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Huzzah! Here’s why The Great on Hulu should be your next binge

By Ed Malaker

The Great -- “Stapler” - Episode 207 -- Catherine’s team is falling apart and she begins doubting her reign when her mother comes to visit. She works hard to hide the realities of the court from her mother and puts on a science fair for which Russia must come up with the best invention. Joanna (Gillian Anderson) and Catherine (Elle Fanning), shown. (Photo by: Gareth Gatrell/Hulu)
The Great -- “Stapler” - Episode 207 -- Catherine’s team is falling apart and she begins doubting her reign when her mother comes to visit. She works hard to hide the realities of the court from her mother and puts on a science fair for which Russia must come up with the best invention. Joanna (Gillian Anderson) and Catherine (Elle Fanning), shown. (Photo by: Gareth Gatrell/Hulu) /
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If you enjoy watching historical comedies, you will love The Great, and if you haven’t had the chance to check out this amazing show yet, it’s a great time to get started now that there are a few seasons you can binge. It was created by Tony McNamara, who also penned the Oscar-nominated The Favourite, and it tells the story of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning empress of Russia, as a dark comedy.

Elle Fanning stars as Catherine, a young woman with big dreams who arrives in Russia only to face the harsh realities of her arranged marriage to the chaotic Emperor Peter III, played by Nicholas Hoult. What follows is a hilarious, often absurd battle of wits and wills as Catherine learns how to become a historical ruler.

A unique take on historical drama

Unlike other shows that focus on historical accuracy, the producers of The Great proudly brand the show as “occasionally” a true story that uses history as a launchpad for satire rather than a strict blueprint. This allows for a refreshing mix of historical themes with contemporary humor and modern language.

The fresh approach to storytelling has garnered the show a lot of praise from both critics and casual watchers. It has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes and has grown a loyal fanbase.

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The Great -- "The Beaver’s Nose" - Episode 110. Catherine’s decides to move forward with the coup on her birthday. Peter isn’t so easily overcome and holds Leo hostage as collateral. In exchange for a return to her status, Marial betrays Catherine to Peter and tells him that she is pregnant. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, without Leo. The battle begins. Catherine (Elle Fanning), shown. (Photo by: Ollie Upton/Hulu) /

It is visually stunning and hilariously written

The costume and set design immerse viewers in 18th-century Russian opulence while subtly mocking the excesses of the ruling class. These elements are visually stunning and add to the show’s absurdity.  

The visually stunning scenes are highlighted by memorable running gags and motifs, such as excessive uses of “Huzzah!” and chaotic dance numbers that underscore the characters’ outrageous lives.

If you are drawn to historical drama and dark humor or simply want a binge-worthy series, The Great will leave a lasting impression. It’s a show about ambition, rebellion, and the challenge of carving out a place in an often hostile world. Watching Catherine’s evolution is as gripping as it is laugh-out-loud funny.

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