The Last Kingdom, the epic historical drama based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories novels, has captivated audiences with its gripping tale of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The show blends historical events with intense drama, battles, and political intrigue. Fans are eager to know about its budget, box office collections, release dates, cast details, and future plans. Read More
This comprehensive guide covers everything about The Last Kingdom, including a detailed feature table and structured breakdowns.
Overview of The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom premiered on BBC Two (UK) and later became a Netflix original. It follows Uhtred, a Saxon noble raised by Vikings, as he struggles to reclaim his birthright while serving Alfred the Great.
Key Highlights:
- Total Seasons: 5
- Based On: The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell
- Genre: Historical Drama, Action, War
- Main Cast: Alexander Dreymon, David Dawson, Eliza Butterworth, Emily Cox
- Spin-off Movie: Seven Kings Must Die (2023)
Season-wise Budget, Collection & Release Dates
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each season’s budget, estimated earnings, and release timeline.
Feature Table: The Last Kingdom Financial & Release Summary
| Season | Release Date | Episodes | Budget (Estimated) | Box Office/Streaming Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | October 10, 2015 (UK) | 8 | $20–25 million | Strong ratings on BBC Two; later acquired by Netflix |
| Season 2 | March 16, 2017 (UK) | 8 | $25–30 million | Increased global popularity on Netflix |
| Season 3 | November 19, 2018 | 10 | $30–35 million | High streaming numbers; Top 10 in multiple countries |
| Season 4 | April 26, 2020 | 10 | $35–40 million | One of Netflix’s most-watched shows in 2020 |
| Season 5 | March 9, 2022 | 10 | $40–45 million | Concluded Uhtred’s main story arc |
| Seven Kings Must Die (Movie) | April 14, 2023 | N/A | $15–20 million | Strong viewership on Netflix |
Box Office & Streaming Success
- While exact streaming revenue isn’t disclosed, The Last Kingdom consistently ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 in multiple regions.
- The show gained a cult following, leading to the spin-off film Seven Kings Must Die.
- Merchandise, books, and fan conventions contributed to its financial success.
Cast of The Last Kingdom
The series boasts a stellar cast that brought the characters to life.
Main Cast & Characters:
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Dreymon | Uhtred of Bebbanburg | Saxon noble raised by Danes |
| David Dawson | King Alfred the Great | Wise but ailing ruler of Wessex |
| Eliza Butterworth | Aelswith | Alfred’s strong-willed wife |
| Emily Cox | Brida | Uhtred’s childhood friend turned enemy |
| Ian Hart | Beocca | Uhtred’s priest and mentor |
| Arnas Fedaravicius | Sihtric | Uhtred’s loyal warrior |
| Mark Rowley | Finan | Uhtred’s trusted Irish fighter |
Recurring & Notable Cast Members:
- Tobias Santelmann as Ragnar the Younger
- Jeppe Beck Laursen as Haesten
- Millie Brady as Aethelflaed
- Timothy Innes as King Edward
Future Plans for The Last Kingdom
1. Seven Kings Must Die (2023) – The Final Chapter
- The Netflix movie served as the conclusion to Uhtred’s saga.
- It adapts the final novels (War of the Wolf & Seven Kings Must Die).
- Reception: Fans appreciated the closure, though some wanted more seasons.
2. Potential Spin-offs or Prequels
- While no official announcements exist, Bernard Cornwell’s other works (like The Warlord Chronicles) could inspire new projects.
- Fan Demand: Many hope for a prequel on Ragnar Lothbrok’s era or a sequel following Uhtred’s descendants.
3. Books & Merchandise
- The original novels continue to sell well, with new readers discovering the series.
- Video Games & Comics: Potential adaptations could expand the franchise.
Why The Last Kingdom Stands Out
- Historical Accuracy: Mixes real events with fiction.
- Character Depth: Uhtred’s journey is compelling.
- Battle Scenes: Intense and well-choreographed.
- Political Intrigue: Power struggles between Saxons and Danes.
