The British Monarchy has been in the headlines quite a lot in the past couple of years – starting with the death Prince Philip in 2021, followed by that of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II back in September 2022, and ending with the recent coronation ceremony of King Charles III. And, beyond what has happened in real life, the other source of headlines since 2016 has been The Crown – an in-depth look at Queen Elizabeth II’s reign throughout the decades. Given that it’s an end of an era for the British Monarchy, I wanted to take a look at what makes The Crown such an essential viewing.
1. It’s an immersive look at British history.
The Crown is a fantastic way to learn about British history. The show is set against a backdrop of significant events in British history, including the Suez Crisis, the Profumo Affair, Margaret Thatcher’s reign, the UK’s relationship with Hong Kong, and the Aberfan disaster. The show does an excellent job of bringing these events to life and making them accessible to a modern audience. Through the show’s storylines, viewers can learn about the political and cultural landscape of Britain during this time.
2. It’s a visually stunning production.
The Crown is a visually stunning show. The show’s creators spared no expense in creating an immersive world that transports viewers back in time. From the costumes to the set design, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a sense of authenticity. The show’s use of real locations, including Buckingham Palace, adds to the sense of realism.
3. It has a talented cast.
The Crown boasts an incredibly talented cast. Claire Foy stars as Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons, and her performance is outstanding, as are those of Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton, who portray the Queen in later seasons. All three capture the Queen’s stoicism and vulnerability with grace and nuance. Other standout performances include John Lithgow as Winston Churchill, Vanessa Kirby, Helena Bonham Carter and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, and Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies and Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, as well as Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher, and Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana. The fact that the cast changes every couple of seasons allows for multiple talented actresses and actors to showcase their fantastic performances.
4. It explores the personal lives of the royal family.
The Crown is not just a historical drama; it’s also a character study of the royal family. The show explores the personal lives of the royals, including their relationships with each other and the challenges they face as members of one of the world’s most famous families. The show is particularly adept at exploring the complexities of Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with her husband, Prince Philip, and her sister, Princess Margaret.
5. It’s a gripping drama.
The Crown is a gripping drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show’s writers know how to create tension and build suspense, and the show’s performances are so good that you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in the characters’ stories. The show’s second season, in particular, is a masterclass in storytelling, with each episode building on the last to create a powerful and emotional narrative.
6. It’s a timely exploration of power and duty.
The Crown is a timely exploration of power and duty. At a time when people around the world are questioning the role of the monarchy in modern society, the show offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective. The show explores the challenges of being a public figure and the sacrifices that come with holding a position of power. It also examines the impact that politics, culture, and societal norms can have on personal relationships and individual happiness.
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