The Queen’s Gambit: A Perfect Miniseries On Netflix

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When people think of groundbreaking shows on Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit immediately comes to mind. This stunning adaptation of the novel is a perfect limited series. Anya Taylor-Joy shines as Beth Harmon, a fictional chess genius, in a role that launched her to stardom. The show is also visually captivating, beautifully recreating the atmosphere of mid-20th century America.

Despite being a fictional story, The Queen’s Gambit feels incredibly real and captivating, much like its main character. It’s a beautifully told, personal narrative entirely created from the imagination of author Walter Tevis, and it never tries too hard to impress – it simply is impressive.

Originally published in 1983, The Queen’s Gambit quickly became a popular and successful book. Interestingly, the real-life story of Hungarian chess prodigy Judit Polgár shared several similarities with the novel’s fictional character, Beth Harmon, not long after the book was released.

However, the Netflix adaptation of the story is truly mesmerizing, with Anya Taylor-Joy delivering a remarkable performance as the fascinating and complicated main character. It’s rare to find a miniseries where every single episode is excellent, but The Queen’s Gambit is definitely one of those rare gems.

Anya Taylor-Joy Shines In The Queen’s Gambit

Netflix has a number of films and series starring Anya Taylor-Joy, but The Queen’s Gambit is particularly notable, as it features a role she seems perfectly suited for. Beth Harmon is a complex character, and likely a challenging one for the actress to portray.

She fluctuates between being deeply withdrawn and sharply dismissive, often acting on impulse and striking out at others before they can react. This behavior is rooted in a difficult childhood: she grew up in a restrictive orphanage after losing her parents in a car accident she miraculously survived.

In The Queen’s Gambit, the main character finds solace in chess, using it as a way to cope with a difficult childhood and a growing dependence on medication. A particularly heartwarming part of the story is her unexpected friendship with Mr. Shaibel, the orphanage janitor and a passionate chess player – a bond that stands out as one of the most unique in film and television.

It’s no surprise that Beth Harmon’s unconventional approach to chess reflects who she is as a person. She plays boldly and sometimes acts on impulse, but she’s always thinking ahead, intensely focused, and understands that the best way to win is to take the offensive.

Despite her difficulties, it’s hard not to feel for Beth once you understand her story. She’s overcome a lot, always having to fend for herself and rarely getting what she needs, but she consistently bounces back from tough situations with remarkable strength.

Beth is a truly inspiring and resilient character who empowers those around her. Her story is one of the most rewarding and uplifting in recent times, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance is captivating, making it impossible to look away.

Anya Taylor-Joy brings a captivating mystery to her character, making her incredibly compelling to watch. She perfectly balances Beth’s reserved nature with her hidden resilience, kindness, and intense love for chess. This performance is truly one of the best on television in recent years.

Why The Queen’s Gambit Worked As A Miniseries

The way The Queen’s Gambit looks and feels is remarkably similar to a movie, and it’s a great example of why more people are choosing to watch stories on streaming services instead of in theaters. The seven-episode series feels complete and carefully crafted, much like a classic film.

The show really takes advantage of the longer format that streaming allows, crafting a story that comfortably fills seven hours. Its pacing is excellent, making it just as enjoyable to watch all at once or over several weeks. It’s a perfect example of a show designed for binge-watching.

Continuing the show would likely ruin what makes it so good. Anya Taylor-Joy has recently indicated that a second season of The Queen’s Gambit is unlikely, and for good reason – its success lies in being a self-contained miniseries. Trying to capitalize on its high ratings with another season would probably diminish its impact.

It’s often best to not tamper with something that’s already great. Anya Taylor-Joy and the team behind the show – Scott Frank and Allan Scott – deserve praise for avoiding the common trap of expanding a story just for the sake of it. They’ve protected their exceptional creation by keeping it focused and flawless.

The story of Beth Harmon, from a troubled and neglected orphan to a groundbreaking chess champion, unfolds at a perfect pace, allowing her character to grow naturally. By the end of the seventh episode of The Queen’s Gambit, her story feels complete – there’s nothing left to say.

Are There Other Shows Like The Queen’s Gambit?

Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit is exceptional. There aren’t many compelling TV dramas focused on chess, and there’s nothing else quite like it that combines a coming-of-age story, a historical setting, and a character’s journey from trauma to incredible achievement, all presented with such striking visuals.

I’ve been thinking about The Queen’s Gambit and realized there are other really great miniseries that feel similar in how they tell their stories and develop their characters. One that immediately comes to mind is Unorthodox, also on Netflix. It’s about a young woman who bravely escapes from a very strict, ultra-orthodox Jewish community, and it’s just as compelling.

Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel stands out among recent miniseries. This popular comedy-drama follows a woman trying to make it in the world of 1960s entertainment, a challenging industry dominated by men. While her journey is unusual, it feels believable and relatable.

If you enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit and want to learn about a real-life chess prodigy, Netflix recently released a documentary called Queen of Chess about Judit Polgár, widely considered the best female chess player ever. The film shows many striking similarities between Polgár’s life and the fictional story of Beth Harmon.

As a fan, I have to say, nothing really compares to the emotional rollercoaster Beth experiences in The Queen’s Gambit. It’s still, hands down, the most captivating and enjoyable coming-of-age story Netflix has ever made, in my opinion.

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2026-02-20 16:40