As the cultural juggernaut Bridgerton continues to captivate global audiences on Netflix, a growing contingent of period drama enthusiasts are championing an alternative they deem superior: The Great. This critically adored series, starring Elle Fanning as a young Catherine the Great, is now available to stream in its entirety for free on Channel 4, offering viewers a sumptuous yet sharply witty historical dramedy.
A Tale of Two Period Dramas
Premiering in the same year as Bridgerton, The Great charts the audacious rise of Catherine the Great, the German princess who orchestrated a coup against her husband, Peter III, to become Empress of Russia. While Bridgerton cycles through romantic leads with each season, The Great presents a consistent, compelling narrative across its thirty episodes, following Catherine's transformation from a perceived "mail-order bride" into a formidable sovereign.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Recognition
The series has garnered extraordinary praise from critics, with two of its three seasons achieving a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its quality was formally recognised with seven Emmy nominations, including prestigious nods for both Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult in the lead comedy actor categories. The final season was particularly lauded, with critics praising its "acidic absurdity" and "uniformly wonderful performances."
Style, Substance, and Creative Liberties
Much like its more famous counterpart, The Great delivers opulent costumes and lavish set designs. However, it distinguishes itself by embracing a tagline of "an occasionally true story," openly taking creative liberties with historical facts. At its core, the show is a dark comedy, blending romantic plotlines with sharp, often brutal humour—a stark contrast to Bridgerton's more straightforward romantic tone.
Fan Outcry and Comparative Praise
A dedicated fanbase has expressed bewilderment at The Great's relative obscurity compared to Bridgerton's stratospheric success. Many argue it offers everything viewers love about period dramas but executed with greater depth and wit.
One ardent viewer proclaimed it a "masterpiece," stating, "Honestly, the best show I've watched in a while! Elle Fanning is fabulous—hilarious one minute and heartbreaking the next. The chemistry between her and Nicholas Hoult is off the charts."
Another fan made a direct comparison, noting, "I recently watched Bridgerton Season 2 and am currently watching The Great Season 2. I've realised that everything I liked about Bridgerton is in The Great and delivered better." A fellow enthusiast highlighted the show's unique tone, remarking, "The Great is filled with dark absurdist humour; I never laughed once at Bridgerton."
Streaming Availability and Legacy
Despite its cancellation after three seasons, The Great's complete story arc is now fully accessible. All episodes are available to stream for free on Channel 4's platform, providing a perfect opportunity for new viewers to discover this hidden gem. For those seeking a period drama with exceptional acting, intelligent writing, and a bold comedic edge, The Great stands as a compelling and critically validated alternative to the more mainstream offerings in the genre.
