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What is 'The Great' Season 3 about? Plot of Hulu's anti-historical drama explained

This black comedy-drama charts Catherine the Great's rise from being the 'outsider bride' to Russia's longest-reigning female ruler

BY ANA WALIA

PUBLISHED MAY 11, 2023

Elle Fanning plays Catherine and Nicholas Hoult plays Peter in 'The Great' (Hulu)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hulu has announced the return of the critically acclaimed 'anti-historical' drama 'The Great', which is loosely based on Catherine the Great's life. The show is a satirical black comedy drama about Catherine the Great, who is forced to choose between her happiness and Russia's future after marrying Peter III of Russia. The 'modern' retelling of her historical life story shows the many roles she played throughout her life as a lover, teacher, leader, companion, and warrior.

The show was created, written, and executive produced by Tony McNamara. Executive producers include Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Marian Macgowan, Mark Winemaker, 'Echo Lake's Brittany Kahan Ward, Doug Mankoff, Andrew Spaulding, and Thruline's Ron West and Josh Kesselman. The series was created in collaboration with MRC Television by Civic Center Media. Matthew Moore, Sheree Folkson, and Jaffar Mahmood are credited as directors for Season 3.

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What is the plot of ‘The Great’ Season Three?

Season 3 is set to pick up where Season 2 left off, with Catherine the Great and Peter III of Russia attempting to make their marriage work after Peter witnessed Catherine's attempt to murder him while imprisoning his friends. Peter is bored with being Catherine's husband, so he entertains himself with primarily hunting, and salty culinary adventures. The Emperor also struggles with visions of his late father as he sulks about his failures as Peter the Great’s son.

Catherine the Great, on the other hand, starts establishing a name for herself outside of her borders. She discovers that even the absolute best political leaders must sometimes make compromises to move things forward. Season 3 revolves around more court machinations, complicated relationships, and coup attempts.

Season 3 of 'The Great' will premiere on Hulu on May 12, 2023. Watch the first two seasons of 'The Great' on Hulu.