Watch Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great
- 2014
- 3 Seasons
Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great is a historical drama series that tells the story of Catherine, a young German princess who becomes the Empress of Russia. The show is produced by Russia TV and stars Marina Alexandrova as Ekaterina and Yulia Aug as her mother, Johanna.
The story begins in 1744 when Catherine, who is then known as Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, arrives in Russia to marry Peter III of Russia, the heir to the Russian throne. She is just fourteen years old and completely unprepared for the challenges that await her. She is immediately thrust into a world of political intrigue, court politics, and power struggles, where everyone is vying for control of the Russian Empire.
Catherine quickly finds herself alone and isolated in a foreign land, with no friends and no allies. Her husband Peter is a cruel and capricious man who cares more about his toys and his friends than he does about his wife or his country. He humiliates Catherine in public and ignores her in private, leaving her to the mercy of his courtiers.
Despite this, Catherine strives to fit in and make a life for herself in Russia. She learns the language and the customs and tries to win over the people around her. In doing so, she begins to realize the true nature of the Russian court and the power plays that are at work.
As Catherine's understanding of the court deepens, so too does her ambition. She begins to dream of becoming Empress of Russia herself, and she starts to plot and scheme to make that dream a reality. She must navigate a treacherous web of alliances, rivalries, and betrayals, all while trying to keep her own head above water.
As the series progresses, we see Catherine grow and develop as a character. She becomes more assertive and confident, and she learns to play the game of politics with skill and cunning. She makes alliances with powerful figures in the court, and she uses her intelligence and charisma to win over the Russian people.
The show is set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Russia, and the production design is exquisite. The costumes, sets, and locations are all incredibly well done, and they transport the viewer to another time and place. The acting is also superb, with Marina Alexandrova giving a nuanced and layered performance as Catherine.
One of the strengths of Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great is its attention to detail. The show is full of historical references and allusions, and it does an excellent job of recreating the world of eighteenth-century Russia. It also explores complex themes like power, gender, and identity, and it raises important questions about the nature of authority and leadership.
Overall, Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great is a fascinating and engaging series that brings to life one of the most compelling figures in Russian history. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys historical dramas or is interested in the history of Russia.
Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great is a series that ran for 3 seasons (38 episodes) between November 24, 2014 and on Russia TV