AceShowbiz - The Last Kingdom is set to leave Netflix soon for many subscribers, despite its strong popularity and critical acclaim. The historical drama, which enjoys a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has garnered praise from influential figures including George R.R. Martin, who publicly endorsed the series in his blog. This show, inspired by Bernard Cornwell’s novels, offers viewers a gripping look at the birth of England during the 9th and 10th centuries.

George R.R. Martin, known widely for his work on the fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, has repeatedly expressed admiration for The Last Kingdom. Unlike Martin’s own fantasy work, the show contains no dragons or magic; instead, it focuses on intense battles, political betrayals, and swordplay — elements that Martin highlighted in his praise. The series is based on a set of 13 novels by Bernard Cornwell, published between 2004 and 2020, which chronicle the formation of England through the eyes of complex characters.

Originally premiering on BBC Two in 2015, The Last Kingdom ran for five seasons until 2022. After its initial seasons, Netflix acquired the rights and marketed it as a Netflix Original, expanding its global audience. The story culminated with a feature-length movie, Seven Kings Must Die, which debuted on Netflix in 2023.

Despite its success and a loyal fanbase, the series’ continued availability on Netflix is now limited by expiring licensing agreements. According to a report from What's On Netflix, the streaming platform’s four-year licensing deal for The Last Kingdom in Canada will end on March 9, 2026. In the United States, the series will be removed from Netflix on December 9, 2026. However, the feature film Seven Kings Must Die is expected to remain on the platform at least until 2033, offering fans some continued access to the franchise.

The departure of The Last Kingdom from Netflix is primarily due to rights issues rather than lack of popularity. Fans who have yet to watch the series or who want to revisit its intense historical storytelling should plan accordingly to avoid missing out. Meanwhile, followers of medieval fantasy may find other content to explore, including the latest Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, available on HBO. Additionally, the third season of HBO’s House of the Dragon is scheduled to premiere in June, offering more epic storytelling in a similar genre.

The showrunner behind The Last Kingdom is Stephen Butchard, who crafted a narrative weaving historical fact with compelling drama. The series stars Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred, a Saxon-born warrior raised by Vikings, and Emily Cox among the primary cast. Their performances bring to life the turbulent era when Alfred the Great defends his kingdom against Norse invaders, while Uhtred seeks to reclaim his ancestral lands.

The Last Kingdom blends action, drama, and history, making it a standout series for viewers interested in medieval England. Its departure from Netflix marks the end of an era for many fans, but the story’s legacy continues through the film and related programming. For those eager to experience the series before it leaves, now is the time to stream and immerse themselves in this richly crafted world.