Five years after its debut, a celebrated Netflix miniseries is still being hailed by subscribers as the platform's 'best ever' original show. Fans are repeatedly binge-watching the seven-episode series, with many admitting to an annual rewatch ritual.
The Hunt for the Perfect One-Season Binge
The conversation was sparked by viewers on social media, overwhelmed by choice and seeking the perfect compact series. A Reddit user specifically requested a 'ONE-SEASON banger' on Netflix, pleading for a show that 'hits from start to finish' without being a slow burn or requiring multiple seasons to get good.
While other acclaimed titles like Broadchurch and Altered Carbon (with the caveat to only watch season one) received mentions, one recommendation dominated the discussion. The clear favourite was a 2020 limited series that catapulted its lead actress to international fame.
The Reigning Champion: The Queen's Gambit
The show that captured the hearts of viewers is The Queen's Gambit, the adaptation of Walter Tevis's 1983 novel. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy in a breakout role, the series follows orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon.
Set during the mid-1950s and 1960s, the narrative traces Beth's meteoric rise to become the world's greatest chess player while she battles intense personal demons, including addiction and self-destructive tendencies. Fans praised its compelling story, noting that 'you don't even need to know chess to understand' its appeal.
A Lasting Legacy and Fan Devotion
The show's impact is evidenced by the passionate responses from its audience. One fan declared it 'the best original Netflix show ever', while others shared their enduring loyalty.
'I rewatch it religiously almost every year. Only a few series get this honour,' one viewer commented. Another simply stated, 'Fine, I will rewatch it for a fourth time!' This consistent praise, years after its initial release, underscores the miniseries' unique status in Netflix's vast library as a perfectly contained, universally acclaimed story that continues to find new audiences and reward repeat viewings.
