‘Best period drama’ is streaming now as fans call it ‘underrated perfection’

Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult team up in a hilarious retelling of Catherine the Great’s early life.

Hailed as a “masterpiece”, Hulu’s The Great has emerged as one of the best period drama series in recent years. Loosely based on the early life of the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great, Elle Fanning takes on the titular role, and she’s joined by an A-list ensemble.

Delivering a stellar performance, Nicholas Hoult portrays Emperor Peter III, Catherine’s tiresome husband whom she dreams of killing one day. Rounding out the cast, Phoebe Fox, Sacha Dhawan, Charity Wakefield, Gwilym Lee, Adam Godley and Douglas Hodge also appear, while Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs feature as guest stars.

Inspired by his 2008 play of the same name, Tony McNamara serves as the series creator. “It’s irreverent fun and is fast and loose with history,” the screenwriter told Channel 4, noting that The Great is not intended to be a historically accurate period piece.

Few historical dramas have managed to be as outrageous, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional as The Great. Produced by Hulu and created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Tony McNamara, the series transforms the story of Catherine the Great into a wildly entertaining blend of political satire, dark comedy, romance, and royal chaos.

While inspired by real historical figures, The Great openly embraces creative freedom. Each episode famously begins with the phrase “an occasionally true story,” signaling that historical accuracy is less important than sharp storytelling, memorable characters, and biting humor.

The result is one of the most original period dramas of recent years.

The series follows the rise of Catherine, a young German princess who arrives in Russia expecting a fairy-tale marriage and a glamorous life as Empress. Instead, she discovers a court filled with corruption, absurd traditions, dangerous political games, and a husband who is far from the romantic ruler she imagined.

At the center of the story is Catherine, played brilliantly by Elle Fanning.

Initially idealistic and optimistic, Catherine dreams of bringing enlightenment, education, and progress to Russia. She believes in reason, science, and human potential. Unfortunately, she quickly realizes that almost nobody around her shares those ambitions.

The Russian court is chaotic, self-serving, and often shockingly brutal.

As Catherine becomes increasingly disillusioned, she begins to understand that meaningful change may require more than good intentions. If she wants to improve Russia, she may need to seize power herself.

Fanning delivers a remarkable performance throughout the series.

She balances intelligence, vulnerability, determination, and humor, creating a character audiences can easily root for. Catherine’s transformation from naïve outsider to powerful political strategist forms the emotional backbone of the show.

Opposite Fanning is Nicholas Hoult as Emperor Peter III.

Peter is one of television’s most entertaining and unpredictable characters. Immature, narcissistic, impulsive, and frequently ridiculous, he initially appears to be little more than a comedic villain.

Yet as the series progresses, Hoult reveals surprising layers beneath Peter’s behavior.

At times he is cruel and selfish. At others, he is vulnerable, charming, and strangely sympathetic. The complexity of the character prevents him from becoming a simple caricature.

The chemistry between Fanning and Hoult is one of the show’s greatest strengths.

Their relationship constantly evolves between affection, rivalry, manipulation, frustration, and genuine emotional connection. Even when they are plotting against each other, their scenes remain captivating.

Beyond its central duo, The Great boasts an exceptional supporting cast.

Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley, Gwilym Lee, Charity Wakefield, Douglas Hodge, and Belinda Bromilow all contribute memorable performances. Each character brings unique ambitions, loyalties, and eccentricities to the increasingly chaotic royal court.

One of the most impressive aspects of the series is its writing.

Tony McNamara, who also wrote The Favourite, fills the show with razor-sharp dialogue, modern humor, and satirical observations about power, privilege, and politics. Although set in the 18th century, many of the themes feel surprisingly relevant.

The show frequently explores issues such as leadership, corruption, gender inequality, propaganda, and the conflict between progress and tradition.

Yet it never becomes overly serious.

Comedy remains central to the experience.

The series regularly shifts from absurd humor to emotional drama within the same scene, creating a unique tone that keeps viewers constantly engaged.

Visually, The Great is stunning.

Lavish costumes, magnificent palaces, extravagant banquets, and richly designed sets bring imperial Russia to life. Every frame feels vibrant and luxurious, providing a perfect contrast to the often ridiculous behavior of the characters.

What truly separates The Great from other period dramas is its willingness to embrace contradiction.

It is sophisticated yet silly, romantic yet cynical, historically inspired yet intentionally inaccurate. The series understands that entertainment does not require strict adherence to facts, and it uses that freedom to tell a story that feels fresh and exciting.

Ultimately, The Great is not a documentary about Catherine the Great.

It is a witty, energetic, and surprisingly thoughtful exploration of ambition, power, love, and revolution.

For fans of clever comedies, political dramas, and unconventional historical stories, The Great remains one of the most enjoyable and distinctive television series of the past decade.