Netflix’s ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ Set New Trend in Motion as Chess Queries Raises to All Time High in 9 Years

Just within 40+ days of its release, Queen’s Gambit has started making headlines for numerous things.

This historical drama series premiered on Netflix on 23 October 2020, and to date, more than 62 million people have watched this show. Netflix tweeted that It has become “Netflix’s biggest scripted limited series to date”:

A record-setting 62 million households chose to watch The Queen’s Gambit in its first 28 days, making it Netflix’s biggest scripted limited series to date. pic.twitter.com/TVC3p4i5Bv

— Netflix (@netflix) November 23, 2020

Not just that, the search for “Chess Sets” are soaring high up to 250% on eBay. Another interesting thing to look into is the impact that Queen’s Gambit has had on the masses. Google’s search queries for “how to play chess” has also hit an all-time high in 9 years.

Here is another crazy fact for you, the original Novel Queen’s Gambit, has now become a “New York Times bestseller” after 37 years of its release. The novel was released in 1983, but it has received its due popularity after the series based on its story premiered on Netflix.

As reported by Business Insider, online websites such as Chess.com have also noticed a surge in new memberships as high as 5 times more than the average. They have also introduced Beth Harmon bots, allowing users to play against the Queen herself.

We do not know if it’s the show that is so enticing or because of the pandemic situation that the show got this much visibility, but one thing we all know is that it really has influenced many people around the globe. Maybe that is what you call the Netflix effect!

Chris Mack

Meet Chris Mack, your go-to expert for the best of BBC iPlayer with a twist—he's also a cybersecurity enthusiast. Whether you're into British entertainment classics or searching for hidden gems, Chris has you covered, always with an eye for secure streaming practices. Beyond the screen, Chris blends his love for reading and exploring the outdoors with a passion for staying ahead in the world of cybersecurity, ensuring a safe viewing experience. If you're looking for top British TV picks or tips on keeping your digital viewing secure, Chris is your guide. Dive into the drama of British TV with Chris!