Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are back for the last round of their period piece.
More than a year since its US premiere, The Great is finally coming to UK television courtesy of Channel 4, which bids farewell to Elle Fanning’s cunning monarch after an utterly raucous journey.
While there was seemingly more story to tell, Hulu opted to axe the show in a surprise move back in November 2023, prompting outcry from the viewers and critics who had long heaped praise on its script, style and performances.
Nicholas Hoult (The Menu) co-stars in the series, playing Peter III of Russia opposite Fanning’s Catherine the Great, with their toxic, chaotic marriage being a focal point of the comedy-drama.
If you’re eager to find out how this unpredictable series ends, read on for everything you need to know about when and where to watch The Great season 3 in the UK.
How to watch The Great season 3 in the UK
The Great season 3 premieres tonight, Monday 8th July 2024, at 10pm on Channel 4. The new episodes will subsequently be available on the broadcaster’s streaming service (formerly known as All 4), joining seasons 1 and 2.
The series was previously available on Lionsgate+, but that streamer has since been discontinued in the UK, which makes Channel 4 the exclusive home of the comedy-drama for the time being.
The third season is comprised of 10 episodes and once again follows Elle Fanning’s Catherine as she juggles her fraught marriage with the challenges of her reign.
The official synopsis reads: “Season 3 of The Great sees Catherine and Peter (Nicholas Hoult) attempt to make their marriage work after some seemingly insurmountable problems. Peter witnessed his own attempted murder at Catherine’s hands and she also imprisoned all of his friends.
“On top of this, Peter is at a loose end playing First Husband to Catherine’s reign, so he busies himself with fathering, hunting and salty culinary ventures. But they’re not enough to keep him contented as visions of his late father (played by Jason Isaacs), get in his head about his failures as Peter the Great’s son.
“Catherine the Great starts making a name for herself beyond her borders and, inspired by a visit from the US ambassador, sets up a conference where peasants, nobles and merchants can all give their input on developing a new Russia. She learns that even the best political leaders sometimes need to make compromises in order to progress.”
Alas, this is the end of the line for The Great, which was cancelled by US streaming service Hulu in November 2023. In response, star Elle Fanning shared the following statement to her personal Instagram account.
“This show has meant the world to me. The experiences shared. The memories I’ll never forget. [Series creator] Tony McNamara is a certified genius. The last 3 seasons have shaped me,” she wrote.
“Through playing Catherine I discovered parts of myself I didn’t know I had. I love every crew member and cast member deeply. And although I won’t get to lace up my corset one last time, I am forever proud of what we accomplished together.”
The Great season 3 trailer
Keen to see what’s coming up in The Great season 3? Well the official trailer gives us a glimpse of the often hilarious action to come. Watch now:
The Great season 3 is available to stream on Channel 4. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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