If you loved
The Great
Tony McNamara · Series · 2020
You loved The Great because it exposes the absurd, volatile, and deeply human power struggles hidden behind the rigid facade of history.
Books on the same thread
Petersburg
Andrey Bely · Book · 1978
Much like the chaotic court of The Great, this modernist classic captures the turbulent, paradoxical atmosphere of Russia through a lens of biting social commentary and political instability.
Maximilian and Carlota
M. M. McAllen · Book · 2014
If the imperial failures in The Great kept you watching, this account of Maximilian and Carlota provides a similarly tragic and dramatic look at the collapse of an empire.
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
Marina Lewycka · Book · 2006
Those who enjoyed the jaunty, irreverent tone of The Great will appreciate how this tragicomedy balances family secrets and cultural displacement with a sharp and charmingly funny wit.
Russia and the Russians
Geoffrey A. Hosking · Book · 2001
While The Great offers a satirical take on the Russian throne, this historical chronicle provides the real-world context for the revolutionary shifts and imperial identities that defined that era.
Films on the same thread
"Wuthering Heights"
Emerald Fennell · Film · 2026
Fans of the intense, obsession-driven relationships in The Great will find a similarly dark and period-accurate exploration of class conflict and doomed romance within this visceral retelling of a classic.
Anora
Film · 2024
This film mirrors the modern fairy tale gone wrong found in The Great, focusing on the friction between impulsive marriage and the crushing, wealth-obsessed demands of an oligarchic family.
The Favourite
Yorgos Lanthimos · Film · 2018
This film is the perfect companion to The Great, as both stories masterfully weaponize female rivalry and witty, dark humor to navigate the treacherous power dynamics of a royal court.
Radioactive
Marjane Satrapi · Film · 2020
Just as The Great centers on the marital partnership between Catherine and Peter, this biography examines the seismic impact of a historical figure through the lens of a complex marriage.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2025
If you enjoyed the unorthodox historical perspective of The Great, you will appreciate how this podcast applies a similarly irreverent and analytical lens to the most brutal power struggles.
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
Justin McElroy, Dr. Sydnee McElroy · Podcast · 2026
The Great finds comedy in historical absurdity, and this podcast offers a similar experience by exploring the weird, gross, and misguided ways humanity has historically attempted to fix itself.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Great based on actual history?
The Great is described as an anti-historical series. While it follows the rise of Catherine the Great in 18th century Russia, the show utilizes a genre-bending approach to the narrative rather than strictly adhering to historical facts.
What is the premise of The Great?
The Great depicts the rise of Catherine the Nothing to Catherine the Great. The series focuses on her explosive relationship with her husband, Peter, the emperor of Russia, set against the backdrop of 18th century Russia.
Who created The Great?
The Great was created by Tony McNamara. It is a genre-bending television series that premiered in 2020, focusing on the tumultuous political and personal life of Catherine the Great during her time in 18th century Russia.
Does The Great follow the life of Catherine the Great?
Yes, The Great follows the transformation of Catherine the Nothing into Catherine the Great. The series explores her journey through 18th century Russia and her volatile marriage to Emperor Peter.