Netflix Fans Say They’re ‘Obsessed’ With Historical Drama They Can’t Stop Binge-Watching
Byfypfeed. | Movies & TV | 24th May 2025
A Hidden Gem Finds Global Spotlight
Netflix is not devoid of dramas that are worth watching, but very few have generated the same excitement like the show The Last Kingdom. The huge historical series that is based on the acclaimed Bernard Cornwell Saxon Stories novels It has been a popular late-blooming success on the platform. Viewers claim to be “obsessed,” losing sleep to long marathons that go all late at night.
The show was originally produced by the BBC prior to being acquired by Netflix the show ran for five seasons, and ends with a feature film titled Seven Kings Must Die. It is a chronicle of shifting loyalties, bloody conflicts, and a clash of cultures in the 9th century England. With more than 13 million stream hours watched since it was first released in Netflix, The Last Kingdom has become one of the most compelling historical dramas.
The Story: From Saxon Birth to Viking Loyalty
The heart of the story the main character is Uhtred of Bebbanburg who is performed by Alexander Dreymon. Born as a Saxon noble, yet brought up by Vikings following the death of his family murdered, Uhtred embodies the tension between two worlds. The battle he is fighting for is not just politically-driven, but deeply personal as he struggles with the questions about loyalty, identity and fate.
The first season focuses on Uhtred’s childhood, revealing how his Viking background shapes his character into a ferocious warrior. However, when Uhtred is a part of the Great Heathen Army descends on England and his dual identity puts him at the intersection of time and history.
The King Alfred the Great who is portrayed with the sharpness of David Dawson, rises as a visionary leader determined on unifying England with Christian rule. His relationship with Uhtred – marked by mistrust, mutual need and an uneasy respect for each other–becomes the story’s emotional anchor.
Through the season, Uhtred faces betrayal and shifting alliances, as well as the hope of reclaiming his ancestral home in Bebbanburg. The adventure is intense and bloody however, it is also filled with moments of love, humanity and loyalty.
Seasons in Focus
- Season One (2015): Introduces the tragic backstory of Uhtred and reveals the struggle for Wessex. Themes of faith, betrayal and identity are the main themes.
- Season Two (2017): The show explores the larger power struggles that occur as Uhtred develops into a leader as she faces new adversaries as she serves Alfred.
- Three (2018): Season Three (2018): Highly acclaimed as the show’s most intense, featuring high-stakes fights and the deepening of the Uhtred-Alfred relationship and the perfect blend between action and politics.
- Season Four (2020): Netflix’s management brings cinematic potential. The focus shifts towards Uhtred’s children, as generational conflicts are on the rise.
- Season Five (2022): Ends the series by displaying the conclusion of a time and the beginning of the movie. Legacy and questions of destiny are the main focus.
- Film Seven Kings Must Die (2023): A feature-length epilogue that adapts the final novel. Although some people felt that it was overly rushed the film provides closure to the long and arduous journey of Uhtred.
The Cast The Cast: Breathing Life into History
- Alexander Dreymon (Uhtred of Bebbanburg): Charismatic and powerful, Dreymon’s performance is the foundation of the entire series. His ability to depict Uhtred’s dual loyalties as well as his internal conflict has earned the character a loyal fan base.
- David Dawson (King Alfred): A standout Dawson’s Alfred is smart, frail and very human. His performance is a reflection of the weight of leadership as well as the fragility of aging.
- Eliza Butterworth (Lady Aelswith): Initially polarising as Alfred’s faithful lover, Butterworth grew into one of the most intriguing characters.
- Mark Rowley (Finan): A fan favourite, Finan brings loyalty, warm, and wit to the dark reality of the war.
- Emily Cox (Brida): Uhtred’s childhood companion who became a rival, Brida is the perfect example of the themes of the show, which are loss and identity division.
Together, the ensemble created a realistic 9th-century setting Their chemistry and commitment to ensuring that viewers were emotionally invested.
Why Fans Are Obsessed
The fans say that they enjoy “The Last Kingdom as a rare mix of action, intelligence and heart. There are a variety of reasons for its enticing appeal:
- Epic Storytelling: The five-season arc permits gradual character development and layers of political tension.
- Real Battles: The show’s action sequences are intense without being cheesy that make people feel the force of the shield walls and sword battles.
- Moral Complexity People aren’t only good or bad. Morals change, loyalty shifts, motives are challenged, and survival frequently outweighs ideologies.
- Cultural depth: Through presenting both Saxon as well as Viking perspectives This series doesn’t rely on the one-sided narrative.
- Binge Factor With a tight schedule and dramatic finales, it’s easy to get lost when you’re watching.
Fan Reactions
On Reddit’s r/BestOfNetflix, a user wrote:
“What television shows got you so enthralled that you couldn’t put it down episodes after episode? I sat down and watched only one…and suddenly, it was 3 AM. “The Last Kingdom did that to me.”
Another response:
“Came here to tell you”that! It was way too late to stay up. I’m still thinking about the show.”
Rotten Tomatoes reviews reflect the enthusiasm of fans. With an approval rating of 91% across the entire series, and a 100% rating for season 3 and beyond, the ratings reflect the critical and popular acclaim it has received. A review by a fan read:
“I’m obsessed. Never watched a show as amazing. It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to watch Season 3, Episode 9–it’s TV perfection.”
Some reactions were not rosy. A few viewers felt that Seven Kings Must Die didn’t do justice to the novels’ sprawling length:
“I am happy that Netflix completed the story, however the movie felt unfinished. I would have liked a whole season, not.”
Cultural Impact and Comparisons
The Last Kingdom has often been compared to Vikings as well as another historical show with a similar time period. In contrast, while Vikings focused more heavily on the mythology and spectacle, The Last Kingdom has been applauded for its balance of action and political details.
The themes of identity division and the re-invention of nations resonate with history enthusiasts. In a moment when people want to know more about the notion of belonging and conflict between cultures Uhtred’s story is appropriate.
The show is also alive through social media. TikTok editing battle scenes Twitter threads debating the accuracy of historical events and Facebook fan groups discussing characters’ arcs have kept the show going even after its conclusion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- A richly layered story inspired by acclaimed novels.
- Excellent performances from the entire cast.
- Genuine battle choreography.
- A balanced depiction of Saxon and Viking culture.
Weaknesses:
- Certain seasons are prone to important historical historic.
- Supporting arcs can feel a little weak.
- The film sequel, although it was ambitious, left a few fans disappointed.
Who Will Enjoy It
The fans of Game of Thrones The political intrigue of the show, Vikings‘ brutality as well as Rome‘s historic majesty will discover plenty to like. People who are drawn to drama with characters with a turbulent backdrop are likely to be captivated.
However, those who are looking for rapid-paced, contemporary-style storytelling may be able to find the slower episodes demanding. The show doesn’t abstain from violence that may not be appealing to all viewers.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic of Historical Drama
The Last Kingdom might be an BBC production that received little response, but under the Netflix brand, it became an international hit. It combines thrilling action with deep character narratives, it has established its place among the most memorable historical dramas of the last decade.
It is referred to as “obsessive” not only because of its politics or battles however because it creates a space that is real, lived-in and emotionally powerful. If you’re still trying to find the show the five seasons and the film that concludes them are streaming, waiting to get another night’s rest.
