4 Years Ago, Netflix’s Perfect Game of Thrones Replacement Ended on a High (& Fans Still Want a Follow-Up)

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After the controversial ending of Game of Thrones, many viewers were looking for a new fantasy epic. The BBC and Netflix delivered with an adaptation of a popular book series, set in a historical period rarely seen on screen. The show featured everything fans love—Vikings, large-scale battles, love stories, challenges to friendships, deceit, and even a touch of magic—all brought to life by a talented cast and well-written scripts.

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s popular novels, The Last Kingdom tells the story of Uhtred, a young man caught between two worlds. The series, which includes five seasons and a film, is set in 9th-century England during a time of conflict between the Danes and Anglo-Saxons. After witnessing his family’s murder, Uhtred is raised by a Danish earl, Ragnar. When tragedy strikes again, Uhtred embarks on a journey that leads him to serve the kingdom of Wessex and its king, Alfred. Throughout the series, he strives to reclaim his birthright – his ancestral home and title – which were taken from him when his father died.

The Series Was Strong from Start to Finish

Although The Last Kingdom isn’t flawless or a completely accurate portrayal of Bernard Cornwell’s novels, it’s still a fantastic series – easily one of the best of its kind. The early seasons feel like a blend of Vikings and Game of Thrones, but ultimately surpass both as the show finds its own identity. The beautiful visuals are a major draw, but the captivating story will really keep you hooked as Uhtred pursues his destiny. The show never takes itself too seriously, balancing intense drama and tragedy with moments of humor. Uhtred is a compelling character – both strong and surprisingly relatable – and he’s surrounded by a diverse and well-developed cast, including his spirited adopted sister Brida, the intelligent but ailing King Alfred, and Father Beocca, a warrior-priest who often serves as Uhtred’s moral compass.

Viewers and critics alike love The Last Kingdom, giving it a 91% critics rating and an outstanding 95% audience score. Many, even those who don’t typically enjoy historical dramas, praise the show’s compelling story, well-developed characters, and strong performances. One viewer raves that it excels in every area – from storytelling and acting to costumes and set design – offering a rich mix of battles, romance, political maneuvering, and emotional depth. The show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of its violent world, presenting a raw and honest portrayal of flawed characters. Ultimately, The Last Kingdom delivers an authentic experience that resonates with its audience.

Fans Think It’s Time for a Spinoff

As a huge fan of The Last Kingdom, I was thrilled with the five seasons and the follow-up movie, Seven Kings Must Die, but honestly, it still feels like there’s so much more story to explore in that world Bernard Cornwell created. While most of us were pretty happy with how the series wrapped up—though book fans still mourn the loss of Osferth, and I get it—the ending definitely leaves room for more. The film sees Uhtred fighting for a united England under Edward’s son, and even with Uhtred seriously wounded and seemingly seeing Valhalla, a lot of our favorite characters are still around. It’s bittersweet, knowing the story could continue, especially with so many compelling threads left dangling.

A show exploring Aethelstan’s reign after unifying England would be compelling. We could also see what happens to Finan and Sihtric after the fighting stops, now that they no longer have a leader like Uhtred. Even better, the Scottish characters introduced in Seven Kings Must Die create a perfect opportunity for a spin-off series, taking the story to new territories with different cultures and a fresh set of characters.

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2026-03-09 22:42