The Crown

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 4, 2016
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 285 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 253 out of 285
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 285
  3. Negative: 18 out of 285

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  1. alejandro970
    Jan 18, 2017
    9
    One of best moves of Netflix. Brilliant screenplay of early years of Queen Elizabeth, about the responsabilities and dillemas she faced. John Lithgow as Winston Churchill is stupendous.
  2. Munthelion
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    The Crown is a solid piece of Historical Drama that is as well acted, as it is written, as it is produced.

    The story follows Princess Elizabeths years before she becomes Queen, her fathers death and her subsequent ascent to the throne and many events in between. A decent chunk of the story focuses on some of the intimate behind the scenes drama of the royal family, the relationship    The Crown is a solid piece of Historical Drama that is as well acted, as it is written, as it is produced.

    The story follows Princess Elizabeths years before she becomes Queen, her fathers death and her subsequent ascent to the throne and many events in between.

    A decent chunk of the story focuses on some of the intimate behind the scenes drama of the royal family, the relationship between Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and the strains her higher position takes on his sense of masculinity and feeling of self worth.

    Claire Foy dazzles with her portrayal of her Majesty Elizabeth II as does the rest of the ensemble, particularly for me Jeremy Northam as Anthony Eden, Victoria Hamilton The Queen Mother, Jared Harris with his stellar performance as George VI and Ben Miles as Peter Townsend.

    I break with some of the more popular opinions about John Lithgows portrayal of Winston Churchill, while I think from a technical perspective Johns performance was absolutely stellar, I don't personally feel that his portrayal of Churchill captured the physicality, the look or the tenacious personality of Churchill particularly well, but that's just my opinion and again, he was still fantastic in all other ways, the Episode involving his portrait was deeply moving    … Expand
  3. Tony1984
    Nov 11, 2017
    10
    For those of us who feel cast adrift since the end of Downton Abbey, the Crown certainly fills the void. A Netflix production but with the best values of British period drama production. A pitch perfect attention to detail which is so precise as to go unnoticed. 7000 costumes were used including a $35,000 reproduction of the Queen's wedding dress (In reality she used her ration coupons)andFor those of us who feel cast adrift since the end of Downton Abbey, the Crown certainly fills the void. A Netflix production but with the best values of British period drama production. A pitch perfect attention to detail which is so precise as to go unnoticed. 7000 costumes were used including a $35,000 reproduction of the Queen's wedding dress (In reality she used her ration coupons)and a life size replica of Buckingham palace. Just the tip of the iceberg for this lavish production. Top class casting, especially Foy, Lithgow and Smith coupled with excellent supporting cast.
    The only fly in the ointment so to speak will be the narrative. It might be that exciting to non royalists.    … Expand
  4. Bitash
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    Cannot get any better than this. Superb acting, great casting and well directed. Super entertaining from Stuart to end. Queens performance is so believable and the costume and set design is fantastic. Makes you sympathetic with the queen and what she has to endure. Very well done, must see.
  5. mani8kgm
    Apr 11, 2017
    10
    Brilliant! Sublime. Perfect. Claire Foy carries The Crown very ably. Can't wait for season two. It's been a while since a show has been as riveting as it has been excellently produced. Bravo
  6. chidime
    Dec 13, 2017
    10
    Great show. Very nice pace, great characters/actors, excellent settings, and just an overall solid story. Found myself deeply immersed in it. Great job once again Netflix.
  7. EPMD
    Dec 30, 2016
    8
    Delivers exactly what it intends to deliver. The scenery, costumes, and acting are first-rate. The writing seems accurate enough, though some dialogue is clearly a bit out of place (Churchill's condescension toward the Queen, for example). The biggest drawback is that it can be rather dull in stretches, but I'd imagine that's true to life for the Queen herself. Well worth a watch.
  8. valerian
    Jan 30, 2017
    9
    An unexpected surprise!

    Originally thought that it would be boring because it would lack lack of cat-and-dog viciousness of medieval politics and the first episode did start slow. Completely surpassed my expectations! Great writing, good characters, and good politics. Makes you really hate the old royal establishment just on how DUMB their traditions are. Its no wonder one king    An unexpected surprise!

    Originally thought that it would be boring because it would lack lack of cat-and-dog viciousness of medieval politics and the first episode did start slow. Completely surpassed my expectations!

    Great writing, good characters, and good politics.

