Watch The Last Czars

The Last Czars is a historical drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show stars Robert Jack as Tsar Nicholas II, Susanna Herbert as Tsarina Alexandra, and Ben Cartwright as Grigori Rasputin. The series is a re-enactment of the Romanov dynasty's reign in Russia, from the time of Nicholas II's ascendency to the throne in 1894 until the family's execution in 1918.

The series is unique in its genre, as it intertwines dramatic re-enactments with documentary-style interviews of historians, experts and people who were alive during that time period. The episodes are beautifully shot, with magnificent sets and period costumes that evoke the grandeur of the Russian Empire.

The Last Czars tells the story of Tsar Nicholas II, a man who was thrust into power at the young age of 26, following the sudden death of his father, Tsar Alexander III. Nicholas II was viewed as a weak ruler by both his subjects and many of his peers in Europe, and he struggled to overcome this perception throughout his reign. The show captures the difficult decisions that Tsar Nicholas II had to make, including the controversial policies that ultimately led to his downfall.

One of the most fascinating story arcs in the series is the relationship between Tsarina Alexandra and Grigori Rasputin. Alexandra was a German Princess who married Nicholas II and became Tsarina of Russia. She was fiercely devoted to her husband and did everything she could to support him and their children. However, she was deeply unpopular among the Russian people, who viewed her as a foreigner who had too much influence over the Tsar. Alexandra turned to Rasputin, a self-proclaimed holy man and mystic, for guidance and support. This decision proved to be disastrous, and Rasputin's influence over Alexandra and the Tsar was one of the factors that ultimately contributed to the revolution that toppled the Romanov dynasty.

The Last Czars also depicts the political and social upheavals that Russia experienced during this time period. The peasants, who made up the vast majority of the population, were oppressed and living in extreme poverty. The industrialization of Russia brought about massive changes to the economy, many of which negatively impacted the peasantry. The show depicts the gradual rise of the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, and their eventual takeover of the government.

Overall, The Last Czars is an engaging and visually stunning series that provides an insightful look into Russian history. It is a must-watch for history buffs and those interested in the dramatic and controversial reign of the Romanov dynasty. The show illuminates the tragic end of the dynasty and the ongoing mystery surrounding the fate of Tsarevich Alexei and Grand Duchess Anastasia, two of the Romanov children who were supposedly spared in the massacre of the Imperial family.

The Last Czars is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between July 3, 2019 and on Netflix