Is The Great Streaming On Netflix?

Hey everyone! So, you're probably wondering, "Is The Great on Netflix?" That's a question a lot of you guys have been asking, and honestly, it's a bit of a tricky one. Unfortunately, the short answer is no, The Great is not currently available on Netflix in most regions. This is a bummer, I know! We all love binge-watching our favorite shows on Netflix, and it would be awesome if The Great was just a click away. But don't despair just yet, because there are still ways you can catch up with Catherine the Great's hilariously inaccurate adventures.

Where Can You Watch The Great?

So, if Netflix isn't the place to be for The Great, where is it? This brilliant show, starring Elle Fanning as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as Emperor Peter III, is an original series for Hulu in the United States. This means if you're in the US, Hulu is your go-to streaming service to watch all the seasons. They have exclusive rights to the show, so that's where all the new episodes will drop first. For those of you outside the US, it gets a little more complicated. In many other countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, The Great is available on Star, which is a content hub within Disney+ or Star+ (depending on your region and subscription). So, if you're a Disney+ subscriber, make sure to check if you have access to the Star content. It's usually included in the bundle or available as an add-on. This international distribution can be confusing, right? It’s not as simple as just searching on Netflix and finding it. You really need to know which platform has the rights in your specific location. So, before you get all excited about starting a new show, it's always a good idea to do a quick search for where it's streaming in your country. Sometimes, shows move platforms or have different homes in different parts of the world, and The Great is a perfect example of this.

Why Isn't The Great on Netflix?

Okay, so why the Netflix snub? The main reason The Great isn't on Netflix is because it's an original series for Hulu. Major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max (now Max) often produce their own exclusive content to attract and retain subscribers. This is called original programming. By creating unique shows and movies, they give people a reason to subscribe to their service instead of a competitor's. The Great, created by Tony McNamara, was developed and produced by Hivemind and Still Working Productions in association with Lionsgate Television. It premiered on Hulu in May 2020. Since Hulu is owned by Disney (though NBCUniversal also holds a minority stake), and Disney has its own suite of streaming services (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), they tend to keep their original content within their own ecosystem. Netflix, on the other hand, focuses on its own massive library of originals like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. They aren't going to license a major original series from a direct competitor like Hulu. It’s all about owning the content and keeping viewers locked into their platform. So, while Netflix has a ton of amazing shows, The Great just isn't one of them because it belongs to the Hulu/Disney family. Think of it like exclusive clubs – Hulu has its members, and Netflix has its own. They don’t typically share their star players, especially when those players are original productions that define their brand.

What Makes The Great So Special?

Even though you can't find The Great on Netflix, it's totally worth seeking out. What makes The Great so special? Well, guys, it's a show that completely redefines historical drama. Forget stuffy, accurate portrayals of the past. The Great is a razor-sharp, darkly comedic, and wildly anachronistic take on the rise of Catherine the Great in 18th-century Russia. It’s not trying to be a documentary; it’s more like historical fiction on acid, and honestly, it’s brilliant. Elle Fanning delivers an absolutely star-making performance as Catherine, who arrives in Russia full of youthful idealism, expecting to find love and a partner in her husband, Peter (played with gleeful abandon by Nicholas Hoult). Instead, she finds a childish, cruel, and possibly deranged emperor. What follows is her journey from naive foreign bride to the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia's history, but the show focuses on her dramatic, often hilarious, and surprisingly relatable transformation. The dialogue is savage, witty, and filled with modern sensibilities, which is part of its charm. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at jokes that feel incredibly contemporary, even though they’re set centuries ago. The costumes and production design are stunning, creating a lavish world that contrasts beautifully with the often-absurd situations. It's the wit, the performances, and the sheer audacity of the writing that make this show a must-watch. It takes historical figures we think we know and breathes new, irreverent life into them. If you love shows that are smart, funny, and don't take themselves too seriously, The Great is absolutely for you. It’s a show that celebrates the messy, complicated, and often darkly funny nature of power, ambition, and survival. Plus, the chemistry between Fanning and Hoult is just chef’s kiss. They play off each other perfectly, making their toxic and complicated relationship the chaotic heart of the series. It truly is a unique gem in the streaming landscape, offering something fresh and exciting that you won't find on every platform.

