Six years after its explosive debut, the period drama The Queen's Gambit continues to be discovered and celebrated as a landmark piece of television, firmly entrenched among Netflix's top 10 most-watched shows of all time.
A Global Phenomenon Defying Expectations
First released in 2020, this seven-episode limited series about competitive chess has defied all predictions to become a sustained global hit. According to Netflix's official viewership data, the show amassed a staggering 112.8 million views within its first 91 days on the platform, a figure that secures its place in the streaming giant's all-time charts.
On the surface, a narrative centred on the cerebral world of 1960s chess tournaments might not have screamed mainstream success. Yet, The Queen's Gambit captivated audiences from the outset, earning a near-perfect 96% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and sparking a worldwide resurgence of interest in the game itself.
The Story of Beth Harmon: Genius and Struggle
The series, adapted from Walter Tevis's 1983 novel, follows the riveting journey of Beth Harmon, a fictional chess prodigy brilliantly portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. Orphaned and raised in a Kentucky institution in the 1950s, Beth discovers an extraordinary talent for chess. Her rapid ascent through the male-dominated competitive circuit is juxtaposed with her personal battles with addiction and loneliness.
Peter Friedlander, Netflix's head of scripted Series for US/Canada, reflected on the show's unexpected impact: "I don't think any of us could have predicted that The Queen's Gambit – and the extraordinary Anya Taylor-Joy – would become the global phenomena they are today, or our biggest limited scripted series ever."
Enduring Praise and Rewatchable Appeal
The show's legacy is cemented not just by data but by enduring audience admiration. Fans frequently praise its rewatchability, often claiming it improves on a second viewing. Reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes continue to pour in, with viewers like Jack W stating: "What a true period masterpiece looks like. Made everyone I know who watched it fall in love with chess."
Another fan, Jake B, simply called it "Perfection. Every aspect of this production was flawless." This sentiment is echoed by many who admit they never expected to be so enthralled by a story about chess, highlighting the series' powerful storytelling and Anya Taylor-Joy's magnetic performance.
From its multiple award wins to its role in popularising chess globally, The Queen's Gambit has proven to be far more than a fleeting hit. It stands as a testament to compelling character-driven drama, maintaining a vice-like grip on the cultural conversation and Netflix's viewing rankings years after the final move was played.
