Stephen King is among the admirers of a well-regarded Netflix series that has been watched for 145 million hours.
The renowned author believes the TV show, created by Scott Frank, who also developed The Queen’s Gambit, is “just as good” as the widely popular mini-series.
This seven-episode Netflix show premiered in 2020, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy as a young chess prodigy dealing with addiction and emotional challenges while climbing the ranks in the chess world.
In the first 28 days, the series captivated 62 million households, setting a record as the most-watched scripted limited series on Netflix at that time.
At the 2021 Emmy Awards, The Queen’s Gambit was a major winner, taking home 11 Emmys, including the coveted Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series award.
Stephen King believes another one of Scott Frank’s shows is comparable to The Queen’s Gambit.
This particular series was released in 2017, three years earlier, and likewise spans only seven episodes.
Set in the American West of 1884, the story revolves around Roy Goode (portrayed by Jack O’Connell), an outlaw with a guilty conscience who has turned against his mentor, the infamous Frank Griffin (played by Jeff Daniels), and is now fleeing.
Roy finds sanctuary in La Belle, New Mexico, a secluded mining town now predominantly inhabited by women after a devastating mining accident claimed the lives of most of its men.
As Griffin’s gang approaches, the women of La Belle are drawn into the turmoil and must unite to defend their town.
The series, Godless, also features performances by Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Kim Coates.
Stephen King expressed his enthusiasm on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: “Seen THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT? Another Scott Frank, limited series, GODLESS, is just as good (Netflix).
“And as a bonus, who did I spy but Kim Coates, my old SOA [Sons of Anarchy] buddy.”
Kim Coates, who portrayed Tig in the FX biker series from 2008 to 2014, had Stephen King guest star in the third season’s Caregiver episode.
In this appearance, King assumed the role of an eccentric ‘cleaner’ named Bachman, referencing his pseudonym, Richard Bachman.
As for Godless, it earned a commendable 83 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it slightly higher at 85 percent.
Critics remarked on the series, saying, “Vistas and violence root Godless firmly in traditional Western territory, but its female-driven ensemble sets it apart in a male-dominated genre.”
One enthusiastic viewer described it as ‘one of the best mini-series of the 2010s,’ adding, “O’Connell, Dockery, Daniels and Wever are phenomenal.”
Another viewer commented, “Great cast and story line. Certainly binge worthy,” while a third noted, “It is a lot more than a western. The characters will stay with you for a long time after the end.”
The series, watched for 145 million hours, garnered eight Emmy Awards and a total of 27 nominations.
Even though it premiered eight years ago, some fans still hold hope for a continuation of the series.
Upon its release, the team behind Godless confirmed that a second season was not planned, with actor Brodie-Sangster explaining to Hollywood Reporter.
Discussing the limited series, he stated: “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.”
Godless is currently available for streaming on Netflix.