“The Great”

Created by: Tony McNamara

Network: Hulu

Rated: TV MA

 

Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, “The Great” is quite possibly the greatest period piece of television you will ever watch. 

Unlike the melodramatic tone of other similar shows such as “The Crown” or even “Game of Thrones,” “The Great” takes on a wildly humorous tone, as it details the rise of Catherine the Great (played by Elle Fanning), as she attempts to overthrow her emperor husband: Peter III of Russia (played by Nicholas Hoult). The show is, for the most part, historically accurate. But of course, it is fabricated for comedic purposes and boy, will this show make you laugh hysterically. 

The show is written for Hulu by Tony McNamara, a critically-acclaimed Australian author and screenwriter. Film snobs may recognize his name as the writer of Academy award-nominated, “The Favourite” (2019), in which Olivia Colman won the “Best Actress” award for. “The Favourite” certainly made waves for reshaping a piece of history into a filthy, but entertaining piece of cinema, and McNamara’s latest masterpiece, “The Great” is no exception, with its 10 episodes of non-stop British vulgarity and lovable characters.

Anyone who enjoys television shows about historical figures or events and can handle heavy language and graphic violence is guaranteed to love this show. The costumes are beautifully detailed from head to toe and the production design of 18^th century Russia are also gorgeous elements to note. But the cast is what makes this show binge-worthy.

Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult — two well-known actors who began their careers as child stars — lead the show, with a few familiar British co-stars such as Sebastian de Souza (“Skins”), Gwilym Lee (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), and Phoebe Fox (“The Aeronauts”) appearing throughout the series as well. I always say that casting is key, and this cast is phenomenal. I was a huge fan of both Fanning and Hoult before this show, so I already had an interest in it before watching the first episode, but I have to admit that one episode quickly turned into binging all 10 in one day because it’s true: this show is that great. Of course, the characters are wonderfully written, which we have Tony McNamara to thank for, but these actors play their parts so seamlessly that you will forget that you are even watching a television show — which is scary considering how insane the characters tend to be.

If you are waiting for a show to become completely obsessed with: “The Great” is your show. The show actually premiered more than a month ago on Hulu, but unfortunately, I was late to the party and did not know what I was missing. In last week’s review, I recall saying that “The Politician” is the one show you should watch right now, but I am here to say that this is the show you need to be watching. If you do not already own a Hulu subscription, I highly suggest buying one or participating in a free trial solely to watch this show only. Again, if you can handle the offensive humor and over-the-top vulgar behavior throughout, I think that this will be your new favorite show, no matter your age or gender — but I do recommend being at least 17-years-old, or older to watch. I am not a big history girl, nor do I normally enjoy period piece shows like this, but “The Great” has so much to offer to its viewers that I could not put it down for even a minute.  

I give this show a 9.5 out of 10 — I’m impatiently waiting for the new season.