'Fantastic' period drama based on real events has fans completely 'hooked'

Daily Record

18-06-2025

The Great is a historical and satirical TV comedy-drama loosely based on the rise and reign of Catherine the Great of Russia, the longest-ruling female in the country's history
Fans are raving about this period drama, which boasts an all-star cast, sizzling romance, and 18th-century intrigue. The Great is a historical comedy-drama that draws inspiration from the life of Catherine the Great, Russia's longest-reigning female leader.
The show follows Catherine's tumultuous marriage to Emperor Peter III, whom she plots to overthrow.
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Elle Fanning shines as Catherine II, bringing to life the complex and dynamic character. She's joined by Nicolas Hoult, who plays her husband with conviction.
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Hoult has built a reputation for his versatile performances in shows like Skins and films like the X-Men franchise and About A Boy.
Rotten Tomatoes is filled with glowing reviews, with many praising the on-screen chemistry between the leads. One reviewer said: "The chemistry among this supremely well-cast ensemble of incredibly endearing characters was a marvel. Loved every minute of this series..", reports the Express.
Another fan raved: "Truly a must-watch - raunchy, clever, witty, beautiful, breathtaking and shocking fun! I've been telling everyone I can. Why is this so under the radar? ? I'm a MAJOR Elle Fanning fan now. She held nothing back and rocked The Great in every way."
While the inaugural season was well-received, the subsequent two seasons garnered critical acclaim, with every facet of the show - from the script to the costumes - earning praise. The series, a dark comedy, doesn't take itself too seriously and openly admits its historical inaccuracies, allowing for more creative freedom with its visual elements.
The Great's success led to it being nominated for an impressive seven Primetime Emmy Awards. Additionally, both lead actors received Golden Globe nominations for their stellar performances throughout the show's brief duration.
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"I am hooked," one viewer admitted. "I am so happy that I stumbled upon this series. I adore the wit and drama, and the sex is enjoyable too!".
Another glowing review said: "I love this show so much. How can something balance the funny and the abject so perfectly?"Gorgeous to look at; smarter by the episode; makes use of history without being burdened by it; irreverent, low-brow, high-brow, wonderful. "".
Initially released on Hulu in 2020, the show was later renewed for a second season, which became a massive hit among telly fans. However, despite its success, the creators decided it was time to wrap up the story, and after its third season aired in 2023, it was announced that it would be the last of The Great - much to viewers' disappointment.
Viewers had been keeping their fingers crossed that the drama would carry on, with one fan saying: "This show keeps getting better and better! It's witty, funny, and historically (in)accurate ;) casting is just fabulous, and I'm hoping we'll get many more seasons of this utterly ridiculous story."
All three sidesplitting series of the hit period comedy-drama, The Great, can be streamed now on Amazon Prime and Channel 4.