It’s the first question you hear when you start to tell anyone about the new show that they absolutely have to watch in order to remain your friend. It’s a valid question. Everyone you know either watches Netflix exclusively or, if they are still paying eight million dollars for cable, they at least steal a log-in from their ex-roommate.“Is it on Netflix?”
Thankfully, your next favorite show is most definitely on Netflix. In fact, on November 4th, it’s going to become Netflix’s crown jewel.
CREDIT: ROBERT VIGLASKY/NETFLIX
What You Need To Know About The Crown
The Crown is a ten-episode drama about Queen Elizabeth II, beginning with her marriage and coronation in the mi-1940s. And here is what you need to know.
1. Netflix is banking on it being your new fave
Like literally banking on it. Netflix announced they were planning on spending billions of dollars this year on programming, and they are giving it their all with The Crown which reportedly cost 100 million pounds to make. That makes it the most expensive TV show ever and there are no special effects, zero white walkers, not even a single zombie … at least this season. So how, why? It’s taking a very historically accurate look at the most celebrated and long-standing monarchy of the modern era. Those remakes of Westminster Abbey cathedral trained weddings don’t come cheap.
CREDIT: NETFLIX
2. It’s not a fluff piece
Peter Morgan, the writer and showrunner, also wrote The Queen. You remember that right? Helen Mirren played Elizabeth II and won … oh an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a SAG and many more … and Peter Morgan won a ton of Best Screenplay awards as well, including the Golden Globe. It was inarguably one of the best movies of that year, and Morgan did not mince polite words in dealing with the difficult subject matter or the familial stone wall.
CREDIT: NETFLIX
So enter The Crown, all about an equally tumultuous time in Elizabeth’s life. Morgan asked for no interference or aid from the royal family so that the project itself could remain objective and real. If they are nervous, we are probably in for a really great time. Early reports have the illustrious King George coughing up blood and using the c-word. I even heard we see a ROYAL BUTT. Butts, y’all. Probably his butt:
CREDIT: ALEX BAILEY/NETFLIX
3. Elizabeth II is a living, historical feminist
When I think feminist, I surely do not equate the royals in any way, and especially not the Queen. But this is the story of her ascension, a 25-year-old girl who accepts the throne on the heels of the greatest war we’ve ever known, attempting to prove her place and her worth while remaining a wife and young mother, a sister and a duty bound daughter.
Disclaimer: When I was 25 I was working as a communications director, nursing a one-year-old and mostly spending nights watching and re-watching episodes of The Office.
CREDIT:NETFLIX
One of the best scenes in the trailer is Elizabeth brooking no argument with her husband Phillip about his taking a knee to her at her coronation. She will do battle with a 77-year-old battle roughened Winston Churchill as her first prime minister. She will attempt to remain adept at maneuvering the politics of her uncle, the man whose abdication of the throne paved the way for her to have it, and his place in the family. She will stand up to these dudes, and because we know the outcome … she will win. She will become the longest living British monarch in history. Badass, Bess.
4. The cast is up for some serious acclaim
Claire Foy is best known for another queen, Anne Boelyn in Wolf Hall, but her portrayal of Elizabeth Windsor is bound to catch the attention of critics for how much she convey in so stoic a persona. Matt Smith, of Dr Who fame is a perfect Phillip – approachable, open, a little goofy and SUPES TALL. I’m even looking forward to John Lithgow as Churchill and I’ve never looked forward to John Lithgow in anything.
CREDIT: ALEX BAILEY/NETFLIX
5. There are as many seasons ahead as there are decades
The word on the street is that the show has been picked up for six seasons. If this first season spans 10 years of her reign, will each subsequent one do the same? Are we going to see Queen Elizabeth go at it with The Iron Lady and Princess Di and CAMILLA? Netflix knows.
Watch the Trailers for The Crown, Coming Nov 4th to Netflix
I love this trailer; it gives a whole lotta more personal intrigue between Phillip and Elizabeth. Watch:
Chills, you guys. Chills.
