11 Recent TV Shows That Surprised Everyone

Netflix’s strategy to fill their platform with as much original content as possible, though arguably necessary given that third-party providers are rapidly removing the films and shows they’ve relied upon for years to populate their own streaming platforms, has resulted in something of a content overload.

How a show about chess of all things therefore became a worldwide talking point is something of a mystery, but the Queen’s Gambit remains one of the top ten most-watched series on the platform nearly two years after its release.

The stereotypical depiction of a chess player is an old man in a park, or a Russian inflicting death stares on their opponent as they move their pieces around the board. It certainly isn’t a snappily-dressed Anya Taylor-Joy, but the captivating nature of the series hangs almost entirely on her mesmerising lead performance as Beth Harmon, who goes from orphan to grandmaster with side orders of child, alcohol and substance abuse.

The period setting is expertly depicted, with the climactic chess battles being treated as Cold War proxy battles drawn from reality, ludicrous as that may seem.

The complexities of the game are presented in an un-intimidating manner and a host of down-to-earth supporting players, ranging from Bill Camp’s awkward tutor to a Harry Melling who couldn’t be further from Dudley Dursley, all contribute to a series that has resulted in chess experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity.