The Queen's Gambit, a Netflix limited series based on Walter Tevis' 1983 novel, has emerged as the top recommendation in viral Reddit threads asking for binge-worthy shows. The coming-of-age period drama, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, has been declared an 'absolute must-see masterpiece' by viewers.
Release and Reception
The series first released globally on Netflix on October 23, 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, it has accumulated a growing wave of affection and admiration from viewers, with multiple Reddit threads consistently recommending it as the most binge-worthy drama on the platform.
In a now-viral thread on the Netflix subreddit, one user asked: “What Netflix show kept you up all night binge-watching recently? I haven't had that "just one more episode" feeling in a while. Now I'm looking for my next obsession. What's the last Netflix show that had you completely hooked? The kind where you tell yourself you'll watch one episode and suddenly it's 3 AM. Looking for something that grabs you from episode one and doesn't let go.”
Viewer Praise
Comments recommending The Queen's Gambit flooded the suggestions. One user wrote: "Just rewatched this for the 3rd time last weekend. It is just top tier. The acting and the musical score and the writing are 10/10." Another fan said: "This is one of those rare tv shows that I think had a perfect season run, up there with the first season of Daredevil. Absolutely amazing."
Other Redditors shared: "Gosh this one was so good! I should give it a rewatch," and "I always watch this about once a year. I love this show!" One user noted: "Not recently, but I watched The Queen’s Gambit one late afternoon and I couldn’t stop watching. I finished it at maybe past 2am, and of course I had to get ready for work soon afterwards, lol." Another added: "Queen's Gambit hooks you instantly."
Awards and Cast
The Queen's Gambit follows the extraordinary life of fictional American chess prodigy Beth Harmon, portrayed by Taylor-Joy, tracing her journey as the brightest emerging talent in chess throughout the 1950s and 60s while she privately battles a dependency on drugs and alcohol. The miniseries was penned and directed by Scott Frank, who co-created the series alongside Allan Scott, who holds the rights to Tevis' novel.
The series won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, becoming the first streaming production to triumph in the category. It scooped a total of 11 Primetime Emmys, two Golden Globe Awards for Best Limited Series or Television Film and Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film for Taylor-Joy. She also claimed the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie.
Taylor-Joy is supported by Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Christiane Seidel, Rebecca Root, Chloe Pirrie, Akemnji Ndifornyen and Marielle Heller alongside a broader ensemble cast. The Queen's Gambit is available to stream on Netflix.
