Netflix Web Series: Where to Watch Similar Shows After [Show Title]

Netflix Web Series: Where to Watch Similar Shows After “The Queen’s Gambit”

“The Queen’s Gambit,” a limited series that captivated audiences with its compelling narrative of a young chess prodigy battling addiction and societal expectations, has left a void for many viewers. Its blend of historical fiction, character-driven drama, and visually stunning aesthetics created a unique viewing experience. For those seeking similar shows to fill that gap, this article provides a curated list of series available across various streaming platforms, categorized by their thematic and stylistic similarities to “The Queen’s Gambit.”

For the Chess Enthusiasts & Strategy Buffs:

While few shows directly replicate the intricate world of competitive chess, several series delve into strategic thinking, high-stakes competitions, and the psychological pressures of excelling in demanding fields.

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  “Halt and Catch Fire” (AMC+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video): This series chronicles the personal computer revolution of the 1980s, focusing on a visionary, an engineer, and a prodigy who risk everything to build the future. Like Beth Harmon’s relentless pursuit of chess mastery, the characters in “Halt and Catch Fire” are driven by ambition and a desire to disrupt the status quo. The show explores the strategic battles within the tech industry, the complex relationships between collaborators, and the personal sacrifices required to achieve groundbreaking innovation. The show’s focus on intellectual prowess and the cutthroat environment of a competitive industry mirrors the intensity found in “The Queen’s Gambit.”

• “Billions” (Showtime, Paramount+): Set in the high-stakes world of finance, “Billions” follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant hedge fund manager, Bobby Axelrod, and a ruthless U.S. Attorney, Chuck Rhoades. The series is a masterclass in strategic maneuvering, psychological warfare, and calculated risk-taking. While the setting differs drastically from the chess world, the underlying principles of anticipating your opponent’s moves, exploiting weaknesses, and maintaining a strategic advantage are central to both narratives. The complex characters and morally ambiguous choices resonate with the layered personalities found in “The Queen’s Gambit.”

• “Devs” (Hulu): This limited series explores the dark side of technological advancement, focusing on a quantum computing company whose CEO has built a machine that can see the past and predict the future. “Devs” delves into complex philosophical questions about determinism, free will, and the nature of reality. The show’s intricate plot and focus on intellectual puzzles make it a compelling watch for those who enjoyed the strategic thinking in “The Queen’s Gambit.” The series emphasizes the calculated decisions made by powerful individuals and the far-reaching consequences of their actions.

For the Period Drama Aficionados:

“The Queen’s Gambit” was set against the backdrop of the Cold War era, featuring meticulously recreated costumes, sets, and cultural nuances. These period dramas offer similar immersive experiences.

• “Mad Men” (AMC+, Amazon Prime Video): Set in the glamorous world of 1960s advertising, “Mad Men” explores the complexities of American society, gender roles, and the pursuit of success. Like “The Queen’s Gambit,” the series features a flawed but brilliant protagonist navigating a male-dominated industry. The show’s attention to detail in recreating the era, from the fashion to the social attitudes, is unparalleled. The series also explores themes of addiction, identity, and the search for meaning, mirroring Beth Harmon’s personal struggles.

• “The Crown” (Netflix): This historical drama chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the British monarchy. The series is known for its lavish production values, compelling performances, and insightful portrayal of historical events. Like “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Crown” explores themes of duty, responsibility, and the pressures of living in the public eye. The series provides a fascinating look at a different kind of power dynamic, one based on tradition and lineage rather than individual talent.

• “Peaky Blinders” (Netflix): Set in post-World War I England, “Peaky Blinders” follows the Shelby crime family as they rise to power in Birmingham. The series is known for its gritty realism, stylish visuals, and compelling characters. While more violent than “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Peaky Blinders” shares a similar focus on ambition, survival, and the challenges of navigating a complex and dangerous world. The show’s historical setting and attention to detail create an immersive viewing experience.

For Those Who Enjoyed the Character-Driven Narrative:

“The Queen’s Gambit” was praised for its nuanced portrayal of Beth Harmon, a complex and compelling character grappling with addiction, trauma, and a relentless desire to excel. These series offer similarly rich and engaging character studies.

