by Netflix’s historical drama The Last Kingdom has garnered significant praise, with some considering it “one of the greatest series ever” and drawing comparisons to HBO’s Game of Thrones.
The show aired from 2015 to 2022, spanning five seasons, and was followed by the 2023 spin-off film The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, it portrays the intense political conflicts of 9th-century Anglo-Saxon England.
While House of the Dragon carries on the legacy of Game of Thrones, many fans believe The Last Kingdom does an even better job of capturing the spirit of the original series. Each season, with its eight to ten gripping episodes, has been praised for its engaging storylines and well-developed characters.
Netflix’s official synopsis for the show reads: “The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred, a Saxon by birth but raised by Vikings, as he strives to reclaim his ancestral birthright while Alfred the Great defends his kingdom against Norse invaders.”
The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, led by German actor Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He is joined by Austrian actress Emily Cox, English actress Eliza Butterworth, and Lithuanian actor Arnas Fedaravičius, who later appeared in The White Lotus.
Set against the backdrop of the Viking invasions, the story delves into Uhtred’s internal struggles, as he faces his divided identity, changing loyalties, and desire for revenge. These themes have helped the show build a loyal following.
On social media, The Last Kingdom continues to garner praise. One fan on X shared their experience, writing, “I binge-watched seasons 1-4 while sick last week and finished season 5 in one day. This show is fantastic—give it a try! Stick with it through at least episode three.”
Another fan tweeted, “Better than Game of Thrones, better story, and a much better ending. The Last Kingdom is the GOAT!” with a string of goat emojis.
A different viewer celebrated the show’s conclusion, writing, “Loved the final season and finale. A superb story from beginning to end.” Another fan agreed, stating, “The final season was far better than Game of Thrones’ final season.”
“Definitely better than Game of Thrones,” added another viewer.
“Honestly, there’s not a single bad episode, let alone a bad season,” one more fan commented.
