The Best Gritty Dramas to Binge After The Queen’s Gambit

The Queen’s Gambit

Genre: Historical Drama

Seasons: 1 (2020)

Rated: TV-Mature (language, smoking, drug use, and sexual content)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97/100% Average

Since its premiere on October 23, 2020, The Queen’s Gambit, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, has been the foundation of our arguably unhealthy addiction to gritty, character-driven modern classics in television, and has particularly been the cause for the world’s rekindled obsession with the refined world of chess. And yes, I did say chess.

The story begins in 1950’s United States, where Beth Harmon, a reticent young orphan with a high affinity for mathematics and a solemn disposition, is taken to an orphanage for young girls after the untimely death of her late mother. Beth’s introduction to the dark realities of both her upbringing and the world around her send her into an early life of desperation and addiction. However, with the introduction of the intricate game of chess by the orphanage’s maintenance keeper, Beth’s journey into the world of strategy and competition catapult her into her inherent calling.

This beautifully directed Netflix limited series offers wit, intrigue, and gripping storytelling that will likely leave you desperate for more. And should you fall in love with The Queen’s Gambit, much like the 62 million households who viewed it upon the first few weeks of its premiere, and stream its seven glorious episodes in one fell swoop, here are some methods to use in determining what shows you might want to consider jumping into next:

Call the Midwife

If you’re looking for another 1950’s-60s period drama with a female lead and a gripping story, Call the Midwife may be just the show for you.

Genre: Period Drama

Seasons: 9 (2012-Present)

Rated: TV-MA (language, smoking)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89/100%

Call the Midwife is a currently-running nine-season BBC drama series set in 1950-60’s East London. This show follows the lives of a community of midwives working under the leadership of amusing and ardent nuns at Nonnatus House convent.

The series recognizes the significant necessity and impact of midwives of that era, highlighting the incredible tenacity and willpower needed for such a daunting task as bringing an infant into the world. Ranging from beautiful, heartfelt moments to grittier, heart-wrenching scenes, Call the Midwife is a show that will hug your heart, make you shed tears, laugh like you’ve never laughed before, and bring the people closest to you even closer.

The Crown

If you’re searching for another Netflix Original with beautiful direction, complex characters, and layered plotlines, The Crown should be next on your to-watch list.

Genre: Historical Drama

Seasons: 4 (2016-Present)

Rated: TV-MA (sex, nudity, language, smoking)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90/100%

If you have ever found yourself curious about the goings on of Buckingham Palace and the royal family that calls it their home, then The Crown should certainly be the next show on your list of series to watch. The show begins by focusing on the life of Queen Elizabeth II after the death of her father, King George VI, as she ascends the royal throne at the young age of 25. The young Elizabeth faces challenges of royal politics, marital hardships, sibling rivalry, and the thralldom of power. The series also dives into the often challenging lives of Queen Elizabeth’s royal family, with later seasons exploring the tumultuous relationship of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. This show will give you insight on the common hardships of those born into power and the desired normalcy of those born into nobility.

The Handmaid’s Tale

If you are searching for a show with a darker tone, more mature themes and writing, brilliant acting, and heart-tugging grit, then The Handmaid’s Tale is the perfect show for you.

Genre: Dystopian/Speculative Fiction

Seasons: 3 (2017-Present)

Rated: R (sex, nudity, violence, gore, profanity, alcohol, drug use, smoking)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88/100%

The Handmaid’s Tale is a post-modern dystopian series based on the book series of the same name written by author, Margaret Atwood. This dark and exceptionally gritty show focuses on Offred (Elizabeth Moss), one of the few fertile women remaining in a greatly infertile society. Offred is forced into sexual enslavement as one of the Handmaids, the Republic of Gilead’s nonconsenting reproductive surrogates. The show explores a myriad of uncomfortable and heart-wrenching topics, leaving you questioning the definition of morality, the concept of right and wrong, and the degree in which you would be willing to sacrifice your dignity to save your own life.

Each of these shows will undoubtedly give you at least a portion of the amazing character development, brilliant storytelling, and phenomenal acting so prevalent in The Queen’s Gambit, as well as notable features unseen within it. Though the themes and premises of these shows differ greatly, you will likely find exactly what you’re looking for in one of these options of shows to binge next.