Historical period dramas have long captivated TV audiences, but streaming hits like Outlander and Bridgerton prove the genre's enduring appeal. Yet many such shows gloss over the grim realities of their eras, sanitizing the ugly sides of wealth, class, and privilege. Enter 'The Great' on Hulu—a dark comedy that serves two masters: it delights fans of period epics with its satirical take on palace intrigue, while offering a more honest, unflinching look at historical figures for those who usually avoid the genre.
Billed as only partially based on a true story (as its opening title card cheekily reminds us), the series is set in 18th-century Russia during the height of the monarchy. It follows young Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) as she becomes engaged to Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult). Created by Tony McNamara—a frequent collaborator of Yorgos Lanthimos on The Favourite and Poor Things—the show brims with absurdist humor. Its aesthetic beauty, featuring some of television's most striking production design and costumes, contrasts sharply with the narcissistic, ruthless characters whose misadventures are hilariously chaotic.
An Inventive Historical Reimagining
While The Great alters history for maximum entertainment, it deeply understands how power operates in a stratified society. Catherine's arc mirrors that of anti-heroes like Walter White in Breaking Bad: she starts as an idealistic noblewoman wanting to improve Russia, but gradually transforms into a venomous, self-serving dictator. Fanning's performance is the perfect audience avatar—her German character is an outsider, just as viewers might be, reacting to the bizarre traditions of Russian high society with equal bewilderment.
The ensemble thrives on the convoluted nature of government. Even as Catherine learns the rule of law, anyone with influence can shift precedents, creating a chaotic aristocracy. Strange alliances form between rivals who share mutual enemies—like Grigor Dymov (Gwilym Lee) and Catherine, who unite against Peter despite their disdain for each other. Later seasons expand the political landscape, with Freddie Fox adding mayhem as the unruly King of Sweden in Season 3.
A Consistent, 3-Part Masterpiece
The Great keeps audiences guessing with its versatile humor—from slapstick and gross-out gags to razor-sharp writing that rewards rewatches. Catherine gets the best lines as she grows bored with the dull Russian oligarchs, but Peter evolves into a surprisingly perceptive character. Hoult's performance is a career highlight, especially in Season 2 when he plays a separate, sheepish character in a brilliant double act.
Despite tearing down idealized historical romances, the series is surprisingly great at exploring marriage. Catherine and Peter are deeply flawed, showing ignorance when given responsibility, yet they become a perfect duo who find sincerity in an arranged marriage. Their romance becomes worth investing in, marked by an honesty about their desires that other characters lack. The show's sharp departure from history makes it all the more exciting, explaining alliances, treaties, and civil conflicts in engaging ways.
For fans of sharp satire and historical comedy, The Great is a must-watch. If you enjoy shows like Hacks, you'll appreciate its rewatchable layers. And for those who love dark comedies with a twist, check out Chance the Rapper's take on A24's horror-comedy gem. The Great is definitely not the most accurate depiction of 18th-century Russian history, but it's by far the most entertaining.
