When Does The Crown Get Good?
Fans of The Crown say a new viewer should give the first season a full viewing before making a judgement call about whether or not to continue. The show maintains a consistent style through most of the seasons with a slight dip in fan sentiment toward the later seasons.
What Fans Say
Fans of The Crown praise its luxurious production values, stellar performances, and thoughtful exploration of British history through the lens of the monarchy. They particularly admire the nuanced character portrayals of Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, and others. The series is lauded for its ability to humanize its royal subjects, showcasing their vulnerabilities amidst political and personal conflicts. Fans also appreciate the show’s commitment to historical accuracy, its intricate costuming, and the sweeping cinematography that captures the grandeur of royal life.
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What Haters Say
Critics of The Crown argue that it takes too many liberties with historical events, presenting dramatized or fictionalized versions of real-life occurrences as fact. Some viewers feel that the pacing can be uneven, with episodes occasionally veering into slow-moving territory. Others have criticized the show for being overly sympathetic toward certain royal figures, or for inserting modern sensibilities into period events, which they feel detracts from authenticity.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality?
The show’s quality has been a subject of debate as the seasons progress. Early seasons, led by Claire Foy and Matt Smith, received near-universal acclaim for their fresh portrayal of the young queen’s ascent. Midway through the series, with the recasting of roles for older versions of characters, some fans noted a shift in tone and pacing. Season 5, in particular, drew more mixed reactions, with some critics stating that it lacked the emotional depth and focus of earlier seasons. However, many still find the series consistently compelling overall.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 88% | 8.7 |
| Season 2 | 89% | 8.8 |
| Season 3 | 90% | 8.6 |
| Season 4 | 95% | 8.7 |
| Season 5 | 69% | 7.5 |
| Season 6 | 80% | 7.8 |
Critics have largely praised The Crown for its sophisticated storytelling and character-driven narratives. The series has been called a “visual masterpiece” and an “acting powerhouse,” with particular acclaim for its ensemble cast. While some critics question its accuracy, they agree on the show’s ability to capture the weight of the monarchy’s responsibility and its interplay with modern politics. The slower pace and focus on subtleties in later seasons have received a more polarized reception but remain widely respected in critical circles.
Overview of the Show
The Crown is a historical drama series created by Peter Morgan, chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the surrounding events that shaped Britain in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Premiering on Netflix in 2016, the series spans several decades, delving into the challenges of ruling a nation, familial struggles, and evolving societal norms.
The show employs a unique approach by recasting major roles every two seasons, ensuring an age-appropriate portrayal of the characters as they progress through their lives. Each season explores a particular era, featuring key historical events such as the Suez Crisis, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher.
A hallmark of the series is its lavish production, with an estimated budget of $130 million for the first season alone. The Crown combines meticulous attention to detail with compelling storytelling, making it a standout in the genre of historical dramas. Its focus on the human side of royalty, paired with its political commentary, has solidified its reputation as one of Netflix’s flagship offerings.
Season Highlights
Season 1 (1947-1955)
Season 1 introduces audiences to a young Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) as she navigates her new role following King George VI’s death. Highlights include Elizabeth’s struggle to balance her personal relationships with her duty as monarch, Winston Churchill’s influence as prime minister, and the scandal surrounding Princess Margaret’s romance with Group Captain Peter Townsend. The season sets the tone for the series, showcasing the weight of the crown and its impact on Elizabeth’s life.
Season 2 (1956-1964)
The second season dives deeper into Elizabeth’s relationship with Prince Philip (Matt Smith) amid the backdrop of political upheaval, including the Suez Crisis and the Profumo affair. It explores the strains on their marriage, Prince Charles’s early life, and Princess Margaret’s tumultuous love life. The season highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, solidifying Elizabeth as a leader who must adapt to an ever-changing world.
Season 3 (1964-1977)
A new cast, featuring Olivia Colman as Elizabeth and Tobias Menzies as Philip, takes over to depict middle-aged versions of the characters. Season 3 explores Harold Wilson’s tenure as prime minister, Prince Charles’s investiture as the Prince of Wales, and the Aberfan disaster. Themes of generational divide and the monarchy’s place in a modern Britain are front and center, with standout performances by the cast.
Season 4 (1979-1990)
Season 4, featuring Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher and Emma Corrin as Princess Diana, delves into the queen’s relationship with Thatcher and the tumultuous marriage of Charles and Diana. The Falklands War and Thatcher’s policies provide a dramatic political backdrop, while Diana’s introduction brings a fresh perspective on the royal family’s public image. This season is often cited as a highlight of the series, with its powerful storytelling and poignant character moments.
Season 5 (1990s)
The latest season addresses the challenges of the 1990s, including Charles and Diana’s separation, the infamous Panorama interview, and the public’s growing discontent with the monarchy. While the drama remains intense, some critics argue the season lacks the emotional resonance of earlier installments. Imelda Staunton takes over as Elizabeth, offering a nuanced portrayal of the queen during one of her most turbulent decades.
Similar Shows To The Crown
- Victoria – A historical drama about Queen Victoria’s reign, blending political and personal intrigue.
- Downton Abbey – Chronicles the lives of the Crawley family and their servants in early 20th-century England.
- The Tudors – A dramatization of the tumultuous reign of King Henry VIII.
- Versailles – Follows the rise of King Louis XIV of France and the creation of the Palace of Versailles.
- Mad Men – Though not historical, it shares The Crown’s attention to character depth and period detail.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like The Crown
- The West Wing – A political drama that offers a behind-the-scenes look at life in the White House.
- The Queen (2006) – A film by The Crown’s creator, Peter Morgan, focusing on Queen Elizabeth II during the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death.
- Bridgerton – A Regency-era drama with lavish production and character-driven storytelling.
- House of Cards – A political drama with themes of power, manipulation, and public image.