If you loved
The Favourite
Yorgos Lanthimos · Film · 2018
What hooked you in The Favourite was the way high-stakes political maneuvering is fueled by the ruthless, personal ambition of women.
Books on the same thread
The Queen's Fool
Philippa Gregory · Book · 2004
Much like the power struggle in The Favourite, this story forces a woman to navigate a treacherous court where proximity to the throne dictates survival and political influence.
The Boleyn Inheritance
Philippa Gregory · Book · 2008
If the backstabbing dynamics of The Favourite captivated you, you will appreciate this exploration of how three women fight for their lives and status within a volatile royal court.
Too Close for Comfort
La Jill Hunt · Book · 2006
The Favourite explored how personal relationships become battlefield grounds; here, you will find that same intensity applied to family and romantic entanglements where drama is the primary currency.
Series on the same thread
The Great
Tony McNamara · Series · 2020
This series mirrors the satirical edge and chaotic power dynamics of The Favourite, focusing on a woman rising through the ranks of an unpredictable and dangerous imperial court.
Pride and Prejudice
Andrew Davies · Series · 1995
While less dark than The Favourite, this adaptation captures the same obsession with social standing and the rigid, often stifling, hierarchies that govern the lives of women in society.
Bridgerton
Chris Van Dusen · Series · 2020
The Favourite showcased how secrets and status define one's position; this series takes those same themes of reputation and social maneuvering to a lavish, high-stakes Regency era setting.
The Crown
Peter Morgan · Series · 2016
If you enjoyed the claustrophobic nature of royalty in The Favourite, this deep dive into the British monarchy provides a similar look at how power shapes and restricts human connection.
Podcasts on the same thread
Business Wars
Audible · Podcast · 2026
The Favourite was defined by its cutthroat rivalry, and this podcast applies that same logic of zero-sum competition to the corporate world, proving that business is truly war.
The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
All Things Comedy · Podcast · 2026
Just as The Favourite found humor in the absurdity of historical figures, this podcast uses a sharp, satirical lens to expose the strange and often ridiculous nature of history.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Favourite based on a true story set in the 18th century?
The Favourite is set in early 18th century England. The plot focuses on the power struggle between Sarah Churchill and her cousin Abigail Hill as they compete for the attention and favor of Queen Anne within the royal court.
What is the primary conflict in The Favourite?
The central conflict in The Favourite involves a bitter rivalry between Sarah Churchill and her cousin Abigail Hill. Their relationship turns hostile as both women attempt to secure their position as the primary confidante and favourite of Queen Anne.
Does The Favourite feature a rivalry between two cousins?
Yes, a core component of The Favourite is the rivalry between Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill. After Abigail Hill arrives at the royal court, she threatens the established bond between Queen Anne and Sarah, leading to a direct competition for influence.
Who are the main characters featured in The Favourite?
The main characters in The Favourite are Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill, and Abigail Hill. The narrative centers on the dynamic between these three women as the arrival of Sarah's cousin disrupts the existing relationship between the Queen and Sarah.