Netflix viewers are rediscovering a critically acclaimed drama so captivating that some fans say they have watched all seven episodes in a single sitting.
Released in 2020, The Queen’s Gambit has earned widespread praise for its gripping storytelling, standout performances and stylish production. The seven-part miniseries holds an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers describing it as “amazing,” “masterful” and a must-watch even for those with no knowledge of chess.
A Young Woman’s Extraordinary Journey Through the World of Chess
Anya Taylor-Joy won several awards for her role in this Netflix drama (Image: River Callaway/WWD via Getty)
Based on Walter Tevis’ novel of the same name, The Queen’s Gambit follows Beth Harmon, a young girl who discovers chess in the basement of an orphanage during the 1950s.
As her talent develops, Beth rises through the ranks to become a world-class chess player while navigating the challenges that come with her remarkable success.
Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the lead role of Beth, delivering a performance that earned her several major accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
The series itself enjoyed extraordinary awards success, collecting 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards.
Viewers Say They Couldn’t Stop Watching
Fans have flooded social media with praise for the miniseries, with some admitting they had no intention of watching the entire show in one go.
One viewer wrote that they initially put the series on simply because they had nothing else to watch, only to end up binge-watching the entire show in one night.
“I cheered for each chess match like it was the Super Bowl,” they said, praising the “masterful” storytelling and the performances throughout the series.
Another viewer described how they started watching after finishing a 12-hour overnight shift, expecting Netflix to help them fall asleep.
Instead, they found themselves wide awake for the next seven or eight hours, unable to resist clicking play on the next episode.
They praised the show’s storytelling, character development, casting and acting, calling it a must-binge even for viewers who know little or nothing about chess.
A third fan compared the production to an old Hollywood project, saying it was refreshing to see such a high level of artistry both in front of and behind the camera.
Critics Were Just as Impressed
Professional reviewers also gave The Queen’s Gambit glowing reviews when it was released.
Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper described the period drama about a female chess prodigy as one of the most addictive and binge-worthy series of 2020.
Nancy Durant of the Evening Standard praised the show for making chess thrilling even for viewers unfamiliar with the game. She also applauded the naturalistic script and the way the series avoided relying on predictable storylines about a woman competing in a male-dominated world.
Writing for The Jewish Chronicle, Linda Marric praised creators Scott Frank and Allan Scott for transforming a story about what she described as one of the more “docile and unglamorous” sports into something magical and outstanding.
A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, the series features an acclaimed supporting cast, including:
- Chloe Pirrie as Alice Harmon
- Bill Camp as Mr. Shaibel
- Marielle Heller as Alma Wheatley
- Marcin Dorocinski as Vasily Borgov
- Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts
- Moses Ingram as Jolene
- Harry Melling as Harry Beltik
- Isla Johnston as the young Beth Harmon
An Award-Winning Netflix Phenomenon
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TQG_105_Unit_00512RC-2716a93ee3194ddeb67aca8d0bd35683.jpg)
The show’s success was reflected in its extensive collection of awards.
Among its major achievements were 11 Primetime Emmy wins from 18 nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Cinematography and Outstanding Music Composition.
It also won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Limited Series and Best Performance by an Actress, along with two Critics’ Choice Television Awards for Best Limited Series and Best Actress.
The series also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor and a Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement.
With just seven episodes, The Queen’s Gambit offers a complete story that has kept viewers glued to their screens from beginning to end.
Whether you’re a chess expert or have never learned the difference between a knight and a bishop, fans and critics alike suggest this acclaimed Netflix drama could be the perfect series for your next binge-watch.