When does The Queen’s Gambit take place?

Have you started The Queen’s Gambit yet? Well, we’d highly recommend you start binging this new drama series based on the novel of the same name from Walter Tevis for the cinematography and setting alone, but honestly, this period drama is actually worth watching for layers and layers of reasons. It’s kind of like using a time machine.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Queen’s Gambit, here’s the premise.

Against all the odds, a twenty-something chess prodigy named Beth Harmon becomes a famous international chess star. The series tells the story of a young woman in the public eye during the 1960s Cold War era and how the past, present, and her potential shapes her life, both on and off the chessboard.

Time has already called the series “period drama done right.” And for good reason.

Netflix describes the plot as:

"In a 1950s orphanage, a young girl reveals an astonishing talent for chess and begins an unlikely journey to stardom while grappling with addiction."

What time period is The Queen’s Gambit set in?

As we previously mentioned, The Queen’s Gambit takes place during the Cold War era, specifically between the 1950s and 1960s. It’s not based on a true story, but there are many elements of historical fiction woven throughout the show.

It would be nice if this one was a true story, and while it is certainly a work of masterful TV fiction, this ’60s set period piece has historically accurate things going on, including knowing the rules of chess and learning the rules of life as you go.

In this drama, it’s all in the details. The creators clearly did their research to get it right, and if you’re looking for an entertaining, historical fiction story, we would recommend The Queen’s Gambit. Plus, Anya Taylor-Joy rocks timelessly chic outfits you won’t want to miss.