The Netflix Show Stephen King Believes Is As Good As Queen’s Gambit

These days, scrolling through endless thumbnails on a streaming service can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With new titles popping up all the time, it’s easy to lose track of what’s actually worth your time.

But when you finally hit on a series that grabs you, everything else fades away. Before you know it, you’re glued to the screen, watching one episode after another, even after midnight.

With its massive library, Netflix has released plenty of hits over the years. Take The Queen’s Gambit, for example: the 2020 drama that made people care about chess, thanks to Anya Taylor-Joy’s magnetic performance. Directed by Scott Frank, it follows Beth Harmon, an orphaned prodigy, as she battles addiction on her way to becoming the world’s top chess player.

If you loved that, horror legend Stephen King strongly suggests what to watch next. On social media, he directed fans toward another Scott Frank series, one he claims is “just as good.”

That show, Godless, slipped under many people’s radars when it came out in 2017, but it has all the ingredients that make binge-watching irresistible. Godless stars Jack O’Connell and Jessica Sula, two actors you might recognize from Skins, but barely.

They’ve traded the streets of southwest England for 1884 New Mexico, and you’d hardly know them. O’Connell plays Roy Goode, a young outlaw on the run, while Jeff Daniels portrays Frank Griffin, his former mentor turned merciless pursuer. Their chase leads Roy to La Belle, a tiny frontier town where almost everyone left is a woman.

10/10

When Griffin and his ruthless gang ride into town, the women of La Belle decide they’ve had enough. They band together, ready to defend their homes, even if they’ve never held a rifle before.

Seeing this unlikely militia in action is the heart of Godless: it’s a dusty, violent Western, but the story’s power comes from those women who refuse to back down. Even though Godless hit Netflix three years before The Queen’s Gambit, it’s only now getting the love it deserves.

King himself posted, “Seen THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT? Another Scott Frank limited series, GODLESS, is just as good (Netflix).”

Then he added, “And as a bonus, who did I spy but Kim Coates, my old SOA [Sons of Anarchy] buddy.” (Fun fact: King even appeared in a couple of episodes of Sons of Anarchy alongside Coates.)

Netflix

Fans across X (formerly Twitter) have since shared their own binge stories. One user admitted, “Did I just watch the entirety of Godless on Netflix in one sitting? Possibly. Am I now talking like I’m from the Wild West in 1864? Definitely.”

Another confessed, “Just binge-watched #Godless on #Netflix and bawled my eyes out at the end! Brilliant series.”

A third summed it up in three words: “Godless on Netflix is a 10/10 for me. Production, location, and acting are great.”

Expert Insights on Engagement

Dr. Laura Santos, a psychology professor at Yale, emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement in storytelling. She notes that shows like Netflix's hit series can profoundly affect viewers' emotional states, fostering empathy and connection.

Her research indicates that immersive narratives not only entertain but also enhance our understanding of human experiences. Dr. Santos suggests viewers engage critically by discussing themes with friends or family, which can deepen their emotional investment and understanding of the story's complexities.

"Godless, Trailer"

Jack O'Connell Shines in This Overlooked Western Series.

Critics agree. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds an 85 percent audience score and an 83 percent critics’ rating.

The critics’ consensus praises its sweeping landscapes and high-stakes action, but also points out that “its female-driven ensemble sets it apart in a male-dominated genre.” Despite fans clamoring for more, Godless was always meant to be a standalone miniseries.

When asked about it, actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster told The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s got a really nice beginning, middle, and end. It’s very popular nowadays to just make something go on and on and on. At some point, it becomes some sort of money-maker thing, and I think as a viewer you can see that and sense that.”Netflix

So if you’re hunting for your next binge, give Godless a shot. It’s a tight, seven-episode ride that delivers dusty gunfights, strong performances, and a fresh twist on classic Western themes, without dragging on past its natural finish.

You might be up too late, but sometimes those late-night marathons are exactly how you discover your new favorite show.

In the realm of entertainment, experts like James Clear highlight the significance of habits in binge-watching behaviors. Clear asserts that habits formed around viewing can enhance the overall enjoyment and retention of the content.

To make the most of your viewing experience, he recommends creating a dedicated viewing schedule, allowing for a more mindful approach. This method not only limits excessive screen time but also enhances the anticipation and enjoyment of future episodes.

Clinical Perspective & Next Steps

As we navigate a sea of content on platforms like Netflix, expert insights remind us that meaningful engagement can enrich our viewing experience. According to Dr. Santos, discussing shows with peers can transform passive consumption into an interactive exploration of themes and emotions.

Whether it's through shared conversations or establishing healthy viewing habits, as suggested by James Clear, viewers can cultivate a more fulfilling relationship with media. By embracing these expert recommendations, not only do we enjoy quality storytelling, but we also foster deeper connections with the narratives we love.