Hulu’s 3-Part Period Drama Series Is One Of Its Best

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Though it was canceled too soon, The Great delivered three fantastic seasons, cementing its place as a standout series on Hulu. The show playfully reimagines the story of Catherine the Great’s climb to power, and while it’s not entirely historically accurate, its sharp wit and humor more than make up for it.

Featuring appearances by big names like Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, The Great boasts excellent casting all around. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult shine as Catherine and Peter, and their playful chemistry is a highlight of the show. Though the third season’s surprising finale left fans eager for more, The Great remains more compelling than many other historical dramas, even with its story still unfolding.

The Great Stands Out Against Other Hulu Period Dramas

As a total TV addict, I’ve noticed Hulu really delivers with those high-quality, historical dramas, often with a really fresh take on things. They’ve got some seriously good shows – The Handmaid’s Tale is just powerfully acted and so intense, and Only Murders in the Building is a blast when I want something lighter. But honestly, even with all that great stuff, The Great really grabs me. It’s just different and completely captivating.

Okay, so forget everything you think you know about historical dramas. The Great is different – it takes the world of Catherine the Great and throws a healthy dose of satire into the mix, blending historical accuracy with genuinely funny, modern humor. Honestly, you don’t need a history degree to enjoy this show, and sometimes, knowing less about Catherine is actually better! They even call it “an occasionally true story,” which pretty much sums up their approach. It’s a refreshing and hilarious take on the period, and I was completely hooked.

The show’s unique style let it experiment in ways historical dramas haven’t since Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film, Marie Antoinette. While it could have been a gamble, The Great became a surprising hit on Hulu, and its daring, over-the-top approach is now part of a growing trend in the genre.

How The Great Continued A Trend In Historical Dramas

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History-based TV shows usually aim to be both accurate and enjoyable. But recently, many historical dramas have started prioritizing creative storytelling over strict historical facts. This gives writers the chance to explore modern themes – like changing ideas about gender and politics – by reimagining the past, rather than simply recounting someone’s life story without deeper analysis.

As a movie and TV buff, I’ve noticed something interesting about historical dramas. With The Crown, the creators initially went for a really detailed, almost biographical approach, focusing on getting all the little things right about Queen Elizabeth’s life. But as they started taking more creative liberties and speculating, the show’s ratings on Rotten Tomatoes really took a hit. It’s a different story with The Great, though. Because it’s a comedy-drama, a little historical inaccuracy isn’t a big deal, and critics have actually given it perfect scores for two seasons running!

The Great’s seasons on Rotten Tomatoes
Season Year Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Rating Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating
1 2020 90% 85%
2 2021 100% 87%
3 2023 100% 80%

No show embodies this quite like Bridgerton. Both series debuted in 2020, and while Bridgerton isn’t based on a real historical event, it presents a reimagined world with more elaborate costumes, heightened drama, and a society free from racism. Bridgerton‘s success could encourage Hulu to consider a fourth season of The Great.

The True Story Behind The Great

The main events of the story are accurate. Catherine the Great was a remarkably powerful leader in Russia, skilled at handling difficult political situations. Although scandalous rumors circulated about her personal life, these were likely spread by people prejudiced against women. Catherine herself anticipated these attacks and wrote a memoir to be published after her death, aiming to correct the record.

Although The Great takes many creative liberties with history, it often gets the details right, particularly regarding Peter, who was famously arrogant, self-centered, and struggled with alcohol and public outbursts. Surprisingly, some of the show’s most outlandish plot points are actually based on real events – Catherine the Great, for example, is credited with inventing roller coasters and was a strong advocate for both vaccines and women’s education.

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2026-03-10 03:19