The Great: Complete Story and Character Guide

One of the most audacious comedies of the decade — a satirical, sometimes-historically-accurate romp through 18th-century Russian politics, cancelled after three seasons.

The Great premiered on Hulu on May 15, 2020, and ran for three seasons totaling 30 episodes. Created by Tony McNamara (who wrote the 2018 film The Favourite), the series follows Catherine the Great's rise to power in 18th-century Russia — with ample creative liberties taken for maximum comedy and drama.

Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as Peter III, the series was nominated for multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Hulu cancelled the show on August 29, 2023, after three seasons — despite the show's strong critical reception and passionate fanbase.

Full Season Recaps

Season 1 (2020)

Young Catherine arrives in Russia to marry the volatile, childish, and cruel Emperor Peter III. She initially hopes to bring enlightenment and progress to Russia — but Peter's tyranny makes that impossible. Forced to navigate a court of scheming nobles, dangerous politics, and her increasingly unhinged husband, Catherine eventually realises that the only way to save Russia is to seize power herself.

The season ends with Catherine orchestrating a coup. Peter survives (despite being stabbed) and the two enter a new and even more complicated phase of their relationship — Catherine as ruler, Peter as her powerless husband.

Season 2 (2021)

Now in power, Catherine attempts to implement sweeping reforms while dealing with Peter's scheming, the Russian Orthodox Church's opposition, and the constant threat of assassination. The season deepens every character's arc — Peter gains surprising depth, Catherine struggles with the compromises of power, and the supporting cast (Marial, Grigor, Elizabeth, and others) navigate their own complex loyalties.

The season ends with Catherine pregnant with Peter's child, setting up a new chapter for the royal family.

Season 3 (2023)

Catherine faces her greatest challenges yet — motherhood, war with Sweden, plague, and growing disillusionment with the very power she fought so hard to achieve. The season explores whether Catherine can retain her idealism while holding absolute power. Peter's character development reaches its peak as he becomes a genuinely caring father and partner.

The finale leaves Catherine at a crossroads — her reforms have not transformed Russia the way she hoped, and the question of whether any individual can truly change a nation hangs in the air. It's a fittingly ambiguous ending for a series that was never meant to conclude there.

Character Guide

Catherine the Great

Elle Fanning delivers a career-defining performance as Catherine — idealistic, strategic, and increasingly hardened by power. Her arc across three seasons is about the corruption of ideals in the face of reality.

Peter III

Nicholas Hoult's Peter is one of television's greatest comedic creations — a boorish, violent, idiotic emperor who somehow becomes sympathetic over time. His arc from villain to tragic figure is the series' greatest achievement.

Marial

Catherine's loyal friend and lady-in-waiting. Played by Phoebe Fox, Marial provides wit, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty — while reminding Catherine of the cost of power.

Orlo

A deeply principled intellectual who helps Catherine plan her coup. Orlo's idealism clashes with the reality of revolution, leading to one of the series' most tragic arcs.

Why Was The Great Cancelled?

Hulu cancelled The Great after three seasons, reportedly due to declining viewership. The show was not removed from the platform (unlike some Disney-owned cancellations) and remains available for streaming. Creator Tony McNamara and the cast expressed disappointment, noting that the series had more story to tell. The cancellation came amid a broader contraction in the streaming industry, with platforms cutting costs and ending shows that would have been renewed in previous years.

Every cancelled show deserves a proper ending. Explore our library of fan-written conclusions for more shows that left too soon.