Six years on from its explosive debut, the Netflix limited series The Queen's Gambit continues to be discovered and celebrated by audiences worldwide, solidifying its status as a modern television classic.
A Global Phenomenon Defying Expectations
On the surface, a period drama centred on the competitive world of chess seemed an unlikely candidate for global domination. Yet, since its arrival on the streaming platform in 2020, the show has mesmerised viewers, maintaining a formidable grip on popular culture. Its critical acclaim is underscored by a stellar 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series, based on Walter Tevis's 1983 novel, follows the journey of Beth Harmon, a fictional chess prodigy portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. Set during the Cold War, the narrative traces Beth's rise from a Kentucky orphanage in the 1950s to the pinnacle of the male-dominated international chess circuit, all while battling personal demons including addiction.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Enduring Legacy
The impact of The Queen's Gambit was immediate and profound. It swiftly entered Netflix's Top 10 charts across numerous nations and, according to the platform's own data, achieved a staggering 112.8 million views within its first 91 days. This performance secures its place among Netflix's top 10 most-watched programmes of all time.
Peter Friedlander, Netflix's head of scripted Series in US/Canada, reflected on the show's unexpected success, stating it became their "biggest limited scripted series ever." The series sparked a renewed worldwide interest in chess and garnered a haul of prestigious awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes.
Audience Acclaim and Rewatchable Brilliance
Audience reviews consistently praise the series as a "true period masterpiece." Fans frequently admit to binge-watching all seven episodes and highlight its exceptional rewatch value. One viewer, Jack W, noted on Rotten Tomatoes that it made "everyone I know who watched it fall in love with chess."
Another, Jake B, simply called it "Perfection," while Rbu 4 declared it an "Absolute Must Watch" and "the best miniseries I have ever seen." The performance of Anya Taylor-Joy is repeatedly singled out for widespread acclaim, credited with captivating viewers regardless of their prior interest in chess.
The enduring appeal of The Queen's Gambit lies in its powerful combination of a compelling underdog story, meticulous period detail, and a central performance that resonates deeply. It stands as a testament to storytelling that transcends its specific subject matter to achieve universal acclaim.
