Netflix’s New Historical Fantasy Series Draws Praise: “It’s Like Game of Thrones, But Better!”

Netflix’s newest French series Néro the Assassin has become a surprise hit with viewers since its release on October 8.

The show mixes history, action, and emotion, following the journey of a ruthless assassin in 16th-century France who is trying to save his daughter after being betrayed by those he once served.

Pio Marmaï plays Néro, a hardened killer forced to face his past while navigating a land suffering from drought and chaos.

His daughter, Perla, becomes central to the story as the two reconnect and learn to trust each other. The show explores their bond as Néro teaches her to survive in a dangerous world filled with corruption and violence.

The cast also includes Olivier Gourmet as Horace, a priest who sends Néro on a risky mission to deliver his daughter to the city of Ségur. Alice Isaaz, Louis-Do De Lencquesaing, and Camille Razat, known from Emily in Paris, also star, along with Yann Gael, David Talbot, Lili-Rose Carlier Taboury, Max Baissette de Malglaive, and Noam Morgensztern.

Fans on social media are already calling Néro the Assassin one of the best new European shows on the platform. One viewer wrote, “What a show this is, brilliant stuff from France, can’t wait for season 2.” Another said, “Watch Néro the Assassin on Netflix. It will test your faith. Check if you are radical then you will understand how radicalism works and how religion can and has been used as a tool for politics and mass control.”

Many people have also praised the show’s realistic action scenes and deep storytelling. “God**** what an insane, brutal naked fight in the new French period action series ‘Néro the Assassin’ on Netflix,” one fan commented. Another wrote, “I really enjoyed Néro the Assassin. Nicely layered dark fantasy, and Néro is a terrific amoral in-it-for-myself antihero. I really hope there’s a Season 2.”

Some viewers also mentioned that the series mixes faith, magic, and power struggles in a unique way. One fan criticized, “It fits into a theme seen in a fair few movies and series — good magic versus bad Christianity, which is disappointing. The series centers around the 1540 A.D. European drought.”

Overall, the response has been very positive. Even without an official Rotten Tomatoes score yet, the early buzz suggests that Néro the Assassin has found a global audience that appreciates its bold storytelling and strong performances.

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