The Great (2020)

The series is a rollicking, filthy, modernised period romp that revels in anachronisms, swearing and sex while delivering escapism. The standout element is the excellent acting, particularly Elle Fanning's outstanding portrayal of Catherine and Nicholas Hoult's fun turn as Peter.

The caustically funny, ahistorical romp succeeds through strong performances from Fanning and Hoult and its blend of wit, intrigue, and anachronisms.

The critic calls it an imperious romp that prefers comedy and satire over historical accuracy, praising the pitch-perfect cast and script while noting it is slightly overlong with some gratuitous violence.

The series is very good, managing a rich dissonance between empathy for its leads and recognition of their cruelty, though it is too long.

The show straddles period drama and slapstick comedy with ease, delivering scathingly funny insults and an irreverent tone. Elle Fanning is remarkable as Catherine evolves into a leader, with strong support from Nicholas Hoult as the impulsive Peter.

It's an arch, hyper-verbose girl-power dramedy with deliberate anachronisms that recalls The Favourite but never quite coheres despite strong performances. Stellar work from Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult stands out in this tart but uneven confection.

The series feels like a lesser imitation of The Favourite, with Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult carrying much of the weight despite the derivative tone.

The critic calls it a wonderfully bombastic and thrilling ride with crisp writing, sumptuous production, and acid humor that balances horror and hope in Catherine's journey.

The critic praises the series as beautifully made and complex with standout performances from Fanning and Hoult, highlighting its unflinching tone and surprising depth despite some lighter moments.

Elle Fanning anchors a deceptively biting romp that is frothy fun with a deadly dark side, tracking Catherine's transformation with style and sass.

The series is a capable, entertaining anachronistic comedy in the vein of The Favourite, buoyed by strong lead performances. It occasionally struggles to sustain its tone and pacing across a full season.

The critic finds the series an enjoyable historical comedy with sharp satire and strong performances, but notes it lacks the bite of The Favourite and struggles with tonal balance and pacing in the middle episodes.

The critic notes the series delivers lacerating humor and strong performances but suffers from an identity crisis, recycled elements from The Favourite, and inconsistent tone that prevents it from fully succeeding.