This Historical Netflix Series Scores a Record-Breaking 91% on Rotten Tomatoes — Outshining Many Popular Shows
I have to say, I’m genuinely impressed — and honestly, I’ve been binge-watching this series non-stop.
Historical dramas often get overlooked compared to big-name fantasy epics, but some gems truly deserve the spotlight. For me, The Last Kingdom is one of those hidden treasures.
Released by Netflix in 2015, this epic ran for five seasons and still holds an incredible 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. I genuinely think it deserves even more attention — it feels richer and more gripping than many streaming projects in the historical genre. Interestingly, some hugely popular fantasy shows even fall short of this score, which really surprised me.
Plot of The Last Kingdom
The series throws you into 9th–10th century Britain, a brutal world of warring kingdoms facing Viking invasions. At the heart of it is Uhtred of Bebbanburg, captured by the Danes as a child. Adopted by the warlord Ragnar, Uhtred’s life takes a dramatic turn after Ragnar’s death, forcing him to flee.
Torn between Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian cultures, he vows to do two things: avenge Ragnar’s death and reclaim his ancestral home, Bebbanburg. I found this conflict absolutely compelling — it’s the perfect mix of personal stakes and historical drama.
Why It Stands Out
In the early episodes, it’s easy to draw comparisons to fantasy epics in terms of scale and battles, but from season two onwards, The Last Kingdom truly establishes its own identity. Unlike many series that weaken over time, this one only ramps up the tension, and I loved every second of it.
For history buffs like me, the show is a delight: most characters are based on real people, and the battles feel surprisingly authentic. I really appreciate that attention to detail — it makes the story feel alive and grounded.
Honestly, if you haven’t watched it yet, I’d say this is one historical drama you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
