Entertainment

Index of The Last Kingdom: Synopsis, Cast, Episodes & More

November 8, 2023

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The Last Kingdom is a British historical fiction TV series based. It is based on The Saxon Stories series of novels by Bernard Cornwell. It was first premiered in 2015 on BBC Two, BBC America, and, later on, Netflix in 2018.

It re-tells the history of King Alfred the Great and his dream of bringing the separate kingdoms of England together. This TV series is an ideal watch for anyone who loves historical stuff.

This is an on-going show with a total of 4 seasons and 36 episodes. The average running time of the episodes is between 58-59 minutes.

In this post, we will discuss the synopsis in brief. Along with that, we will break down others details of the show as well. If you are intrigued to know about this great historical TV series, then you should give this article a read.

What is the plot of The Last Kingdom?

The story takes place in 866 and re-tells the struggle between Danes and Saxons in 9th-century England. During this time, England was not one nation but it was separated into many independent kingdoms. Each of these kingdoms was variously overrun by Danes.

This tale plays out from the perspective of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who is born a Saxon but raised by a Dane. The story starts as straightforward revenge where Uhtred is reclaiming his ancestral home in Northumbria from his uncle. He is on a mission to avenge the murder of his adoptive Viking father. The story quickly extends into a history-adjacent Vikings versus Anglo-Saxons.

Uhtred is in the Kingdom of Wessex, where Alfred the Great desires to expel the Northmen from all the kingdoms of England. He desires to unite the many separate kingdoms of England into a single nation. This is something that he wouldn’t achieve until the reign of his grandson.

The fictional protagonist Uhtred of Bebbanburg, spent much of his time defending and protecting the northern border from the Scots. He fought beside the Anglo-Saxons against the Danes. But after Cnut came to power in 1016, he killed Uhtred along with 40 other Saxon nobles on the day of Christmas.

Osbert is re-baptized as Uhtred after the death of his elder Uhtred, who is killed by the Danes. His entire family, except his uncle and mother, are killed in battle against the Danes.

Uhtred and Brida are taken as slaves by Earl Ragnar. The Danes once again attack the night before Thyra’s wedding. They set fire the entire hall on fire and Ragnar is burned alive. Meanwhile, Thyra is taken as a slave. Only Uhtred and Brida can escape to the woods.

The attackers were led by Kjartan, a Viking who had been banished by Ragnar. After the death of his family, Uhtred vows to avenge his adoptive father’s death. At the same time, he also desires to reclaim Bebbanburg from his uncle.

Uhtred is forced to choose between his ancestors who raised him and the kingdom. His loyalties are constantly tested.

The first series roughly covers the events of the novel. However, season 2 covers the happenings of Cornwell’s novels, while season 3 is based on Death of Kings and The Burning Land, but with several plot changes.

The third season of the show was produced solely by Netflix. Most of the episodes were written by Stephen Butchard, while the filming was done in Hungary. Season 3 episodes cover the downfall of King Alfred’s health. It also focuses on his desire to unite the separate kingdoms of England.

The core of the story is based on the Uhtred-Alfred relationship. Although this show is based on the novel series by Cornwell, there are significant plot changes. If you haven’t watched this incredible series yet, you should do it now. You will find the entire show on Netflix.

The Cast of The Last Kingdom

Although the show has just 4 seasons, it has a huge list of characters that are played by talented actors. You will see many known faces throughout the series. Besides the main characters, the show also has many recurring characters.

Alexander Dreymon
Emily Cox
David Dawson
Tobias Santelmann
Adrian Bower
Thomas W. Gabrielsson
Simon Kunz
Harry McEntire
Rune Tempte
Brian Vernel
Joseph Milson
Charlie Murphy
Amy Wren

The Index of The Last Kingdom Season 1 To 4

The show was first aired in 2015 and to date, it has released 4 seasons. The first two seasons comprise 8 episodes, while the last 2 seasons have 10 episodes each. The show will be renewed for season 5 which is going to be the final season. However, nothing is confirmed yet.

Season 1

The first season of the show comprises 8 episodes that are directed by multiple directors.

Season 2

Just like season 1, the second season also comes with just 8 episodes.

Season 3

In season 3, you get two extra episodes. It means there is a total of 10 episodes in the third season.

Season 4

Season 4 also comprises 10 episodes and they are all directed and written by different people.

Is The Last Kingdom related to Vikings?

“The Last Kingdom” is a historical drama series that shares similarities with “Vikings.” Both shows are set in the Viking Age and depict the tumultuous history of the early medieval period, including the Viking invasions of England.

However, they are not directly related. “The Last Kingdom” is based on Bernard Cornwell’s “The Saxon Stories” series, following the journey of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman captured and raised by Vikings.

In contrast, “Vikings” is a separate series that focuses on the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants. While they cover similar historical events, they have different characters, plots, and production teams.

Conclusion

The Last Kingdom is one of the very few hit historical TV series. This show is not just for entertainment, but you also get to learn a lot about history. You can find all the seasons of the show on Netflix. But to start watching the show on Netflix, you will have to first subscribe to the platform.

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FAQs

1. What is The Last Kingdom based on?

The show “The Last Kingdom” is based on the Saxon Stories novels of Bernard Cornwell.

2. Will there be a season 5 of The Last Kingdom?

After receiving an overwhelming response for all four seasons, the show has been renewed for season 5. However, the fifth season will be the last and final season of the show.

3. How many episodes The Last Kingdom has?

The Last Kingdom has 4 seasons with 36 total episodes. Each of these episodes lasts up to 58-59 minutes.

4. What is the synopsis of the last kingdom?

If you are planning to watch The Last Kingdom and want a thorough synopsis, it follows the life of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who was born a Saxon but was raised as a Dane. With his constant turmoils and his split between his loyalties and oaths, he faces a lot of complications along the way.

5. How many episodes are in The Last Kingdom?

If you watch the show from the start till the end, there are in total of 46 episodes available that you can binge-watch. What we’d recommend you do is pay close attention to each of the episodes because there are hidden Easter eggs.

6. Is Last Kingdom Based on a true story?

The Last Kingdom is based on real-life events and historical events dating back to the 10th Century England. So, if you are wondering what influenced the plot, it is very clear indicating that it was real-life events.

7. Will there be season 6 of last kingdom?

The Last Kingdom ended with season 5 as the last one. If you thought there would be Season 6 of the show, we are sorry to disappoint you. The show isn’t returning with Season 6 anymore.

8. How many episodes are in The Last Kingdom?

For those who are planning a binge-watching marathon of The Last Kingdom from the start till the end, the show currently has 46 episodes, which you can watch in chronological order for maximum fun. Just ensure that you keep a check on the streaming quality for the best viewing experience.

9. Will there be season 6 Last Kingdom?

The creator of the show has confirmed and explained that the fifth season of this show will be the last one as of now. However, there are a lot of questions floating around about whether or not the creators will release another season in the future or not.

10. How many episodes are in The Last Kingdom season 5?

The fifth season of The Last Kingdom currently has 10 episodes and each one of them is better than the last. Even though it is the last season, the creators have managed to bring the show to a full circle with this season.

11. Does The Last Kingdom have a happy ending?

If you are looking for a “happily ever after” in a fantasy show, you are already in the wrong place. Although the show ends with battles being won, the ending is quite open and curious.

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