Why Hulu’s The Great intentionally abandons historical accuracy for its satirical, dark comedy narrative
In short: The Great is not a history lesson. Created by Tony McNamara, this absurdist drama follows Catherine the Great’s rise to power in Russia, but Hulu explicitly markets it as anti-historical. By blending real figures with wild fiction, the show prioritizes wicked humor and character-driven satire over any factual record.
The Great originated from Tony McNamara’s 2008 play, which he later adapted into a television series. McNamara initially envisioned a six-season arc to explore Catherine’s life, but the series concluded after three seasons in August 2023. While the show features historical names like Catherine and Peter III, it treats these figures as loose inspiration rather than biographical subjects. The opening titles often label the show as an 'occasionally true story,' a disclaimer that shifted to 'an almost entirely untrue story' by the second season finale.
The series thrives on its creative liberties. For instance, the character of Elizabeth is modeled after Empress Elizabeth but is reimagined as Peter’s lover and sister-in-law, a role she never held in reality. Similarly, while Count Orlo shares traits with the historical Prince Grigory Orlov—such as his support for Enlightenment ideals and his role in Catherine’s coup—the show diverges significantly from his actual life, including the circumstances of his death. Critics have largely embraced this approach, with the second and third seasons receiving critical acclaim for their wit and performances.
Production was a massive undertaking, utilizing grand locations like Hatfield House, Belvoir Castle, and the Royal Palace of Caserta to build its world. Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, the show earned seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations by 2022. Despite its historical setting, the series remains a work of fiction designed to entertain rather than educate. As critic Robert Lloyd noted, viewers are encouraged to abandon the pursuit of historical truth and instead enjoy the narrative on its own terms.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Great (TV series)
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