    Makes you really hate the old royal establishment just on how DUMB their traditions are. Its no wonder one king left the throne.

    Go Team Edward VIII!

    A grade series.    … Expand
  9. vgates14
    Dec 30, 2017
    10
    Amazing Cast and script filled with a dramatic score from the likes of Zimmer and others, this TV show is truly one of the greatest currently running. If you're bummed that house of cards won't be around to much longer, look into this more realistic and elegant version.
  10. christinesutton
    Jan 5, 2018
    10
    Having watched series one and two, I thought this drama was brilliant, in the second series I found my self in tears in the gordon stone episode which saw philip strugling with his own personal family problems,and then his own son Charles strugling. with his own problem, a very powerful and moving story well done to who wrote this series, showing the Royal family to be just as human as anyHaving watched series one and two, I thought this drama was brilliant, in the second series I found my self in tears in the gordon stone episode which saw philip strugling with his own personal family problems,and then his own son Charles strugling. with his own problem, a very powerful and moving story well done to who wrote this series, showing the Royal family to be just as human as any of us.well acted by all the cast. Claire Foy was brilliant as a young queen Elizabeth. Matt Smith marvelous as Prince Phillip… Expand
  11. Wulfrune
    Nov 5, 2016
    10
    A sublime period drama which draws you in deeply. Claire Foy playing the Queen gives a stunning, believable performance only somewhat overshadowed by Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of the roguish Princess Margaret. Ms Kirby's performance was utterly sublime and even though history tells of what she did, you still get the "what's she going to do now" feeling. The costumes, the locations & allA sublime period drama which draws you in deeply. Claire Foy playing the Queen gives a stunning, believable performance only somewhat overshadowed by Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of the roguish Princess Margaret. Ms Kirby's performance was utterly sublime and even though history tells of what she did, you still get the "what's she going to do now" feeling. The costumes, the locations & all the actors gel together nicely to give a window into the lives of the most public / private of families.… Expand
  12. eagleeyeviking
    Feb 20, 2017
    10
    With nuanced performances and a preference for subtlety over ostentatious soapy moments to propel the plot, Netflix's £100 million foray into Queen Elizabeth II's rise, proclamation and early tenure as the Queen is a crowning achievement for the streaming service.
  13. Ripandread
    Nov 17, 2016
    10
    An excellently written, acted and produced depiction of the life of Queen Elizabeth. The show gives insight on how a young 25 year old woman found herself thrust into a position that she was totally unprepared for while also having to deal with a cadre of 'stuff-shirt' politicians and court bureaucracy along with an increasingly bored husband. Claire Foy performance as Queen Elizabeth isAn excellently written, acted and produced depiction of the life of Queen Elizabeth. The show gives insight on how a young 25 year old woman found herself thrust into a position that she was totally unprepared for while also having to deal with a cadre of 'stuff-shirt' politicians and court bureaucracy along with an increasingly bored husband. Claire Foy performance as Queen Elizabeth is outstanding. John Lithgow is impressive as Winston Churchill. Kudos also to the actors who play Princess Margaret and the Duke of Windsor.… Expand
  14. JorgeLestre
    Dec 3, 2016
    9
    The show is epic and royal. It's beautifully written and has top-notch directing. The British Royal Family would be proud of the show as it captures with incredible tenderness the life of the actual Queen.
  15. katezoe
    Dec 8, 2016
    10
    An instant classic! One of the best series done for television in recent memory. Excellent acting, sets, costumes, and screenplay. The series brought light to what being a Royal is like...birds in gilded cages.
  16. Prosmooth
    Nov 4, 2016
    10
    Sorry, but I'm a sucker for this kind of "boring" stuff. People just like me under the surface--being treated like they are my betters because of tradition and brainwashing really turns me on for some reason. Well acted, beautifully shot and designed. If you like stories about royalty, you'll dig this.
  17. kleo92
    Nov 8, 2016
    10
    goosebumps ! i am in love with this kind of series ! i am in love with The Crown. so i suggest everyone like drop everything and watch this series ASAP !
  18. shortrock692
    Nov 15, 2016
    10
    This is a remarkable drama. It is historically accurate and tells a tale of the inside of the British Government and the Crown. The acting is first rate, the design brilliant. Highly recommended.
  19. shoulderoforion
    Nov 4, 2016
    9
    Based on the first episode this seems like a tour de force for all concerned. Matt Smith's a bit wooden (as usual), but Claire Foy and the rest of the ensemble are eminently watchable, looking forward to seeing the rest of this season.
  20. Laj
    Nov 6, 2016
    9
