Since the release of 28 Days Later in 2002, zombie films and TV series have seen a massive surge in popularity, reinvigorating the genre with its gruesome and terrifying depiction of the undead, reports the Mirror US.
From the RomZomCom Shaun of the Dead to Charlie Brooker’s BAFTA-winning Dead Set, The Walking Dead and its numerous spin-offs, Zombieland, iZombie, All of Us Are Dead, Z Nation, The Last of Us, and Train to Busan, our screens are teeming with Roamers, Infected, Bloaters and even White Walkers.
Yet, amidst this ever-expanding genre that mirrors a zombie outbreak itself, there lies a hidden gem that enthusiasts may have overlooked: Netflix‘s Kingdom.
This original Korean series from Netflix quietly made its debut in 2019 without much ado.
A follow-up season was released in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a special episode in 2021 concluded the story. Here’s the scoop on Kingdom.
What is Kingdom about?
Kingdom is set in Korea during the 17th century, a time marked by power struggles among courtiers and wars with Japan.
The plot unfolds amidst a zombie outbreak in this turbulent medieval era, blending political intrigue with zombie horror drama.
Kingdom centres around the Crown Prince of Joseon, Lee Chang (portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon), the king’s sole heir, as he investigates the mysterious illness afflicting his father.
However, he soon finds himself entangled in a zombie outbreak sweeping the nation.
As he battles to survive the hordes of vicious undead, he must also contend with internal threats from political rivals seeking to seize power in his absence.
What are viewers saying about Kingdom?
Kingdom boasts an impressive 92 percent fresh popcorn rating among viewers and a 98 percent fresh rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
One viewer raved on Rotten Tomatoes: “insanely goated zombie show, maybe one of the best ever [sic].”
Another glowing review read: “Although I am not a fan of horror movies, “Kingdom” is one of the best productions I’ve seen in a while.
“With a cast of very well-written characters, it tells an awfully relatable story about a disease getting out of control. It perfectly shows, how quickly an already terrible situation get several times worse.”
A five-star review sang the show’s praises: “Kingdom is proof that the zombie genre still has hope, after correcting the mistakes of the Walking Dead in just 2 seasons.
“Character depth goes DEEP, however unlike the Walking Dead, it still manages to show the horror of the zombies and the power hungry humans.”
The series has even drawn comparisons to Game of Thrones, which also featured undead creatures.
One audience member proclaimed: “THIS IS WHAT GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 SHOULDVE BEEN. If GoT season 8 was done right this is what it wouldve looked like.
“Very good show, great pacing, great story telling, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend [sic].”
Kingdom is streaming on Netflix now
