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s03e10 · 2023-05-12 · 16:00
What it is
The Great is a satirical, comedic drama about the rise of Catherine the Great from outsider to the longest reigning female ruler in Russia's history. A fictionalized, fun and anachronistic story of an idealistic, romantic young girl, who arrives in Russia for an arranged marriage to the mercurial Emperor Peter. Hoping for love and sunshine, she finds instead a dangerous, depraved, backward world that she resolves to change. All she has to do is kill her husband, beat the church, baffle the military and get the court onside. A very modern story about the past which encompasses the many roles she played over her lifetime as lover, teacher, ruler, friend, and fighter.
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Episode guide
10 this season · 30 totals01e01 The Great 2020-05-15 16:00
The Great
In 1761, Catherine travels to Russia and becomes the Empress by marrying the Emperor of Russia, Peter. With hopes of marrying a great love, Catherine soon realizes Peter is a selfish brat who stands against everything she values. Catherine is feeling hopeless and verging on suicide when her servant, Marial, presents her with an alternative path – to overthrow Peter.
s01e02 The Beard 2020-05-15 16:00
The Beard
Catherine takes her first steps toward a coup. Taking advice from Marial, she attempts to seduce and recruit palace intellectual Count Orlo. It's a disaster. However, after seeing Peter's brutal treatment of local nobles and unwillingness to listen, he decides to join Catherine's coup.
s01e03 And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great 2020-05-15 16:00
And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great
Catherine, Orlo and Marial continue their coup planning. They try to recruit an unhappy military general, Velementov, for their cause during palace celebrations honoring Peter's late father, Peter the Great. Peter, noting Catherine's unhappiness at court, gifts Catherine a sterile lover, Leo. She's hesitant at first, but Leo manages to charm her.
s01e04 Moscow Mule 2020-05-15 16:00
Moscow Mule
Catherine tries to manage her reputation at court and her relationship with Leo, both of which distract her from the coup. Meanwhile, the influential Patriarch of the church dies, and a new one must be chosen. Orlo sees an opportunity to try and influence Peter in the decision, and Archie makes moves.
s01e05 War and Vomit 2020-05-15 16:00
War and Vomit
As the war with Sweden continues to rage, Catherine and Aunt Elizabeth visit the military at the Russian front. Seeing the soldiers reminds Catherine of her goal to rule Russia differently. Grigor struggles with Peter and Georgina's relationship and poisons Peter to end it. When Peter falls ill, Velementov, Orlo, and Marial all try to influence Catherine's steps toward takeover as Peter's life hangs in the balance.
s01e06 Parachute 2020-05-15 16:00
Parachute
After his near-death experience, Peter is now open to Catherine's progressive ideas and wants to focus on an heir. Orlo tries to figure out who poisoned Peter and faces demons of his own.
s01e07 A Pox on Hope 2020-05-15 16:00
A Pox on Hope
Catherine is feeling optimistic, until a smallpox breakout causes Peter to revert back to his old ways. Meanwhile, Leo and Catherine's relationship suffers and Georgina misses Peter.
s01e08 Meatballs at the Dacha 2020-05-15 16:00
Meatballs at the Dacha
Catherine's political abilities are tested when she's given an opportunity to travel abroad. Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.
s01e09 Love Hurts 2020-05-15 16:00
Love Hurts
A body is discovered. Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial confides in Archie about Catherine's plans. Catherine has a life changing revelation.
s01e10 The Beaver's Nose 2020-05-15 16:00
The Beaver's Nose
Catherine moves forward with the coup. Marial betrays her by revealing a secret. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, no matter the sacrifices.