    My wife and I have now watched 3 episodes. We found this a wonderfully engaging and delightful documentary drama with excellent acting and sumptuous visuals. Claire Foy (Woolf Hall) is excellent as ER II, and Matt Smith commanding as Prince Philip. The story has been told very well; and spanning as it does some truly transitional time periods, it makes for compelling viewing. I am lookingMy wife and I have now watched 3 episodes. We found this a wonderfully engaging and delightful documentary drama with excellent acting and sumptuous visuals. Claire Foy (Woolf Hall) is excellent as ER II, and Matt Smith commanding as Prince Philip. The story has been told very well; and spanning as it does some truly transitional time periods, it makes for compelling viewing. I am looking forward very much to the rise of Antony Eden, played by Jeremy Northam.
    So far the stand out actor for me has been Jared Harris who plays George VI with great sympathy and restraint. Less is usually more in theater, and Mr Harris knows his trade. That said, there is not a weak performance among the cast.
    Highly recommended viewing for those of us that enjoy drama with dialogue, character development and acting, as opposed to violence and special effects.
    2 Thumbs up.    … Expand
  21. jgzeger
    Dec 23, 2016
    10
    TV doesn't get much better than this -- an engrossing plot of historical significance, great acting and direction, costumes and sets that are detailed and authentic to the time being portrayed. I've watched seven episodes so far and I've loved every minute.
  22. marcmyworks
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    An intricate look into the life of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd, as she is forced into her role as monarch at a young age and must comprise between the male driven parliament, her family's needs as well the people of England.
  23. Mary805
    Nov 21, 2016
    10
    I do not know how accurate the series is but there are so many things about Queen Elizabeth's early days that I had no idea happened. Great acting and visually stunning.
  24. DavidV293
    Jan 9, 2017
    9
    This show is for the people that are interested in a good written biography. It's genius and beautiful in a way and it's really tempting to watch. Claire Foy does such an amazing job as Queen Elizabeth. John Lithgow also gives a good performance as Winston and it's really fun to watch his scenes being played. Also, Matt Smith... Good job sir, you are a great prince Phillip. This showThis show is for the people that are interested in a good written biography. It's genius and beautiful in a way and it's really tempting to watch. Claire Foy does such an amazing job as Queen Elizabeth. John Lithgow also gives a good performance as Winston and it's really fun to watch his scenes being played. Also, Matt Smith... Good job sir, you are a great prince Phillip. This show isn't for everyone but if you are curious, then go ahead and check it out because it's a hell of a show.… Expand
  25. theaanna
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Beautifully shot, well acted and evidently well researched - this series was a true joy in an era of shoddily created television.
  26. yuki0223
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    The Crown is an impressive period drama about British royal family, charting one of the world's most famous families through Elizabeth Ⅱ’s post war reign. After Downton Abbey remains its biggest hit, it is absolutely certain that The Crown also attracts people's attention. As the first season begins, Elizabeth is a young princess in her mid 20's: her marriage to Prince Philip who is aThe Crown is an impressive period drama about British royal family, charting one of the world's most famous families through Elizabeth Ⅱ’s post war reign. After Downton Abbey remains its biggest hit, it is absolutely certain that The Crown also attracts people's attention. As the first season begins, Elizabeth is a young princess in her mid 20's: her marriage to Prince Philip who is a descendant of royal family of Greece. her father King George Ⅵ is already ill with lung cancer and in the first scene that blood he coughing up suggests his ominous future.Claire Foy 's performance as Queen is outstanding. Jared Harris who acts King George Ⅵ is also amazing, expressing full of agony and genuine love to his daughters. Background music and sound effects are absolutely gripping. On the last scene of the episode 1, the sound of gunfire in a gloomy, dark lake seems to be some kinds of portent to the next episode. I am impatiently waiting for watching the next episode. Don't miss it !… Expand
  27. TalulaGrey
    Jan 9, 2017
    5
    I was expecting more story. The visuals are spectacular. The acting is right up there with the best of shows. I honestly thought that I'd learn something about Elizabeth but, I didn't. It seems to me, to be such a huge waste of money because we're not told anything new about her. It's as though they went through every single gossip column and pasted together a story. I was bored andI was expecting more story. The visuals are spectacular. The acting is right up there with the best of shows. I honestly thought that I'd learn something about Elizabeth but, I didn't. It seems to me, to be such a huge waste of money because we're not told anything new about her. It's as though they went through every single gossip column and pasted together a story. I was bored and reminded of how silly it is that we still have a royal family.… Expand
  28. DQ_Slotkins
    Nov 6, 2016
    1
    So, so dull. Numbingly unimaginative and obvious. John Lithgow is a cartoon, but at least he moves his face. Everyone else is stuck in a single wax figure expression. Jared Harris alone show through the cracks in the wax. NEXT!
  29. 998817268
    Dec 11, 2016
    0
    If your name starts with a J, you can wiggle your left ring finger, you have a red shirt on and you can run in a circle the square root of your age times ten, then this is the show for you. If not, you can probably find something better to watch.
  30. NavyBean
    Nov 29, 2017
    4
    BO-RING!

