The Great is a satirical historical drama series that blends dark comedy with absurdist humor, telling the story of Catherine the Great’s rise to power in 18th century Russia. Created by Tony McNamara, the show premiered in 2020 and has been praised for its sharp wit, vibrant characters, and unconventional portrayal of historical events. The series takes creative liberties with the life of Catherine, offering a fictionalized and highly stylized narrative of her transformation from a young, idealistic German princess to one of Russia’s most powerful and influential monarchs.

The show focuses on Catherine (played by Elle Fanning), a young woman who is initially brought to Russia to marry Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult). Upon her arrival, she quickly realizes that Peter is cruel, inept, and deeply unfit to rule. The series portrays Catherine’s internal struggle as she becomes increasingly disillusioned with her marriage and the oppressive regime of her husband. What begins as a story of personal growth and ambition evolves into a political drama where Catherine plots to overthrow Peter and claim the throne for herself.

One of the defining aspects of The Great is its unique blend of historical events with biting humor and absurdity. The show doesn’t shy away from dark satire, using exaggerated characters and situations to reflect the ridiculousness of court life and politics in the Russian Empire. This comedic tone allows the show to explore serious themes like power, manipulation, and the complexities of leadership while still keeping viewers engaged with its entertaining dialogue and whimsical approach to history. The absurdity of the characters and situations provides both humor and insight into the nature of absolute power.

The performances in The Great are outstanding, particularly by the lead actresses. Elle Fanning delivers a remarkable performance as Catherine, capturing both the youthful innocence of her character and the steeliness that emerges as she takes control of her destiny. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of the volatile and capricious Peter III is equally compelling, bringing a mix of humor and menace to the role. The chemistry between Fanning and Hoult is one of the series’ standout features, with their tense relationship providing much of the dramatic and comedic tension.

Beyond its performances, the series also stands out for its lush production design and striking costumes. The opulence of the Russian court is vividly depicted, with extravagant sets and beautiful period costumes that transport viewers to the 18th century. However, the show also uses modern touches—both in its dialogue and in its anachronistic music choices—which adds to its irreverent tone and gives it a contemporary feel despite the historical setting. This combination of historical accuracy with modern sensibilities gives The Great a fresh, vibrant energy.

At its core, The Great is a show about power, gender, and transformation. It explores Catherine’s rise from a naive young woman to a ruthless and ambitious ruler, showing her navigating a world dominated by men and using her intelligence, charisma, and cunning to achieve her goals. The series highlights the tension between Catherine’s idealism and the brutal reality of ruling an empire, as well as her struggle to maintain her humanity in a world where betrayal and violence are commonplace.

In conclusion, The Great is a brilliantly written, bold, and engaging historical drama that mixes dark comedy with a sharp critique of power and politics. With outstanding performances, a unique tone, and a compelling central story, it offers an entertaining yet thought-provoking take on the life of one of history’s most iconic figures. By blending absurdity with real historical events, the show succeeds in capturing the complex and often chaotic nature of power, making it a must-watch for fans of both historical drama and sharp, satirical humor.