Christina Izzo
We've got the lowdown on how to watch The Great—the mostly fictional historical satire about the early days of Catherine the Great—no matter where you are in the world.
The Great, which stars Elle Fanning (Maleficent, The Beguiled) and Nicholas Hoult (X-Men, The Favourite), first debuted on US network Hulu before popping up in the UK in Channel 4, and now the satirical black comedy about the Russian royals is back for a third season. (And if you're wondering, "Where was The Great filmed?" hint: not Russia!)
There are different ways you can tune into The Great season 3, so here's everything you need to know. (And if you want more fictional takes on real-deal royalty, check out the Bridgerton spinoff about Queen Charlotte.)
How to watch 'The Great' from anywhere in the world:
How to watch 'The Great' in the US
A Hulu original, The Great is available to stream on Hulu via your smart TV, desktop, gaming console or phone. That means you'll need a Hulu subscription—current options include an ad-supported plan for $7.99 per month (or $79.99 per year) or a commercial-free plan for $14.99/month.
How to watch 'The Great' outside the US
Want to keep up with The Great no matter where you are in the world? Luckily there's a simple solution: using a VPN.
A VPN is a handy piece of software that allows you to change your IP address so your mobile, computer, or laptop thinks it's in another location. That means you can watch your favorite show, film or event—even if you’re outside your home country.
Our favorite VPN service is ExpressVPN, rated one of the best by our colleagues at TechRadar.
If you sign up for an annual plan you'll get an extra 3 months absolutely free. And it's risk-free! If you change your mind in the first 30 days, let them know and they'll give you your money back.
How to get started with a VPN:
- First off, you need to make sure you have a Hulu account so you can log in once your VPN is set up.
- Then, download ExpressVPN, using the easy-to-follow instructions (you can get 49% off, three months free and there's a 100% risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee).
- Once you've installed your VPN, open the app and select your server location as anywhere in the United States
- With your ExpressVPN installed and your location set to the United States, head to Hulu, log in and follow the instructions to stream all three seasons of The Great.
When is 'The Great season 3 release date?
The Great season 3 premiered with all 10 episodes on Friday, May 12, at midnight Eastern Time on Hulu.
What is 'The Great' about?
A slyly funny, comedy-drama set in a "reimagined" 18th-century Russia, The Great follows a young, idealistic girl (played by Elle Fanning) who arrives, from Germany, for an arranged marriage to the cruel, mercurial, boorish, Emperor Peter (played to fine effect by Nicholas Hoult).
Catherine naively believes she's heading for true love and a happy life full of sunshine and roses, but quickly discovers how wrong she is—as she finds herself in a dark and dangerous world. Alternately bullied and neglected by her husband, eventually Catherine decides to fight back and take charge of her world, transforming herself in the process into the famed figure Catherine the Great—Russia's longest-ruling female leader.
Come for the drama and the performances, not for historical accuracy—because you won't find much of it in this "occasionally true story." Creator Tony McNamara, who adapted the TV show from his 2008 play, described it to Vulture as "a bit made up," melding details of Catherine's life that he felt worked for the show with "things that we wanted because they were amazing." Most of the characters are invented, there's a vibrant mix of eighteenth-century and modern language, and a soundtrack packed full of rebel rock and female-led punk anthems.
Who's who in 'The Great' season 3 cast?
Of course, Elle Fanning is back as Catherine the Great, as is Nicholas Hoult, playing her husband Peter III. Joining the leads are the following cast members for season 3:
- Phoebe Fox as Marial
- Sacha Dhawan as County Orlo
- Belinda Bromilow as Aunt Elizabeth
- Adam Godley as Archie
- Gwilym Lee as Grigor
- Charity Wakefield as Georgina
- Douglas Hodge as General Velementov
- Bayo Gbadamosi as Arkady
Watch 'The Great' season 3 trailer:
