On October 23, 2020, The Queen’s Gambit made its debut to stream on Netflix. Now, three months later, the show is the most successful scripted limited series on the platform. But why has a period drama about a female chess player become such a popular show?
When asked why he thought the show seems to resonate with audiences, Josh Martell, a first-year history major, says the storytelling is to credit.
“It was so accomplished in its thrilling storytelling that a whole new generation of kids have become inspired to pick up chess. It reinvigorated the game while being a top-tier show at the same time,” Martell says.
Let’s be real, not many of us have seen a film or a series about chess before. But would we be as interested in watching a series about a male chess prodigy?
Chess is already a male-dominated sport. Watching a series about chess with a male protagonist would not have the same effect on viewers. But a story about a woman defeating men in their own game is much more compelling. It’s unexpected and exciting.
Moreover, the cast is absolutely amazing. Anya Taylor-Joy was a perfect fit for the role of Beth Harmon, the series’ complicated antihero. Taylor-Joy is supported by stellar performances from Bill Camp (12 Years a Slave, Joker), Harry Melling (Harry Potter), and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones, Maze Runner).
It is the character of Beth that is the best thing about the show. A powerful, beautiful, gifted young woman who has her share of personal struggles has become a relatable character for viewers worldwide.
Taylor-Joy describes her character’s journey throughout the show.
“The Queen’s Gambit follows an orphan who is a chess prodigy. You get to spend seven hours with her as she tries to figure herself out, tries to figure out how she relates to the world of chess, but also has to overcome her personal demons.”
Awards buzz surrounding the show has been steadily growing. The show already has an IGN award for the best drama series of the year and is nominated for the Critics Choice Television Awards in three different categories. The Emmy Awards are slated to take place in June, and it’s all but guaranteed that The Queen’s Gambit will top the nominees list.
Overall, the show is a huge success for Netflix, with a 97 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a score of 8.6 on IMDB.
If you haven’t yet watched TheQueen’s Gambit, you are missing out. I can easily recommend it as a series that has earned all of its accolades.