    Uber-rich people having minor problems that are taken care of by other people. Looks nice. Smartly written. Set design is fabulous. What about all the colonialism and the way she treated the Irish? QE is a nothing, she's where she is because of some bloodline that traces back to medieval monsters.
  31. MCkrishna92
    Jan 20, 2017
    0
    I must admit that the articulation of challenges Queen ELIZABTH goes through was ecstatic. It's certainly an uphill task to put forth matters of this great sensitivity over a drama series. The whole series was directed with great care. As far as justifying the acting part goes for the role Claire has done a fantastic job. Despite the brilliant storyline the series was crafted to live up toI must admit that the articulation of challenges Queen ELIZABTH goes through was ecstatic. It's certainly an uphill task to put forth matters of this great sensitivity over a drama series. The whole series was directed with great care. As far as justifying the acting part goes for the role Claire has done a fantastic job. Despite the brilliant storyline the series was crafted to live up to the royality of THE CROWN. As far as review I'm gonna stand a promoter of the series.… Expand
  32. milliusm
    Mar 30, 2017
    0
    The Crown is a very interesting and fun way of learning and watching the British Monarchy through the years, This show accurately depicts Queen Elizabeth and the life she had to grown into at such a young age. Not knowing a lot about British history or the monarchy, I was able to pick up on events that happened before I was even born. This show is a must watch if you want to see beThe Crown is a very interesting and fun way of learning and watching the British Monarchy through the years, This show accurately depicts Queen Elizabeth and the life she had to grown into at such a young age. Not knowing a lot about British history or the monarchy, I was able to pick up on events that happened before I was even born. This show is a must watch if you want to see be entertained and watch a suspenseful show that will make you want to keep watching. This show accurately shows the life of Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth and the family dynamic throughout history. Again, if you want to watch a real show that is very accurate to the set, costumes, and actors and actresses that played in this show, then start The Crown today, you will not regret it!… Expand
  33. Lyn
    Mar 17, 2018
    9
    Turned to this series when "Victoria" finished for the year on PBS. Am really enjoying its approach to historical events, even though I wonder about accuracy at times. (Was the queen mother really so **** Thought she was everyone's favorite.) Discussing the show with a young co-worker, was shocked to learn that she had never heard of Edward VIII's controversy and abdication! Gotta love theTurned to this series when "Victoria" finished for the year on PBS. Am really enjoying its approach to historical events, even though I wonder about accuracy at times. (Was the queen mother really so **** Thought she was everyone's favorite.) Discussing the show with a young co-worker, was shocked to learn that she had never heard of Edward VIII's controversy and abdication! Gotta love the show for doing some teaching for folks like her, mixed in with the melodrama.… Expand
  34. JessicaRobyn
    Apr 20, 2019
    8
    The Crown is beautiful, plain and simple. The acting always felt on point and the way the show is produced reminds me of a big budget film going for the Oscar.
  35. mariariza99
    Jan 12, 2018
    10
    THE CROWN , MUESTRA DE UNA MANERA SORPRENDENTE LO QUE LA MAYORÍA ESPECULA SOBRE LA FAMILIA QUE MAS MIRADAS ACAPARA ALREDEDOR DEL MUNDO DE UNA MANERA MUY SUTIL, DELICADA CON ELEGANCIA ......DEFINITIVAMENTE ES LO QUE MUCHOS ESTÁBAMOS ESPERANDO , ALABO EL TRABAJO QUE HAN ECHO LOS ACTORES COMO CLAIRE FOY, MATT SMITH, VANESSA KIRBY, HARRY HADDEN-PATON Y DE SU CREADOR PETER MORGAN. APOYANDOTHE CROWN , MUESTRA DE UNA MANERA SORPRENDENTE LO QUE LA MAYORÍA ESPECULA SOBRE LA FAMILIA QUE MAS MIRADAS ACAPARA ALREDEDOR DEL MUNDO DE UNA MANERA MUY SUTIL, DELICADA CON ELEGANCIA ......DEFINITIVAMENTE ES LO QUE MUCHOS ESTÁBAMOS ESPERANDO , ALABO EL TRABAJO QUE HAN ECHO LOS ACTORES COMO CLAIRE FOY, MATT SMITH, VANESSA KIRBY, HARRY HADDEN-PATON Y DE SU CREADOR PETER MORGAN. APOYANDO FIELMENTE DESDE EL PRINCIPIO , LA CUAL ESPERO SEGUIR POR MUCHO TIEMPO CON SUS INTERESANTES HISTORIAS… Expand
  36. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    9
    Even if 'The crown' doesn't bring big excitements, the atmosphere create here is overwhelming. some terrific acting and wonderful production.
  37. GrantD243
    Mar 14, 2019
    7
    The Crown features incredible acting, stunning sets, and a real sense of realism. It's only downfall is that the story just isn't very entertaining at times. Some episodes are great, and some are a painful drag.
  38. dairia
    Feb 17, 2019
    7
    the main protagonist the main protagonist has good attitude to addressing sensitive issues and she got all right moves towards challenges
  39. Jagen
    Sep 28, 2022
    10
    Utterly absorbing look at British society through the lens of the monarchy.
  40. ITS_PEDRO
    Sep 25, 2022
    8
    Un poco tarde pero bueno... Esta primer temporada me encanto, la trama, la tension, los conflictos y todo lo de mas me re atrapo. No puedo decir con claridad si fue por la muerte de la reina Isabel o que pero conecte mucho con la serie y los personajes.

