The acclaimed satirical, historical dramedy series, “The Great,” is no more. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Hulu canceled the show following the show’s third and now final season, which debuted earlier in May. The series stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult in the roles of Russian Empress Catherine II and Emperor Peter III during the 18th century.
Hulu Cancels ‘The Great’ After Three Seasons
The show initially debuted in May 2020, running for three seasons and a total of 30 episodes. The news comes as a bit of a shock due to the show’s fairly prolific critical acclaim and prestige. The show has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it was also nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, including nominations for Fanning and Hoult for Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Series creator Tony McNamara was also nominated for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for the show’s debut season.
While the show was a critical darling, its viewing numbers at Hulu are largely a mystery. Streaming viewing figures and data from Hulu are not readily available. Also, the show never charted among the Top 10 original streaming titles compiled by Nielsen.
This fictionalized take on history documents the rise of Catherine the Great as an outsider of the royal family to become the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia’s history. The show depicts her marriage to Peter III and focuses on the plot to kill her husband. The show also stars Phoebe Fox, Sacha Dhawan, Charity Wakefield, Freddie Fox, and Gace Molony.
While Hulu hasn’t offered any statement on the show’s cancelation, the entertainment industry is currently embroiled in two major labor disputes, with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the actors union (SAG-AFTRA) striking against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The WGA began its strike several months ago in early May. SAG-AFTRA’s strike started on July 14.
As previously reported by The Blast, Amazon Studios handed down cancelations to its Prime Video streaming shows “The Peripheral” and “A League of Their Own,” despite both shows already receiving renewals, due to the ongoing strikes. The production delays caused by the strikes were cited as the cause for “The Peripheral” being cut, with a long delay potentially hurting the show’s viewership, and Amazon being concerned a longer delay would affect their plans for the streamer’s 2025 content rollout.
Meanwhile, WGA and SAG-AFTRA have been calling for transparency from streamers for viewing data and figures, which media companies tend to keep very close to the vest.
Fans Mourn The Show’s Loss
“The Great” has drawn an enthusiastic and beloved fan following, and many are not happy with the news that the show isn’t returning for a fourth season:
Sad news! The Great, starring Elle Fanning and Nicolas Hoult has been canceled by HULU.
The EMMY nominated series had just released their 3rd season back in May. It is unclear why the Streamer decided to cancel the beloved series. pic.twitter.com/PtnIp8oVrG
— Hector Navarro (@imhectornavarro) August 30, 2023
no one fucking speak to me i’m in mourning (The Great was canceled)
— smokey mcbongwater ?? (@maggiebutworse) August 30, 2023
they canceled The Great and I am not okay
— Christopher Gates (@ChrisWGates) August 30, 2023
what am i supposed to do with the great being canceled. elle fanning as catherine the great literally gave me life. wtffff
— lonesomeday ? (@moonlightday03) August 30, 2023
HULU CANCELED THE GREAT?? WE STORM THEIR HEADQUARTERS AT DAWN! pic.twitter.com/aeFOs4R5IX
— Alexus ? (@AlexusAriana) August 30, 2023
damn “the great” is canceled ?
— Mr 90+3 (@__victorrrrr) August 30, 2023
The show was created and executive produced by McNamara, with Fanning, Hoult, Marian Macgowan, Mark Winemaker, Brittany Kahan Ward, Doug Mankoff, and Andrew Spaulding also attached as executive producers. Ron West and Josh Kesselman produced the show for Thruline Entertainment.
All three seasons of “The Great” are currently still streaming on Hulu.