What About Other Streaming Services?

So, we've established that Netflix isn't the place. But what about the other big players? What about other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max (now Max), or Peacock? As we mentioned, the primary homes for The Great are Hulu in the US and Disney+/Star+ internationally. This means you generally won't find it on Amazon Prime Video, Max, or Peacock as part of their standard subscription libraries. Sometimes, shows might be available for purchase on digital storefronts like Amazon or Apple TV, but that's different from being included with a subscription. You'd have to buy each episode or season individually, which can get pricey pretty fast. It’s always worth doing a quick search on these platforms if you're curious, but don't get your hopes up too high. The distribution rights are pretty clearly defined. Hulu and Disney+/Star+ have the exclusive streaming rights, and they are unlikely to share them with competitors in the near future. The streaming world is all about exclusivity these days. Companies want to offer content that you can only get on their platform to justify the subscription fee. Think about it: if The Great was available everywhere, why would you subscribe to Hulu or Disney+ specifically for it? You wouldn't, right? That's why these exclusive deals are so important for the streaming giants. So, while you might find other historical comedies or dramas on services like Prime Video or Max, The Great is firmly planted in the Hulu/Disney camp. It’s a bit of a pain when you’re trying to find a specific show, but that’s just the reality of the modern streaming landscape. You often need multiple subscriptions to access all the content you want. It's the price we pay for having so much choice, I guess! Just make sure you check the specific platform where it’s licensed in your region to avoid disappointment. It's usually a simple search on the platform itself or a quick Google search specifying your country, like "The Great streaming [Your Country]".

How to Watch The Great Without Hulu/Disney+?

Okay, so you don't have Hulu or Disney+, and you're thinking, "How to watch The Great without Hulu/Disney+?" I get it, juggling all those subscriptions can be a nightmare, and sometimes you just want to watch one show without signing up for a whole new service. Unfortunately, since The Great is an exclusive original for Hulu (US) and distributed through Disney+/Star+ (internationally), there aren't really any legal, free ways to stream it without subscribing to one of those services. The show is not legally available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or others with a standard subscription. However, here are a few potential (and I stress potential) workarounds, though they come with caveats:

1. Free Trials: Both Hulu and Disney+ offer free trial periods for new subscribers. This is probably the most straightforward way to watch The Great for free, at least for a limited time. You can sign up for a trial, binge the series, and then cancel before you get charged. Just be super diligent about the cancellation date! You don't want to get hit with a monthly fee if you're not planning on keeping the subscription.
2. Sharing Accounts: Many streaming services allow account sharing (within certain limits, of course). Perhaps you have a friend or family member who already subscribes to Hulu or Disney+? You could see if they're willing to share their login details with you. This is a common practice, but make sure you're comfortable with it and that the account holder is too.
3. Digital Purchase: As mentioned before, you can usually buy episodes or full seasons of shows like The Great from digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or Vudu. This isn't free, but it means you own the content digitally and can watch it whenever you want without a subscription. It might be cheaper than a subscription if you only plan to watch this one show and cancel everything else.
4. Library Services: While less common for brand-new streaming exclusives, sometimes libraries offer access to streaming platforms or digital movie/TV show collections. It's a long shot for a show like The Great, but it might be worth checking your local library's digital resources.

Avoid illegal streaming sites at all costs, guys. They are often riddled with malware, viruses, and pop-ups, not to mention the legal ramifications. It's really not worth the risk or the subpar viewing experience. The best bet is to utilize a free trial if you're looking for a temporary, free solution.

Final Thoughts on The Great's Streaming Home

So, to wrap things up, is The Great on Netflix? No, it is not. Its exclusive streaming home is Hulu in the United States and Disney+ (via Star) in many other countries. While it's a shame it's not on the biggest streaming platform out there, the show's unique brand of historical satire and stellar performances make it well worth seeking out on its rightful platform. If you haven't checked it out yet, grab a subscription to Hulu or see if it's available on Disney+ in your region. You won't regret diving into the wonderfully chaotic world of Catherine the Great! It’s a show that’s gained a massive following for its wit, charm, and willingness to subvert expectations. So, while Netflix might have a vast library, The Great is carving out its own niche elsewhere, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so special. Happy watching, folks!