The Great (2020) offers a refreshingly sharp and satirical look at Catherine the Great’s rise to power, reimagining history with a modern bite. The series blends political chaos, emotional turbulence, and razor-edged humor into a story that feels both grand and delightfully irreverent.

Set inside a sprawling Russian court ruled by unpredictable men, the show follows Catherine as she learns to navigate the treacherous world of imperial politics. What begins as a marriage arranged for convenience slowly evolves into a fierce contest of ideals, ambition, and survival. Her journey from naive outsider to determined leader becomes the backbone of the series, giving each episode a bright pulse of growth and grit.

The writing stands out for its bold creativity. Dialogue snaps with wit, yet always reveals the deeper emotional fractures hiding beneath royal extravagance. The series uses humor as both shield and scalpel, carving into themes of power, gender, and identity while keeping the tone energetic and engaging.

Performances anchor the story with warmth and unpredictability. Catherine’s transformation is portrayed with thoughtful complexity, pairing vulnerability with a growing fire that reshapes everything around her. The supporting cast adds texture, giving the palace a lively blend of allies, schemers, and delightful oddballs.