Elle Fanning stars as a young Catherine the Great in this satirical historical black comedy series, which loosely chronicles her rise to power in 18th-century Russia. What is the show called?

The show described, starring Elle Fanning as a young Catherine the Great (Review) in a satirical historical black comedy series, is titled "The Great." This British-American production, created by Tony McNamara, loosely chronicles Catherine's ascent to power in 18th-century Russia, portraying her journey from an outsider to the longest-reigning female ruler in Russian history. The series, which has been described by Hulu as "anti-historical," embraces a highly fictionalized approach, often using the subtitle "An Occasionally True Story" to playfully acknowledge its creative liberties with historical events.

"The Great" focuses on Catherine's youth and her tumultuous marriage to Emperor Peter III, played by Nicholas Hoult. The show depicts Catherine as an idealistic young woman who, upon realizing her husband is inept and depraved, begins to plot his overthrow. While many of the broad strokes of Catherine's life and reign are drawn from historical accounts, the series prioritizes dark humor and farcical elements over strict accuracy, offering a witty and often absurd take on the Russian court.

The creative team behind "The Great" includes Tony McNamara, who was also the co-writer of the acclaimed film "The Favourite," known for its similarly sardonic and ahistorical approach to period drama. This influence is evident in "The Great," which features sharp dialogue, political rebellion, and a vibrant portrayal of 18th-century royalty. Despite its comedic and often exaggerated elements, the show does touch upon certain historical facts, such as Catherine's passion for education and her efforts to bring arts and sciences to Russia.