Netflix’s The English Game Brings Football’s Class Divide to Life in ‘Binge-Worthy’ Period Drama Inspired by a Remarkable True Story
Long before football became a global phenomenon, the game was dominated by Britain’s wealthy elite. Netflix’s The English Game turns that pivotal period in the sport’s history into a six-part drama about class, ambition and the people who helped transform football into a game for everyone.
Set during the 1870s, the series draws inspiration from real events surrounding the development of English football. With carefully recreated locations, elaborate period costumes and a story combining sport with social history, the drama has become a popular recommendation for viewers looking for something in the vein of Downton Abbey.
That connection is hardly surprising: The English Game was created by Julian Fellowes, the writer and creator behind the acclaimed ITV period drama.
The story behind The English Game
At the centre of the series are two figures from very different backgrounds: Arthur Kinnaird and Fergus Suter.
Kinnaird came from privilege and became one of football’s earliest major figures, later serving as president of the Football Association for 33 years. He is widely regarded as one of the sport’s first genuine stars.
Suter, meanwhile, came from a working-class background and became one of football’s earliest paid players, with some accounts recognising him as potentially the first professional footballer.
Through their contrasting worlds, The English Game explores a period when football was beginning to move beyond its upper-class roots and become increasingly connected to working communities.
Edward Holcroft portrays Kinnaird, while Kevin Guthrie takes on the role of Suter. Charlotte Hope appears as Margaret Alma Kinnaird, with Niamh Walsh playing Martha Almond.
Viewers call the Netflix drama ‘binge-worthy’
The combination of period drama and sporting history has proved particularly appealing to audiences.
One viewer simply described the series as “Binge worthy for sure,” while another praised its characters and entertaining storyline, saying it represented exactly the sort of programming that would keep them subscribing to Netflix.
Other viewers have highlighted the production itself, particularly its performances and attention to the period setting.
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer praised the care put into the series, arguing that combining football with traditional period drama created an unusual and entertaining watch.
Another encouraged audiences to overlook less enthusiastic critical responses, describing the production as carefully made, well acted and created with obvious passion. They also noted that football is only one element of a much broader story.
From the creator of Downton Abbey
Julian Fellowes brings many of the themes associated with his other historical dramas to the six-part series.
Rather than treating football simply as the backdrop for sporting victories, The English Game examines the class divisions surrounding the game and the social changes taking place as working-class players became increasingly important.
That approach could make the series especially appealing to Downton Abbey fans, even for viewers with little interest in football itself.
Where the drama differs from history
While The English Game takes inspiration from genuine people and events, some viewers have pointed out that it should not be treated as a completely accurate recreation of football history.
Among the criticisms is the timeline surrounding Suter and his FA Cup success. The drama creates the impression that victory came relatively soon after his move to Darwen, whereas his first FA Cup triumph actually arrived after his sixth season in Lancashire.
The series has also faced criticism for effectively blending Blackburn Olympic and Blackburn Rovers, two separate clubs operating in the town at the time.
Despite those liberties, many viewers believe the drama succeeds in capturing the broader transformation happening within football and the growing importance the sport held for working communities.
For audiences interested in historical drama, class conflict and the origins of modern football, The English Game offers a compact story that can be finished over just a few sittings.
The English Game is available to stream on Netflix.