The Great

The Great reimagines the rise of Catherine II through a sharp, darkly funny lens, turning history into something messy and modern. Catherine arrives in 18th century Russia as an outsider married to an erratic emperor, and she slowly carves out influence by outsmarting the court, testing loyalties, and learning how power actually works in a brutal environment. The show mixes improvisational-sounding dialogue with political maneuvering, so scenes can flip from absurd to dangerous in a heartbeat. You get palace intrigue, sexual politics, and the awkward work of changing a monarchy, all while the characters trade barbs and scandal in a way that feels fresh and intentionally anachronistic.

Created by Tony McNamara and Ava Pickett, the series premiered in 2020 and stars Elle Fanning as Catherine, with Phoebe Fox, Gwilym Lee, Adam Godley, and Douglas Hodge in key roles. It leans into a genre-bending approach, pairing period settings with contemporary sensibilities to produce a unique tone.

The series drew attention during awards season, receiving multiple nominations that highlighted acting and writing. Critics singled out the lead performance for praise, and the show was recognized in various industry discussions for its sharp scripts and production design.

Audiences and commentators picked up on the show's irreverent voice, and it entered pop culture conversations as an example of anti-historical comedy that uses anachronism for effect. Its mix of modern insults and old-world spectacle made scenes shareable online, and it helped spark more interest in stylized, revisionist takes on historical figures.

Critical response has been positive, reflected in an average vote around 8.08 out of 10, with reviewers praising the cast chemistry and tonal daring. Major themes include the mechanics of power, gender and agency within rigid institutions, the cost of ambition, and how satire can reveal cruelty. The show balances sharp humor with serious stakes, so it feels like a satirical study of monarchy as much as a character-driven drama.