The Last Kingdom has generated quite the buzz since the series debuted in 2015 on BBC America. The epic tale of Uhtred is captured by beautiful cinematography and each episode is packed with the action and drama of a historical-fiction narrative. Many fans have hailed it as the next Game of Thrones without the elements of fantasy. Some have even claimed that it is better than the award-winning HBO series.
Given The Last Kingdom’s instant success in 2015, Netflix was quick to swoop in. The first season became available on the top streaming service in 2016 and the series has continued to rise in popularity ever since. But does this mean that the show has already been renewed for a season 5?
Season 5 Release Date
Season 4 of The Last Kingdom recently debuted on Netflix on April 27. It was an instant hit; its average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reached a whopping 96 percent.
However, Netflix has yet to officially renew the series for a season 5. The streaming service may still be collecting data on the latest episodes in order to determine its success rate. Still, most fans and critics expect the show to be renewed.
Keep in mind that if Netflix announces that the series has been renewed, it may take some time before a fifth season becomes available. Production on nearly all major TV series has been delayed due to the pandemic, and many filmmakers don’t even have a future date for when filming may resume.
Nigel Marchant, the executive producer of The Last Kingdom, recently discussed the possibility of a season 5 with Radio Times.
“We’re very hopeful,” he said. “We’d love to do a season 5. I think all of us want to tell a story and it’s always much more satisfying if you can tell a complete story throughout all the various seasons. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we really do love making it.”
Which Actors Will Reprise Their Roles In A Season 5?
Though nothing is set in stone, the cast members of The Last Kingdom seem to be excited by the prospect of a season 5 and ready to reprise their roles.
Alexander Dreymon is very likely to continue to play Uhtred of Bebbanburg, as the series wouldn’t feel the same without him. The same is true for Emily Cox who plays Brida, Uhtred’s childhood friend turned arch-enemy. Mark Rowley (Finan), Ewan Mitchell (Osferth) and Arnas Fedaravičius (Sitric) are highly likely to reprise their roles as well.
In a 2017 interview, Dreymon revealed how much he enjoys being a part of the series, and how comparisons to Game of Thrones don’t bother him.
“I think it’s a compliment, being compared to Game of Thrones,” he said. “Just because it’s such an epic show and I’m a big fan of it … but I think The Last Kingdom is grittier, and dirtier. And then it's based in history.”
Praise for “The Last Kingdom”
The Last Kingdom has received high levels of praise on social media as fans finishing up season 4 display their excitement.
“I can’t wait for another season,” one user commented on Instagram, as several others asked whether the show has been renewed for a season 5. One user even pleaded, “IF NETFLIX DOESN’T RENEW THIS SHOW, I WILL GIVE UP HOPE.”
“Let’s take Bebbanburg and Æthelflaed on season 5 please,” someone else chimed in. If the fans have any say, Uhtred’s story isn't over, and he still needs an epic ending.
