Is The Great Worth Watching On Netflix? Find Out!

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Is The Great Worth Watching on Netflix? Find Out!

Hey guys! Ever wondered if The Great is worth your precious binge-watching time on Netflix? Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into this historical, satirical, and utterly hilarious show to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your watchlist. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's get started!

What Makes The Great So Great?

The Great isn't your typical period drama. It's a wild, anachronistic ride through the court of Catherine the Great, played brilliantly by Elle Fanning. But before you start picturing dusty history books and boring lectures, let me assure you – this show is anything but! It’s more like a historical funhouse mirror, reflecting real events with a heavy dose of dark humor and absurdity. The show loosely follows Catherine's journey from naive young bride to a powerful empress who plots to overthrow her boorish and unpredictable husband, Peter III, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. The brilliance of The Great lies in its audacious rewriting of history, blending fact and fiction into a delicious, satirical stew. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at the outrageous antics of the Russian court, all while absorbing some historical context (albeit heavily embellished!). One of the key elements that makes The Great so captivating is its sharp, witty writing. The dialogue is snappy, the jokes are biting, and the characters are incredibly well-developed, despite their often-exaggerated traits. The show doesn't shy away from exploring serious themes like power, ambition, and gender roles, but it does so with a lightness and humor that keeps you thoroughly entertained. Beyond the writing, the performances are absolutely stellar. Elle Fanning shines as Catherine, capturing her intelligence, determination, and vulnerability with equal measure. Nicholas Hoult is equally fantastic as Peter, embodying the character's childishness, cruelty, and surprising moments of vulnerability. The supporting cast is also top-notch, with each actor bringing their own unique flair to the ensemble. The show also boasts stunning visuals. From the opulent costumes and sets to the breathtaking Russian landscapes, The Great is a feast for the eyes. The attention to detail is remarkable, creating a rich and immersive world that draws you in from the very first episode. The music is also noteworthy, blending classical pieces with modern pop tunes to create a unique and memorable soundtrack. In short, The Great is a show that fires on all cylinders. It's smart, funny, visually stunning, and features exceptional performances. But is it for everyone? Let's delve a little deeper.

Why You Might Love The Great

Okay, so you're still on the fence? Let's break down the reasons why you might absolutely adore The Great:

  • You love dark humor: If you're a fan of shows like Veep, Succession, or Arrested Development, you'll appreciate The Great's irreverent and satirical take on history. The show doesn't pull any punches, and its dark humor is often laugh-out-loud funny.
  • You enjoy strong female leads: Catherine the Great is a force to be reckoned with. She's intelligent, ambitious, and determined to change the world (or at least Russia). If you're looking for a show with a powerful and complex female protagonist, The Great is a must-watch.
  • You're fascinated by history (but don't take it too seriously): The Great is not a documentary. It's a fictionalized account of Catherine the Great's life, and it takes many liberties with historical accuracy. However, if you're interested in the era and the characters, you'll find the show to be a fun and engaging way to learn (or at least be entertained) about Russian history. The loose interpretation of historical facts allows the show to explore relevant themes and ideas with a modern lens.
  • You appreciate excellent acting: As mentioned earlier, the performances in The Great are top-notch. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are both exceptional, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The actors bring depth and nuance to their characters, making them both believable and entertaining.
  • You're looking for something different: In a sea of predictable TV shows, The Great stands out as something truly unique. Its blend of historical drama, satire, and dark humor is unlike anything else on television. If you're tired of the same old formulas, The Great might be just what you're looking for.

Potential Drawbacks: Is The Great for Everyone?

Alright, let's keep it real. While The Great has a lot going for it, it's not necessarily for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might not enjoy the show:

  • Historical Inaccuracy: If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, The Great might drive you crazy. The show takes significant liberties with the truth, and it's more interested in entertainment than education. So if historical accuracy is paramount for you, maybe skip this one.
  • Dark Humor: The show's humor can be quite dark and edgy, which might not appeal to everyone. If you're easily offended or prefer more lighthearted fare, The Great might not be your cup of tea.
  • Violence and Gore: The Great isn't afraid to show violence and gore. While it's not gratuitous, there are scenes that might be disturbing to some viewers. Be warned, it's a bloody good show in more ways than one.
  • Slow Pace: While the show is generally fast-paced and engaging, there are moments where the plot slows down. If you're looking for non-stop action, you might find these slower moments frustrating.
  • Cynical Tone: The show has a cynical and often nihilistic tone, which might not appeal to everyone. If you prefer more optimistic and uplifting stories, The Great might leave you feeling a bit down.

So, Is The Great on Netflix?

Here's the deal: As of my last update, The Great isn't currently available on Netflix in the US. It's an Hulu original, meaning you'll need an Hulu subscription to watch it. But, depending on your region, it may be available on Netflix! Always check your local Netflix to be sure.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Great?

Okay, so after all that, what's the final verdict? Should you watch The Great?

If you:

  • Enjoy dark humor and satire
  • Appreciate strong female leads
  • Are fascinated by history (but don't mind some embellishment)
  • Love excellent acting
  • Are looking for something different

Then YES, you should definitely watch The Great!

It's a smart, funny, and visually stunning show that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Just be prepared for some historical inaccuracies, dark humor, and occasional moments of violence.

However, if you:

  • Are a stickler for historical accuracy
  • Dislike dark humor
  • Are easily offended by violence and gore
  • Prefer more optimistic stories

Then The Great might not be for you.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. But if you're looking for a unique and engaging TV show that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even cringe a little, The Great is definitely worth checking out. Happy watching!