Here’s Why Netflix Fans Are Still Watching This ‘Masterpiece’ Series on Repeat!
Even after five years since its release,Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with viewers still binging the mini-series and calling it a “masterpiece.” The Netflix series, which was first released in 2020, has not only maintained its popularity but has continued to stand the test of time as one of the platform’s most beloved dramas. Here’s why people are still hooked on this chess-focused drama.
A Story of Triumph and Struggle
Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit centers on the fictional character Beth Harmon (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), a young orphan with extraordinary chess skills. The series follows her journey as she rises to the top of the male-dominated world of competitive chess while grappling with personal demons, including addiction and loneliness. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s and 1960s, the series explores Beth’s struggles to navigate both her inner turmoil and the challenges of being a female chess prodigy.
Credits: Vanity fair
While the Netflix series is rooted in the competitive world of chess, its true appeal lies in the richly complex character of Beth Harmon and the emotional depth that Actress Anya Taylor-Joy brings to the role. Her portrayal has been lauded for capturing the quiet determination and vulnerability of a young woman who is both gifted and flawed.
The Enduring Appeal of The Queen’s Gambit
Upon its release, Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit quickly became a cultural phenomenon. With a storyline that mixes personal struggle, triumph, and intellectual prowess, it resonated with viewers from all walks of life. The success of the mini-series wasn’t just limited to rave reviews from critics but also sparked a global interest in the game of chess. Sales of chess sets skyrocketed, and many fans found themselves drawn to the game, inspired by Beth’s strategic brilliance on the chessboard.
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Netflix’s Tudum reports that Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit has been watched a staggering 112.8 million times globally. The show also boasts a nearly perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, with a critics’ score of 96% and an audience score of 94%. It’s clear that The Queen’s Gambit has cemented its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
Praise from Critics and Viewers Alike
Critics were quick to praise the series for its compelling performances and engaging narrative. Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun-Times aptly described the series as “perhaps the most addictive and binge-worthy series of 2020.” The New Yorker’s Rachel Syme highlighted Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as key to the show’s success, calling her portrayal a “charming, elegant weirdo” that made the character unforgettable. Meanwhile, Nancy Durrant of the London Evening Standard appreciated how the show avoided the clichés of the “woman in a man’s world” trope, making it refreshing and empowering.
Even viewers who were not initially chess enthusiasts were drawn into the series. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer called it “an amazing masterpiece of a show,” while another remarked, “Anya Taylor-Joy really killed it, and the series is just very good.”
Legacy and Impact
While Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit may have debuted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to thrive well beyond the lockdowns. The series’ success proved that a compelling character-driven story could captivate audiences even without a huge action-packed plot. The lasting impact of The Queen’s Gambit is a testament to the quality of the writing, acting, and direction that went into the show.
As Netflix subscribers continue to binge-watch this five-year-old mini-series, it’s clear that Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit has secured its place in the pantheon of great TV shows. Whether you’re a chess aficionado or simply a fan of brilliant storytelling, the series remains a must-watch, and its influence is likely to endure for years to come.
