The Last Kingdom offers a grounded alternative to Game of Thrones, focusing on the political and military conflicts of ninth-century England rather than fantasy. The historical drama, based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories novels, is available on Netflix and runs for five seasons, followed by a concluding film.
The story follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon captured and raised by Vikings. Torn between the two cultures, he faces questions of identity as Anglo-Saxons and Danes fight for power during the early formation of England. Alexander Dreymon plays Uhtred, whose personal journey is central to the series.
According to the figures cited for Rotten Tomatoes, The Last Kingdom has a 91% critics’ score and a 95% audience score. Game of Thrones is listed at 89% among critics and 85% among viewers. The comparison reflects the shows’ different approaches: The Last Kingdom emphasizes historical realism, political upheaval, religious conflict and its characters’ development, while Game of Thrones is a fantasy epic.
Sources: Jeuxvideo.com.