    La trama es muy buena y los actores MAS. Ver un poco de la realidad de la familia real te hace pensar en como todos somos humanos al fin    Un poco tarde pero bueno... Esta primer temporada me encanto, la trama, la tension, los conflictos y todo lo de mas me re atrapo. No puedo decir con claridad si fue por la muerte de la reina Isabel o que pero conecte mucho con la serie y los personajes.

    La trama es muy buena y los actores MAS. Ver un poco de la realidad de la familia real te hace pensar en como todos somos humanos al fin y al cabo. Los sets de grabacion y el vestuario son increibles sin duda, captan cada momento perfectamente. La musica tambien le agrega muchisima tension a cada escena y las actuaciones son muy buenas. Lo unico que me paso es que me aburrio en algunas partes que hablaban mucho de politica y algunas tramas como la vida de la secretaria del primer Ministro (aunque entiendo que se la hicieron por el drama).

    Sin duda quiero seguir viendo la serie y espero que cada vez sea mas asombrosa de lo que ya es. No puedo esperar a ver a Diana en la pantalla y entender que pasaba dentro de la familia. Ahora que murio la reina segurmanete tengan mucho contenido para contarnos y voy a estar atento a todo.    … Expand
  41. Fra101
    Nov 30, 2020
    10
    Amazing actors, well written, I can't watch two episodes on the same day because all episodes are really deep in themes, love this show.
  42. KJ_20
    Nov 13, 2022
    10
    Its grand, opulent and superbly acted. Season one of The Crown, gives a fair dramatisation to the royal family, with a minute balance of emotional appeals, scandals and a prevalent sense of duty that is sternly and strongly reflected it the script and dialogue.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best TV Season of 2016
27
#27 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
54
#54 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Mitchel Broussard
    Nov 8, 2016
    70
    The show, in its best moments, is a perfect mix of pristine elegance and soap opera schlock, all while finding ways to string along its bingeing Netflix subjects through to the next slowly unfurling royal crisis.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Nov 7, 2016
    80
    The Crown struggles at times, but there’s something within it — a slumbering beast, deep beneath its waves, just waiting to surface. You catch glimpses of it here and there--when Elizabeth betrays someone in the name of the crown, especially--and those glimpses are enough to animate this first season.
    Read full review
  3. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Nov 4, 2016
    83
    Like the subject it so lovingly examines, The Crown feels like an antique to be admired, even if its greater purpose becomes less clear with each passing hour.
    Read full review
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