Welcome back, dearest readers. After nearly a two-year hiatus, Bridgerton season 4 returns to Netflix with four episodes. With charming romances, beautiful costumes, and riveting drama, Bridgerton remains an entertaining and delightful television show. Season 4 will undoubtedly climb to the top of Netflix’s weekly Top 10 charts. If you’ve already watched the new season or want another period piece, Hulu has a satirical comedy that’s arguably better than Bridgerton.
The Hulu show I’m referring to is The Great, an absurdist dark comedy that presents an alternative history of Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia who ruled for over 30 years. The Great stretches the truth for entertainment purposes; the show’s second title is The Great: An Occasionally True Story. Most of the people, places, and dates are accurate, but the details of Catherine’s reign are heavily dramatized. The result is a fantastic series that deserves more praise.
The Great is backed by terrific performances
The Great does not work without the sensational performances from the show’s two leads, Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. Fanning plays Catherine the Great, while Hoult portrays her husband, Peter III of Russia. In the first season, Catherine plans to overthrow her immature husband to become the Empress of Russia. Unsurprisingly, the coup takes many hilarious detours, including a failed seduction scene involving Catherine and one of Peter’s confidants.
In later seasons, Catherine eventually seizes power, but her problems have only just begun. The complex relationship between Catherine and Peter evolves over time as they navigate the challenges of parenthood and an evolving political climate. For a satirical comedy, there is a surprising amount of violence, including an unexpected death you won’t see coming. However, the show always knows when to return to its comedic roots, especially whenever Catherine flexes her power over Peter. Guards, beat the **** out of him!
The Great couldn’t avoid cancellation despite critical acclaim
Credit:Â Hulu
The Great immediately garnered a positive reception upon its premiere in May 2020. Fanning and Hoult each received acting nominations at the Golden Globes and Emmys. The Great’s creator, Tony McNamara, also received an Emmy nomination for writing the pilot episode. Unfortunately, the critical acclaim could not save The Great, and in August 2023, Hulu canceled the show after three seasons.
If you’re looking for more romance, Bridgerton is undoubtedly the way to go. However, The Great is a better television show, from the cast and crew to the writing and storylines. Fanning and Hoult are doing some of their best work as actors. McNamara’s comedy might never return, but its legacy will always live on as a show canceled too soon.
Release Date
2020 – 2023-00-00
Showrunner
Tony McNamara
Directors
Tony McNamara
Writers
Tony McNamara
Hulu has more fantastic shows to stream, including The Lowdown and Chad Powers. If you’re looking for a movie instead, try Boss Level, a sci-fi adventure from the director of The Rip.