Huzzah! You're looking for Catherine. Specifically, the foul-mouthed, idealistic, and deeply stressed version played by Elle Fanning. If you've been scouring the internet trying to figure out where to watch The Great, you aren't alone. Streaming rights are a messy web of international licensing deals, regional lockouts, and platform migrations that make about as much sense as Peter III’s obsession with his prize dog.
It’s honestly one of the sharpest shows of the last decade. Tony McNamara—the guy who wrote The Favourite—brought that same acidic, "occasionally true" energy to Hulu. But here is the thing: because the show was canceled after its third season, the landscape of where it lives has shifted slightly depending on your coordinates on the globe.
The Primary Home: Where to Watch The Great in the US
In the United States, the answer is straightforward. Mostly. Hulu is the original home of the series. Every single episode of the three-season run is currently sitting there, ready for a weekend binge. If you have a Disney+ subscription that includes the Hulu bundle, you can also catch it through the Disney+ app interface. It’s seamless.
But what if you don't want another subscription? You can actually buy the seasons. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu allow you to purchase individual episodes or full seasons. This is usually the move for people who want to "own" the content without worrying about a streamer suddenly purging their library to save on residuals—a trend that has, frankly, become way too common lately.
It's a weird time for TV. Shows disappear. One day they're there, the next they're "vaulted." For now, The Great is safe on Hulu, but buying it digitally is the only way to ensure Peter and Catherine stay on your screen forever.
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Regional Differences: UK, Canada, and Australia
Streaming gets tricky once you cross the Atlantic or the border. In the UK, The Great has bounced around a bit. It originally aired on Channel 4 and was available on their streaming service (formerly All4). However, for a more permanent streaming home, UK viewers usually look toward Lionsgate+ (which was StarzPlay). With Lionsgate+ rebranding and shifting its presence in the UK market, many viewers now find the show via the Lionsgate+ add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video.
Canada is a different story. Crave is usually the go-to for these types of high-end prestige dramas, and they’ve historically held the rights to The Great. If you’re in the Great White North, check Crave first. If it's not there, it's likely moved to the STZ (Starz) linear channel and its associated streaming app.
Down under in Australia, Stan is the winner. They’ve carried the show since its inception. It's one of those rare cases where a local streamer beat out the global giants for a top-tier license.
Why The Great is Worth the Hunt
You might be wondering if it's worth the hassle of signing up for a new trial. Yes. Absolutely.
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The show isn't a history lesson. Don't go into this expecting a dry, chronological retelling of 18th-century Russian politics. It’s a "period-ish" comedy. The costumes are lush, the sets are massive, and the dialogue is violent. It captures the vibe of a court filled with bored, dangerous aristocrats rather than the dry facts of the Romanov dynasty.
- Elle Fanning delivers a career-best performance. She starts as a naive girl and transforms into a cold, calculating ruler.
- Nicholas Hoult is terrifyingly funny. He plays Peter III as a man-child with the power of a god. He is lovable and monstrous at the same time.
- The writing is incredibly fast. You can't look at your phone while watching this show. You'll miss three insults and a plot to kill a patriarch.
The Tragic News: Season 4 and the Series Finale
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Hulu canceled The Great after Season 3. It was a shock to the system for fans because the third season ended on such a poignant, transformative note for Catherine. While there were rumors of other networks picking it up, those have largely cooled off.
This means that when you find where to watch The Great, you are looking at a finished body of work. There are 30 episodes total. Ten per season. Each one is about 50 to 55 minutes of pure, chaotic energy.
Common Streaming Issues and Fixes
Sometimes you search for a show and it says "Unavailable in your location." This happens often with The Great because of those aforementioned licensing deals. If you are traveling, your home subscription might not work.
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Many people use a VPN to bypass these geoblocks. By routing your connection through a US server, you can access your Hulu account from abroad. It’s a bit of a grey area, but for many, it’s the only way to keep up with their favorite shows while on the move. Just make sure you’re using a reputable service that doesn't tank your streaming quality. Nobody wants to watch Catherine the Great in 480p.
Buying Physical Media
Believe it or not, DVDs still exist. For a show with this much visual detail, a physical copy is actually a great investment. Season 1 and Season 2 were released on DVD, though Season 3 has been harder to track down in a physical format. If you're a collector, check places like Criterion or even standard retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Having that disc on the shelf means you never have to ask "where to watch" ever again.
Actionable Steps for Your Binge Watch
If you're ready to dive in, here is exactly how to handle it. Don't just pick a random site. Do it right.
- Check your existing subs first. Open the Disney+ app and search for "The Great." If you have the bundle, it’s right there. No extra cost.
- Use the "JustWatch" app. This is a lifesaver. You type in the show, and it tells you exactly where it is streaming in your specific country at that exact moment. It updates daily.
- Watch "The Favourite" first. If you haven't seen the 2018 movie, watch it. It’s the same writer. If you hate that movie, you’ll probably hate this show. If you love it, you’ve found your new obsession.
- Commit to three episodes. The pilot is great, but the show really finds its rhythm in episode three when the "coup" plot actually starts moving. Give it that much time before you decide to quit.
The Great is a rare gem. It’s smart, it’s rude, and it’s surprisingly emotional. Whether you're watching on Hulu in the US or Stan in Australia, the journey of Catherine from a lonely bride to the Empress of Russia is one of the best arcs in modern television. Just remember: drink some vodka, keep your wits about you, and watch out for Peter’s mood swings.
Get your subscription sorted. Set aside a weekend. Start with Season 1, Episode 1, and prepare for a lot of smashed glasses and shouting.