• “Fleabag” (Amazon Prime Video): This British comedy-drama follows a woman navigating life in London while grappling with grief, guilt, and a dysfunctional family. “Fleabag” is known for its witty writing, dark humor, and the protagonist’s direct addresses to the audience. Like Beth Harmon, Fleabag is a flawed and relatable character who struggles with her own demons. The series explores themes of trauma, loss, and the search for connection in a cynical world.

• “Mr. Robot” (Amazon Prime Video): This psychological thriller follows a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who becomes involved in a clandestine group of hacktivists. “Mr. Robot” is known for its complex plot, unreliable narrator, and exploration of themes like mental illness, social alienation, and corporate greed. Like Beth Harmon, Elliot Alderson, the protagonist, is a brilliant but troubled individual grappling with his own inner demons. The series explores the dark side of technology and the dangers of unchecked power.

• “BoJack Horseman” (Netflix): While animated, “BoJack Horseman” is a surprisingly poignant and insightful exploration of depression, addiction, and the search for meaning. The series follows a washed-up sitcom star as he navigates life in Hollywood. Like Beth Harmon, BoJack is a flawed and self-destructive character who struggles to overcome his past. The show’s dark humor and emotional depth make it a compelling watch for those who appreciate complex character studies.

For Viewers Drawn to the Theme of Overcoming Adversity:

“The Queen’s Gambit” showcased Beth Harmon’s journey as she defied societal expectations and overcame personal challenges to achieve her goals. These series offer similar stories of resilience and triumph.

• “GLOW” (Netflix): Set in the 1980s, “GLOW” follows a group of women who form a professional wrestling league. The series is a celebration of female empowerment, resilience, and the power of collaboration. Like Beth Harmon, the women in “GLOW” are underdogs who defy expectations and create their own opportunities. The show’s positive message and uplifting tone make it a feel-good watch.

• “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix): This groundbreaking series explores the lives of women in prison, showcasing their struggles, their triumphs, and their complex relationships. “Orange is the New Black” is a powerful and unflinching look at the American prison system and the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals. Like Beth Harmon, the characters in the series face adversity and must find ways to survive and thrive in a challenging environment.

• “Unorthodox” (Netflix): This limited series tells the story of a young woman who flees her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin. “Unorthodox” is a powerful and moving story about self-discovery, resilience, and the courage to break free from societal constraints. Like Beth Harmon, Esty Shapiro, the protagonist, is a young woman who defies expectations and forges her own path.

For Those Captivated by the Visual Style and Atmosphere:

“The Queen’s Gambit” was visually stunning, with its meticulously designed sets, costumes, and cinematography. These series offer similar aesthetic appeal and atmospheric storytelling.

• “Killing Eve” (AMC+, Hulu): This stylish and suspenseful thriller follows a British intelligence investigator who becomes obsessed with a psychopathic assassin. “Killing Eve” is known for its sharp writing, compelling performances, and visually striking locations. The show’s cat-and-mouse game between Eve and Villanelle is both thrilling and addictive. The series shares “The Queen’s Gambit”‘s attention to detail in costume design and its ability to create a captivating atmosphere.

• “Alias Grace” (Netflix): Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, “Alias Grace” tells the story of a young Irish immigrant who is accused of murder in 19th-century Canada. The series is a visually stunning and atmospheric period drama that explores themes of memory, identity, and the complexities of female experience. The show’s haunting visuals and suspenseful plot make it a compelling watch.

• “The Knick” (HBO Max): Set in New York City in the early 1900s, “The Knick” follows the staff of a hospital as they grapple with medical advancements and social challenges. The series is known for its gritty realism, stunning cinematography, and unflinching portrayal of surgical procedures. The show’s historical setting and attention to detail create an immersive viewing experience.

By exploring these recommendations, viewers can find series that resonate with the different aspects of “The Queen’s Gambit” that they enjoyed, whether it was the strategic thinking, the historical setting, the compelling characters, the themes of overcoming adversity, or the visual style and atmosphere. This curated list offers a diverse range of options across various streaming platforms, ensuring that there is something for