Is The Great Worth Watching On Netflix? Find Out!

Hey guys! Ever find yourself scrolling through Netflix, endlessly searching for something actually good to watch? You're not alone! Today, we're diving deep into the question: Is The Great on Netflix and, more importantly, is it worth your precious binge-watching time? We'll explore the show's premise, its strengths, its potential drawbacks, and ultimately help you decide if this historical (but not really) comedy is the right pick for your next TV obsession.

What's The Great All About, Anyway?

Alright, so The Great isn't your typical stuffy historical drama. Imagine a period piece, but injected with a healthy dose of dark humor, modern sensibilities, and a whole lot of creative license. The show loosely follows the rise of Catherine the Great, played brilliantly by Elle Fanning, to power in 18th-century Russia. I say "loosely" because the show gleefully throws historical accuracy out the window in favor of witty dialogue, outrageous situations, and a thoroughly entertaining narrative. Think of it as historical fiction with a comedic twist – a very sharp, very funny twist.

Catherine arrives in Russia as a naive young woman, full of idealistic dreams of enlightenment and progress. She's quickly disillusioned by the court of her husband, Emperor Peter III, portrayed with chaotic energy by Nicholas Hoult. Peter is, to put it mildly, a buffoon: childish, cruel, and utterly uninterested in governing. Catherine soon realizes that if she wants to make any real change in Russia, she'll have to take matters into her own hands – which, of course, involves plotting a coup. The series chronicles her journey from wide-eyed innocent to cunning political strategist, all while navigating the treacherous waters of the Russian court, filled with eccentric nobles, scandalous affairs, and plenty of backstabbing. The genius of The Great lies in its ability to balance the comedic and the dramatic. One moment you're laughing at Peter's latest ridiculous antics, and the next you're gripped by the tension of Catherine's precarious position. The show doesn't shy away from exploring serious themes like power, ambition, and the struggle for progress, but it always does so with a wink and a nudge. It's smart, it's irreverent, and it's endlessly entertaining. So, if you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even learn a little something (don't quote it as a history lesson!), The Great might just be your next obsession.

Why You Might Absolutely Love The Great

Okay, let's break down why The Great has garnered such a devoted following. First and foremost, the performances are phenomenal. Elle Fanning is captivating as Catherine, perfectly capturing her intelligence, determination, and vulnerability. Nicholas Hoult is equally brilliant as Peter, making him both repulsive and strangely endearing. The supporting cast is equally strong, filled with memorable characters who add depth and humor to the story. You'll find yourself loving to hate them and hating to love them – it's a wild ride.

Beyond the acting, The Great boasts sharp, witty writing. The dialogue is consistently hilarious, filled with clever wordplay and biting satire. The show doesn't take itself too seriously, which allows it to explore complex themes with a light touch. It's the kind of show that you'll want to quote to your friends, and that will have you laughing out loud even when you're watching it alone. The show's unique tone is another major draw. It's not quite a comedy, not quite a drama, but something entirely its own. It manages to be both hilarious and thought-provoking, irreverent and insightful. This blend of genres makes it stand out from the crowd and keeps you guessing what will happen next. And let's not forget the visuals. The Great is a stunning show to look at, with lavish costumes, opulent sets, and beautiful cinematography. The show's creators have clearly paid attention to detail, creating a world that is both historically inspired and visually arresting. It's a feast for the eyes, and adds to the overall immersive experience.

Finally, The Great is just plain entertaining. It's a show that you can easily binge-watch, thanks to its engaging plot, compelling characters, and consistently high quality. It's the perfect escape from reality, offering a world of wit, intrigue, and historical (ish) drama. If you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, think, and keep you hooked from beginning to end, The Great is definitely worth checking out. It's a unique and unforgettable television experience that will leave you wanting more. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained!

Potential Drawbacks: Is The Great For Everyone?

Now, before you rush off to binge-watch The Great, let's talk about some potential drawbacks. While the show has widespread appeal, it's not necessarily for everyone. One of the biggest sticking points for some viewers is its historical inaccuracy. As I mentioned earlier, The Great takes a lot of liberties with history. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, you might find yourself cringing at some of the show's more outlandish departures from reality. However, if you can accept that it's a work of fiction inspired by historical events, you'll be able to enjoy it much more.

Another potential issue is the show's dark humor. The Great can be quite dark and satirical, and it doesn't shy away from depicting violence and morally questionable behavior. If you're sensitive to dark humor or prefer more lighthearted fare, this might not be the show for you. The show's pace can also be a bit uneven at times. Some viewers have found that certain episodes drag on a bit, while others feel rushed. However, overall, the show maintains a good balance between plot development and character exploration. Finally, The Great's irreverent tone might not appeal to everyone. The show is deliberately provocative and challenges traditional notions of historical drama. If you prefer more traditional and respectful portrayals of historical figures, you might find The Great to be off-putting. It's important to go into the show with an open mind and a willingness to embrace its unique and unconventional style. Despite these potential drawbacks, The Great remains a highly entertaining and thought-provoking show. If you're willing to overlook its historical inaccuracies, dark humor, and irreverent tone, you'll be rewarded with a truly unique and unforgettable television experience. Just be sure to know what you're getting into before you start watching!

So, Is The Great Actually On Netflix?

Okay, the burning question: Is The Great actually available on Netflix? The answer, unfortunately, is a bit complicated. As of right now (October 26, 2023), The Great is NOT available on Netflix in the United States. Bummer, right? The Great is actually a Hulu original series, meaning that it's exclusively available on Hulu in the US. You'll need a Hulu subscription to watch it. However, don't despair just yet! Depending on your location, The Great might be available on Netflix in other countries. Netflix's content library varies from region to region, so it's always worth checking to see if it's available in your country. You can usually do this by searching for the show on Netflix or by using a third-party website that tracks Netflix availability in different regions. If you're in the US and don't have Hulu, you might be wondering if there are any other ways to watch The Great. Unfortunately, there aren't any legal ways to stream the show without a Hulu subscription. However, you can purchase episodes or seasons on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or iTunes. Keep in mind that these options can be more expensive than subscribing to Hulu, especially if you plan on watching the entire series. Ultimately, the best way to watch The Great in the US is to subscribe to Hulu. It's a relatively affordable streaming service, and it offers a wide variety of other great shows and movies in addition to The Great. So, if you're looking for your next binge-watching obsession, Hulu might be the way to go!

Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Great?

Alright, let's wrap things up. Should you watch The Great? In my humble opinion, the answer is a resounding YES! If you're looking for a show that is smart, funny, irreverent, and visually stunning, The Great is definitely worth your time. It's a unique and unforgettable television experience that will leave you wanting more. Of course, it's not for everyone. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy or prefer more traditional fare, you might not enjoy it as much. But if you're willing to embrace its unconventional style and dark humor, you'll be rewarded with a truly exceptional show. The performances are phenomenal, the writing is sharp, and the visuals are breathtaking. It's a show that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even learn a little something (but don't quote it on your history exam!).

Just remember that The Great is a Hulu original series in the US, so you'll need a Hulu subscription to watch it. If you're located outside of the US, it might be available on Netflix in your region. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained by The Great! You won't regret it. Huzzah!