Hulu's latest addition, "The Great" is a satirical drama, loosely based on the rise of Catherine ΙΙ to power, as Catherine the Great, Russia's longest-ruling female leader.
The show's first season sees Elle Fanning in the role of Catherine, an educated, refined woman who travels to Russia to marry Emperor Peter, played by Nicholas Hoult.
As Empress, Catherine realizes that her life revolves around meaningless activities, while Peter's immaturity, cruel leadership, and debauched lifestyle repulse her. After her attempts to leave Russia fail, she decides to stage a coup and save the country from its horrible ruler.
All historical inaccuracies aside, the series relies on an eccentric sense of humor that works, thanks to Hoult's hysterical portrayal of Peter — essentially a spoiled child trapped in an Emperor's body — and Fanning's level-headed, sometimes contemptuous Catherine.
Stream "The Great'"s first season on Hulu.