Even after its divisive final seasons, Game of Thrones remains one of the greatest TV series of the 21st century, and few shows can truly compare to its legacy. While House of the Dragon attempted to recapture the magic, its lack of battle sequences and intense political intrigue left some fans disappointed. But don’t worry — we’ve found the perfect alternative, and it’s streaming on Netflix.
The Last Kingdom: A Gritty, Historical Alternative
Unlike Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom does away with dragons, White Walkers, and giants. Instead, it embraces historical accuracy, focusing on the real-life struggles of the Saxons and Vikings. The series follows Uhtred, a Saxon noble raised by Vikings, who finds himself caught in a brutal power struggle set against the backdrop of 9th-century England.
The atmosphere of Alfred the Great’s reign is recreated with stunning attention to detail, immersing viewers in an era where loyalty, betrayal, and bloodshed dictated fate. Every battle and intimate character moment contributes to a richly developed world that feels both authentic and captivating.
Critical Acclaim and Rising Popularity
While The Last Kingdom premiered in 2015, its true success came around 2020, when both audience and critic scores began to soar. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an impressive 91% critic score, with an even higher 95% audience rating.
The show has also found success among international audiences. On Russia’s KinoPoisk, it boasts a 7.9 rating, demonstrating its widespread appeal. These numbers prove that The Last Kingdom has carved out its own loyal fanbase thanks to its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and meticulous historical detail.
A Story of Power, War, and Legacy
One of the show’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to weave real historical events into a thrilling, character-driven drama. Uhtred’s journey is not mere fiction — it’s an adaptation of true events shaped to maximize both drama and historical immersion. The series portrays the intense struggle between the Saxon kingdoms and the Viking invaders, filled with treachery, ambition, and deeply personal stakes.
Despite a more modest budget compared to HBO’s blockbusters, The Last Kingdom delivers on all fronts. Every sword clash and political maneuver carries weight, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.
While some insist that The Last Kingdom shouldn’t be compared to Game of Thrones, the similarities are hard to ignore. Though HBO’s budgets and production scale are larger, Netflix’s adaptation proves that an engaging, well-crafted story can rival even the grandest epics. As a standalone series, The Last Kingdom unquestionably earns its place as a worthy successor to Martin’s legendary saga.
