“The Great” is a satirical history comedy about Catherine the Great, and it commits fully to the satire. Written by Tony McNamara, the series stars Elle Fanning as Catherine, a German princess married off to the Russian empire who decides to seize power herself. It is loud, absurd, and occasionally very funny, though it leans on broad caricature rather than historical depth.
Trailer, via Hulu.
Catherine’s Rise
Fanning plays Catherine as a wide-eyed schemer who knows exactly what she wants. She is clever, manipulative, and genuinely sympathetic despite her ruthlessness. The show tracks her ascent from a powerless wife to the ruler of Russia, and Fanning carries that arc with a mix of charm and steel that makes the character feel alive.
Peter’s Stupidity
Nicholas Hoult plays Peter III, Catherine’s husband, as a bumbling fool. He is the show’s comic engine, and Hoult plays him with a deadpan energy that lands most of the jokes. The problem is that Peter is so stupid he becomes a caricature, and the show rarely lets him be anything else.
Historical Accuracy
“The Great” is not interested in historical accuracy beyond the barest outline. The show takes liberties with dates, events, and personalities to serve its comedic purpose, and it is honest about that. Anyone looking for a faithful account of the reign of Catherine the Great will find nothing here. That is not a flaw, but it is a warning.
Comedy Style
The show is fast, physical, and often crude. It borrows from farce and screwball comedy, with characters getting dragged through mud, slapped, and chased across rooms. The pacing is frantic, and the visual style is theatrical, with costumes and sets that lean heavily into period grandeur.
Supporting Cast
Hayley Carmichael stands out as Elizabeth, a friend to Catherine who becomes a rival. Her performance adds a sharp edge to the proceedings. The rest of the cast fills out the royal court with varying degrees of success, but the show belongs to Fanning and Hoult.
Season One
The first season runs for six episodes, each about half an hour. It builds toward Catherine’s coup, and the finale delivers a satisfying payoff to the character’s journey. The show ends on a cliffhanger that sets up a second season, which has since aired.
Comparing Two Seasons
| Season | Focus | Pace |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Catherine’s rise | Fast, episodic |
| Season 2 | Consolidation of power | Slower, more political |
Final Word
“The Great” is a confident, entertaining series that knows exactly what it is doing. It is not subtle, and it is not trying to be. The humor is uneven, and some episodes rely too heavily on sight gags and verbal slapstick. But when it works, it works brilliantly, and Fanning’s performance anchors the whole enterprise.
The show is at its best when it balances its satire with genuine emotional weight. Catherine is a monster, but she is also a woman fighting for survival in a cruel world, and the show finds room for both impulses. The result is a show that is worth watching for its craft, even if its historical claims are dubious.
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