Traction Over Time
Unlike Game of Thrones, which gained worldwide fame almost instantly, The Last Kingdom started as a lesser-known series. It originally aired on BBC Two before Netflix stepped in as a co-producer for its second season. By the third season, the streaming giant had taken full control, leading to a major shift in visibility and global accessibility.
What was once considered a “sleeper hit” has now become a critically acclaimed series, amassing a dedicated fan base and earning comparisons to some of the most celebrated TV shows in history.
Fan Reactions: “Better Than Game of Thrones”
Fans of The Last Kingdom have taken to social media to express their admiration for the series, many arguing that it surpasses Game of Thrones in terms of writing, pacing, and storytelling consistency.
One enthusiastic viewer wrote, “This series has been incredibly moving. For me, it’s one of the best in television history. A true masterpiece, 10/10.”
Another fan boldly stated, “The finale of The Last Kingdom was far superior to the ending of Game of Thrones.”
A third added, “This show doesn’t get nearly enough attention. The writing is some of the most consistent I’ve ever seen, and even with the lower budget of Season 1, the storytelling remained strong and kept improving. Highly recommended!”
Others echoed the sentiment, with comments like “Best Netflix series—no one can convince me otherwise” and “If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on one of the greatest shows ever made.”
Critical Acclaim and High Ratings
It’s not just viewers who are raving about The Last Kingdom—critics have also praised the series for its authenticity, storytelling, and performances.
Sam Wollaston of The Guardian remarked, “This isn’t just a smaller, less extravagant British version of Game of Thrones—it’s a well-crafted historical drama in its own right, and an absolute joy to watch.”
Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times commended the show’s “sprawling cast and high production values,” as well as its “substantive themes that give it a unique identity.”
On Rotten Tomatoes, the series boasts an impressive 95% rating, while IMDb users have given it a solid 8.5/10.
The Final Chapter: Seven Kings Must Die
The series concluded with its fifth season, but fans were treated to an epic feature-length film, Seven Kings Must Die, which serves as a grand finale to Uhtred’s journey.
While comparisons between The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones are inevitable, the show’s screenwriter, Stephen Butchard, has emphasized that the two are vastly different.
In an interview with the BBC, he explained, “Although we’re both telling epic stories with great characters, just because we have leather, cloaks, and swords doesn’t mean we’re in the same world. Game of Thrones has dragons, while we are grounded in real history. That’s what sets us apart.”
Whether The Last Kingdom truly surpasses Game of Thrones is up for debate, but one thing is certain—it has earned its place among the most remarkable series of all time.