8.5/10
91% Critics / 95% Audience
The Last Kingdom is a British historical drama television series that blends gritty realism with sweeping storytelling. It premiered on October 10, 2015, on BBC Two, adapting Bernard Cornwell’s acclaimed novel series The Saxon Stories. Created for television by Stephen Butchard, the show charts the struggles between Saxons and Danes during the Viking Age, as seen through the eyes of Uhtred of Bebbanburg—a Saxon nobleman raised among Vikings.
Initially co-produced by the BBC, the series was later acquired fully by Netflix in 2018, which carried it through its final seasons. Over five gripping series and a concluding feature-length film (Seven Kings Must Die, 2023), the saga became a fan favorite, praised for its authenticity, action, and emotional storytelling.
The Last Kingdom (TV Series) – Official Season 1 Trailer
What is The Last Kingdom About?
At its heart, The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon by birth who is captured and raised by Danes after a Viking raid. Struggling with dual loyalties, Uhtred navigates the clash between pagan warriors and Christian kings, caught between two worlds while pursuing his destiny to reclaim his ancestral home.
The story weaves together:
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The rise of Wessex as the last stronghold against Viking invasion.
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The vision of King Alfred the Great, who dreams of uniting the English kingdoms.
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The personal conflict of identity for Uhtred, torn between Saxon blood and Danish upbringing.
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Themes of loyalty, betrayal, family, and destiny, set against the backdrop of brutal medieval warfare.
Is The Last Kingdom Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Fans of historical dramas like Vikings or fantasy epics like Game of Thrones will find much to love.
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Strong Performances: Alexander Dreymon’s Uhtred is charismatic, complex, and compelling.
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Rich Historical Setting: While dramatized, the series captures the grit of 9th- and 10th-century England.
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Epic Action: From large-scale battles to intimate duels, the fight choreography is visceral and realistic.
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Character Depth: Beyond warfare, the series shines through its intricate relationships, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas.
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Accessible Yet Deep: History enthusiasts appreciate the accuracy in spirit, while casual viewers enjoy the fast-paced drama.
Why Should I Watch The Last Kingdom?
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To experience a saga of identity and destiny, grounded in history but told with cinematic flair.
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For dynamic characters, from ambitious rulers to fierce warriors and conflicted allies.
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To explore themes of religion, loyalty, and survival, central to England’s birth as a nation.
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Because it stands as one of Netflix’s most acclaimed historical dramas, often compared favorably to big-budget productions.
Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast spans five seasons and a feature film, with key highlights including:
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Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg – The conflicted Saxon-Dane warrior at the series’ heart.
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David Dawson as King Alfred – Visionary ruler of Wessex, torn between piety and pragmatism.
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Emily Cox as Brida – Uhtred’s childhood companion turned fierce warrior.
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Tobias Santelmann as Ragnar the Younger – A Danish warlord and Uhtred’s foster brother.
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Ian Hart as Father Beocca – A priest and lifelong guide to Uhtred.
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Eliza Butterworth as Lady Aelswith – Alfred’s strong-willed wife.
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Millie Brady as Lady Aethelflaed – Alfred’s daughter, destined for leadership.
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Timothy Innes as King Edward – Alfred’s son, whose reign shapes the later series.
Supporting characters such as Finan, Sihtric, Hild, Haesten, and Sigtryggr all leave lasting marks on the story.
Episodes / Seasons / Release Order
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Series 1 (2015): 8 episodes – Covers 866–878, the rise of the Great Heathen Army.
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Series 2 (2017): 8 episodes – 879–886, Uhtred’s Northumbrian struggles and Viking threats.
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Series 3 (2018, Netflix): 10 episodes – 892–902, King Alfred’s final years and new Viking invasions.
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Series 4 (2020, Netflix): 10 episodes – 909–911, King Edward’s early reign and Mercian politics.
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Series 5 (2022, Netflix): 10 episodes – 917–920, succession disputes and Uhtred’s destiny at Bebbanburg.
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Film – Seven Kings Must Die (2023, Netflix): Adapts War Lord and Sword of Kings, concluding Uhtred’s journey in 937.
Production and Development
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Filming began in 2014, with Hungary serving as the primary location due to its versatile medieval sets at Korda Studios.
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Viking ships were recreated using replicas such as the Havhingsten fra Glendalough.
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Netflix became the sole distributor from Series 3 onwards, significantly boosting the show’s global reach.
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A feature-length finale, Seven Kings Must Die, was developed to conclude the saga beyond Season 5.
Reception and Critical Response
The Last Kingdom was met with critical acclaim across its run:
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Rotten Tomatoes (Series 1): 87% approval rating.
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Metacritic (Series 1): 78/100.
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Later seasons often scored even higher, with Series 3 receiving 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics praised:
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Cinematography – Sweeping landscapes and battle realism.
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Character arcs – Uhtred’s moral ambiguity and Alfred’s visionary rule.
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Action and pacing – Gritty battles and fast-moving political intrigue.
Comparisons to Game of Thrones were frequent, though many noted The Last Kingdom’s historical grounding set it apart.
The Last Kingdom (TV Series) FAQ
Q: Is The Last Kingdom based on real history?
A: Yes, it is inspired by true events of the Viking Age and King Alfred’s reign, though dramatized. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is a fictionalized character, though based loosely on historical figures like Uhtred the Bold.
Q: Do I need to read Bernard Cornwell’s novels first?
A: No. The show adapts them faithfully but makes changes. The novels expand the story further for readers who want more depth.
Q: How does Seven Kings Must Die fit in?
A: The film serves as the final chapter, adapting the last books and providing closure to Uhtred’s saga after Season 5.
Q: How many episodes are there in total?
A: 46 episodes across five series, plus one feature-length film.
Q: Is The Last Kingdom like Vikings?
A: While both series explore Norse invasions, The Last Kingdom focuses more on Saxon politics, faith, and the forging of England, while Vikings centers on Norse characters and myth.
Conclusion
The Last Kingdom stands as one of the great historical dramas of modern television, blending action, faith, and identity into a sweeping saga of England’s birth. With Alexander Dreymon’s compelling performance as Uhtred and a cast of richly drawn characters, it delivers both spectacle and heart.
The journey concludes with Seven Kings Must Die, leaving fans with a complete and emotionally resonant tale that balances history, myth, and personal destiny. For anyone who enjoys historical epics filled with political intrigue, loyalty, and unforgettable battles, this is a must-watch.
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