Can a lavish period drama capture the true scale of a Russian empress?

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The four-part television production starring Helen Mirren chronicles the later years of Catherine II, spanning from 1764 until her passing in 1796. While the series boasts opulent production design and a central performance by a legendary actress, critics remain divided on whether it successfully portrays such a monumental historical figure.

The miniseries, a collaboration between Sky Atlantic and HBO, explores the life of the Russian monarch during the latter half of her reign. Written by Nigel Williams and helmed by director Philip Martin, the project focuses on the complex political and personal landscape of the imperial court. The narrative features a wide cast of historical figures, including the military commander Grigory Potemkin, portrayed by Jason Clarke, and the empress's son, Paul Petrovich, played by Joseph Quinn. By centering on the period between 1764 and 1796, the show attempts to encapsulate the challenges of her rule, from internal revolts led by Yemelyan Pugachev to the intricate web of courtly alliances and romantic entanglements.

Production for the series spanned multiple European locations to recreate the grandeur of the Russian empire. Filming took place in Lithuania, utilizing sites like Trakai Island Castle and the Pažaislis monastery, while key interior sequences—such as throne room scenes and grand balls—were captured at Rundāle Palace in Latvia. Additional footage was sourced from historic sites within Russia, including the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof Palace. This emphasis on visual splendor was intended to ground the drama in a tangible, luxurious reality, though some reviewers argued that the aesthetic polish occasionally overshadowed the depth of the storytelling.

Critical reception of the work has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 68% approval rating, with an average score of 6.9 out of 10, while Metacritic reports a weighted average of 61 out of 100. Some critics, such as those at The Guardian, felt the production lacked a certain creative spark. Others, including reviewers from The New York Times and Variety, suggested the drama struggled to match the ambition required to depict a leader of Catherine's stature, occasionally feeling distant or overly focused on interpersonal conflict. Despite these critiques, many acknowledged the effort to frame the empress's personal desires as an integral component of her imperial legacy.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• From Russian nobility to British royalty, the singular career of Dame Helen Mirren
• The Last Empress of Russia Was Haunted by Omens and Public Misunderstanding
• The only international adaptation of Tolstoy's masterpiece filmed entirely on location in Russia
• Why every Russian Tsarina from Catherine the Great onwards was actually German
• How a British drama transformed a Russian aristocrat's life into a television spectacle
• From ancient myths to modern conflicts, cattle raiding has shaped human history for millennia.
• The ancient art of being instructed by word of mouth
• Can a dedicated investigator survive a system built on political manipulation?
• How a secret project became the best-selling entry in a legendary gaming franchise
• Ceres was the Roman goddess who taught humanity the transformative power of agriculture
• The decaying magnificence of a Baroque masterpiece
• The Cessna 206 is the sport-utility vehicle of the air, built for heavy lifting.

More in Traditions & customs · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics