Watch The Great

The Great is a bold and audacious historical drama that premiered on Hulu in 2020. The show is set in 18th century Russia and follows the life of Catherine the Great, one of the most powerful female rulers in history. The series is a tongue-in-cheek retelling of the story of Catherine the Great, with a modern sensibility that adds a fun twist to the historical narrative.

Elle Fanning stars as Catherine the Great, a young and idealistic girl who is betrothed to Peter III, the Emperor of Russia, played by Nicholas Hoult. After arriving in Russia, Catherine quickly realizes that her new husband is a man-child who is completely unsuited to the task of ruling an empire. However, Catherine is not content to sit on the sidelines and watch as her husband makes terrible decisions that will hurt the people of Russia. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands and plots to overthrow Peter and take the throne for herself.

Despite the serious subject matter of the show, The Great is not a dry historical drama. Instead, it is a witty and irreverent take on the life of one of history's most fascinating figures. The show's dialogue is sharp and clever, with plenty of one-liners and snappy comebacks that keep the audience entertained.

One of the show's standout performances comes from Nicholas Hoult as Peter III, the bumbling and ineffectual emperor of Russia. Hoult's performance is a master class in comic timing, and his portrayal of Peter as a spoiled child who throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way is both hilarious and disturbing. Hoult's performance is so entertaining that it's easy to forget that Peter was a real person who held a powerful position in Russia.

The supporting cast of The Great is just as impressive as the leads. Phoebe Fox plays Marial, Catherine's maid and confidante, and her dry wit and sarcastic comments provide a welcome contrast to Catherine's idealism. Sacha Dhawan plays Count Orlo, a powerful noble who helps Catherine in her quest to take the throne, and his performance brings a sense of gravity to the show. Additionally, Adam Godley plays Archbishop Michael, the man who is tasked with instructing Catherine in the ways of the church, and his subtle humor adds an extra layer of complexity to the show.

One of the things that sets The Great apart from other historical dramas is its production design. The sets and costumes are lavish and opulent, with every detail carefully crafted to create a sense of immersion in 18th century Russia. The show's cinematography is also stunning, with lush landscapes and sweeping vistas that showcase the beauty of the Russian countryside.

Overall, The Great is an impressive show that manages to be both entertaining and educational. It's a witty and irreverent take on the life of Catherine the Great, with strong performances from its cast and impressive production design that brings the world of 18th century Russia to life.

The Great is a series that ran for 3 seasons (30 episodes) between May 15, 2020 and on Hulu