‘The Last Kingdom’: A Perfect Game of Thrones Replacement Endorsed by George R.R. Martin

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Fans excited for the new Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of Seven Kingdoms, which arrives in January 2026, are enjoying an alternative option recommended by the author, George R. R. Martin.

The British historical drama The Last Kingdom, which ran from 2015 to 2022 and was based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories books, significantly improved over its five seasons. Unlike Game of Thrones, it successfully delivered a satisfying series finale.

If you loved the historical drama and gritty action of Game of Thrones, you’ll likely enjoy The Last Kingdom, which is now streaming on Netflix.

What is ‘The Last Kingdom’ About?


BBC/Netflix

The historical drama The Last Kingdom, based on Bernard Cornwell’s popular The Saxon Stories novels, first aired on the BBC in 2015 and later moved to Netflix for its third season in 2018. Set between 872 and 920 AD, the series depicts the Viking invasion of England and King Alfred’s (David Dawson) fight to defend his kingdom. The story centers on Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), a nobleman’s son who was captured by the Danes as a child and raised as a Viking, and whose fate becomes intertwined with the conflict.

As a huge fan of historical dramas, I was completely hooked by The Last Kingdom, especially as the story’s central conflict really ramped up. It puts Uhtred in an impossible position, forcing him to choose between loyalty to his family by blood and the fierce, unconventional warriors he’s come to call his own. If you loved Game of Thrones, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here – the action is non-stop, the battles are massive in scale, and the acting just gets better and better. What really sets The Last Kingdom apart, though, is its finale. Unlike the frustrating end to GoT that left so many fans upset, this show stuck the landing. The final episode is easily the best of the entire series, scoring a phenomenal 9.6 on IMDb – a clear sign that the creators knew how to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

George R.R. Martin’s Ringing Endorsement for ‘The Last Kingdom,’ Explained


BBC/Netflix

It’s notable when any writer suggests you watch The Last Kingdom, but it’s especially interesting when George R.R. Martin – the author of Game of Thrones – does. He’s publicly shared his enthusiasm for the show on multiple occasions. For example, after Season 2 aired in 2017, he posted on Facebook:

Season two of THE LAST KINGDOM lived up to the quality of the first, continuing the adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon novels. While a larger budget would be nice, fans of Uhtred (including me!) will appreciate how closely the show follows the books. Hopefully, we’ll get a third season!

Following Season 3, Martin posted to his website:

The show is visually striking, with a gritty and realistic depiction of the dark ages. The writing and performances are excellent, and the action is well-done, though larger battles would benefit from more funding. What really stands out are the characters – they’re memorable and, crucially, feel authentic to the period and the source material, rather than modern people simply wearing historical costumes. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next season.

Following Season 4 in 2020, Martin heaped more praise on The Last Kingdom, adding (via Reddit):

I highly recommend checking out The Last Kingdom! The latest season was just released, and my friend Parris and I finished it in just two days. It’s not a fantasy show – you won’t find any dragons or magic – but it’s full of action, battles, and political intrigue. The main character, Uhtred, is a fantastic warrior who could go toe-to-toe with anyone from shows like Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. It’s a really great show, and we’re sad to see it end.

The Last Kingdom ran for 5 seasons and 46 episodes.

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2025-12-14 18:35