The Last Kingdom vs Other Historical Series Public Reviews, Budgets & Earnings Compared
Historical dramas have always been a favorite among TV enthusiasts, and The Last Kingdom stands tall among giants like Vikings, Game of Thrones, and The Witcher. But how does it compare in terms of public reviews, budget, and earnings?
This in-depth comparison breaks down viewer opinions, production costs, and financial success while providing a detailed feature table for easy analysis.
Public Reviews & Ratings Comparison
1. IMDb Ratings
| Series | IMDb Rating | No. of Seasons | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Last Kingdom | 8.5 | 5 + Movie | Strong character arcs, historical depth | Pacing issues in later seasons |
| Vikings | 8.5 | 6 | Epic battles, Ragnar’s charisma | Declined after Ragnar’s death |
| Game of Thrones | 9.2 | 8 | Political intrigue, massive scale | Controversial final season |
| The Witcher | 8.0 | 3 (ongoing) | Henry Cavill’s performance, fantasy action | Confusing timelines in S1 |
| Rome | 8.7 | 2 | Historical accuracy, gripping drama | Cancelled too soon |
2. Rotten Tomatoes Scores
| Series | Tomatometer (Critics) | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Last Kingdom | 91% | 95% |
| Vikings | 85% | 89% |
| Game of Thrones | 89% | 84% |
| The Witcher | 81% | 76% |
| Rome | 86% | 94% |
Public Opinion Highlights
✔ The Last Kingdom – Praised for faithful adaptation, strong acting, and battle scenes, but some fans felt Season 5 was rushed.
✔ Vikings – Loved for Ragnar’s story, but later seasons lost momentum.
✔ Game of Thrones – Universally acclaimed until Season 8’s divisive ending.
✔ The Witcher – Henry Cavill’s Geralt was iconic, but some disliked the non-linear storytelling.
✔ Rome – Considered a masterpiece, but HBO’s high budget led to early cancellation.
Budget & Earnings Comparison
Feature Table: Budget vs. Earnings
| Series | Total Budget (All Seasons) | Estimated Earnings/Revenue | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last Kingdom | $150–170M | $300–400M (Streaming + Merchandise) | 2x ROI |
| Vikings | $200–250M | $500–600M (Syndication + Streaming) | 2.5x ROI |
| Game of Thrones | $1.1–1.3B | $3.1B+ (HBO Max, Merch, Tours) | 3x ROI |
| The Witcher | $250–300M (3 Seasons) | $500M+ (Netflix Viewership + Games) | 1.7x ROI |
| Rome | $100–120M (2 Seasons) | $200M (DVD Sales + Streaming) | 2x ROI |
Key Takeaways:
- The most costly, but also the most lucrative, was Game of Thrones.
- The Last Kingdom had a moderate budget but strong streaming returns on Netflix.
- Vikings had a higher budget but longer runtime, making it more profitable.
- Rome was cut short despite strong returns due to production costs.
Why Does The Last Kingdom Stand Out?
1. Historical Accuracy vs. Drama Balance
- Unlike Game of Thrones (fantasy-heavy) or Vikings (mythology-driven), The Last Kingdom sticks closer to real history while keeping drama engaging.
2. Character Development
- Uhtred’s personal journey is often compared to Jon Snow (GoT) and Ragnar (Vikings), but fans argue his arc is more consistent.
3. Battle Scenes & Production Value
- On a limited budget, The Last Kingdom offered realistic, gritty combat, whereas Game of Thrones featured larger conflicts.
4. Streaming Success
- After moving to Netflix, its popularity skyrocketed, unlike Rome (which was pre-streaming era).
Final Verdict: Which Series is the Best?
| Factor | The Last Kingdom | Vikings | Game of Thrones | The Witcher | Rome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story Depth | 9/10 | 8/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Action/Battles | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Character Arcs | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Ending Satisfaction | 8/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | TBD | 8/10 |
| Rewatch Value | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Final Thoughts
With a devoted following and significant commercial success, The Last Kingdom is still regarded as one of the greatest historical dramas. The universe may grow with spin-offs even after the primary plot has ended.
Would you like a prequel or sequel? Let us know in the comments!
