In this series, we revisit shows that are so perfect, we’d happily watch them all over again. Netflix’s seven-episode sensation The Boss—led by Anya-Taylor Joy—is one of those gems that still captivates.
While Netflix has long been a powerhouse for original content, there was a time when its series were still experimental. The Boss, however, transcended experimentation, perfectly blending its retro gray-brown aesthetic, compelling drama, and Anya-Taylor Joy’s magnetic performance. Critiquing it would take a very hard heart.
The mini-series, which helped cement Anya-Taylor Joy as a rising star, boasts a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It follows Beth Harmon (Joy) from her childhood in an orphanage, where her prodigious chess talent first emerges. As she climbs the competitive chess world of the 1960s—a male-dominated arena—Beth experiences both skyrocketing success and profound personal struggles, including addiction and psychological trauma, which challenge her path to fulfillment.
The brilliance of the show lies in its dual achievement: viewers get an authentic look into the world of competitive chess while simultaneously following an intense character-driven drama where the protagonist battles both the board and herself.
After standout roles in The Witch and Broken, Anya-Taylor Joy’s potential was evident, but The Boss made her the undeniable center of attention. Across seven episodes, she proved her talent, launching a career that continues to shine in films and fashion. The series also features familiar faces like Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually) and Harry Melling (Harry Potter).
Chess enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail: the games are modeled on real-life champions such as Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, and professional players were consulted to ensure the matches were both accurate and thrilling. Major games were filmed step by step, allowing viewers to follow along without ever feeling like a cliché.
The series’ quality translated into critical acclaim, earning 11 Emmy Awards and 2 Golden Globes—including Best Miniseries and Best Actress for Anya-Taylor Joy.
Fans of Hungarian chess might see echoes of real life in Beth Harmon’s journey. The story mirrors the achievements of Judit Polgár, the Hungarian grandmaster who dominated women’s chess and famously defeated male champions like Kasparov and Karpov. Netflix even produced a documentary about Polgár, highlighting how life sometimes imitates art.
