I binge it in ONE day which was a accomplishment because the episodes each were all very long but I absolutely love it. Ellie Fanning was just amazing as Catherine. She was able to make a character who is set so far in the past feel so Modern to our time with the issues and struggles she face and Nicholas Holt killed it as Peter. He actually got me to kinda like Peter (just a little). I just can’t wait to see what they are going to do for season 2 because season 1 cover the biggest historical-ish events.
Right, I love that they're openly admitting that the ideas came from history, but are not actually accurate. It's the opposite of Reign. I loved reign but it was inspired by Mary queen of scots at best.
Sorry, zombie post! But yeah, it's historical fiction. It'd be like saying, "But... but... Brad Pitt didn't kill Goering! Inglorious Basterds is a lie!" It's theater, not a documentary. It's a what-if scenario. *sigh* Some people don't understand what fabrication is, historical fiction. It's not presented as a history, it's a drama. Do they think *ANYTHING* in Shakespeare's works were any more real than The Avengers? X-Men? Batman? Aesop's fables? The Brothers Grimm? Calvin and Hobbes? It's allegory, parallels, but with a side swing. Sorry, got a tad wordy. I just get a bit miffed when people treat entertainment as history. As if Dracula was real. Okay, not miffed, I don't have anger in my emotional vocabulary. I'll deem it, amused, but also disappointed. I think that fits better.
To the people who complain about them speaking with English accents, what are they supposed to do? Speak with stereotypical, terribly executed Russian accents? (And a German accent for Catherine?) Or should they be speaking Russian (and French, since they are in the court) with English subtitles, and immediately put off english speaking viewers? I personally watch plenty of shows with subtitles, but idk why ya’ll are complaining
Not only that, but with a "German" accent based on the 18th Century or an "English" accent at the same time? Even in the relatively closer 'Downton Abby' series to our modern time, their accent was not the English accent of the upper class nobility.
Shanoriya Robinson Honestly, I would prefer that. But seeing as this is clearly catered to a more Western audience, I guess it’s makes sense that they chose western actors
I get what you mean it’s just weird lol like sometimes I forget its Russia but the shows a satire so (if the borgias could get away with it why not this show)
Just want to remind everyone that the title screen of every single episode includes this: *Occasionally Accurate. This show isn’t supposed to be accurate to history, sure it is taking real historical events and people and presenting it to us. Catherine’s coup wasn’t within the first few years of her marriage but around a good 20 years into it, they did this on purpose. It’s more of a parody of other historical dramas and in a way directs people to actually learn about Catherine the Great.
that should be included in any historical movies or tv shows, there is way too many people who will believe in everything they saw and won't bother with doing research,
People are confused about why they are speaking English with accent, but then people are not willing to watch shows with subtitles.....soooo I'll take my Elle Fanning/ Nicholas Hoult show I thoroughly enjoyed. ( I enjoy subtitled movies/shows too)
The show makes it clear that theyre not trying to tell the story in an accurate way. It's a comedic TV show. Loosely inspired and "occasionally true". We cant always tell history from an accurate perspective. I think there's art in using history to create a funny story. And at least the show fully owns up to it. From the first 5 minutes it makes that clear with its crass and period-inaccurate dialogue. I personally love this show.
I didn’t view this as if they were trying to prove that the show was not factual. To me the video was made to just give simple facts for curious minds.
@@HexesfromTexas oh no i didnt mean to say that the video is criticizing the accuracy of the show. Like you said, i'm aware they're simply what exactly the show actually did factually correct, for funzies
You forgot the following: Aunt Elizabeth was Regnant Empress before Peter III but named him as his heir, so obviously she was already dead. Orlo is a real character and helped plan the coup, but he was also one of Catherine's purported lovers.
For a fact: Peter the III hated russian people and called them wild all the time, + he barely spoked in russian because before he turned 14 he lived with his father's family in other country. But, the Ekaterina the Great loved russian people, she was inspired by them and their culture,+ she spoked very clearly in russian with the most lightest accent(that was one of the the reason why common folk liked her, they had an inner respect towards her). She was more russian than Peter the III ever was. And if we will talk about their relationship ... Well, it's kind of like in the show, it was also complicated, but in the and of the day Ekaterina remembers him as a good friend, the one who has been honest to her(she very respected that) and by the way they had an open relationship, so they were an interesting duo, kind of.
Peter the III wanted a War against Danemark to give It to Prussia, and become a vassal of Friedrich II because he was German . He belived in a re-unification in 1700. He was more nationalist than the Germans nowdays ...
Incorrect. Peter III was not a big reformer. He was Tsar for under one year, come on. He prematurely ended a war with his hero Frederick the great of Prussia, to the detriment of the Russian Empire , and did a lot of stupid things during his reign.
His internal politics were quite reformatory for the time, despite only 6 month reign. He freed the nobles from the service, dismantled secret police, started secularization, made economy more liberal, etc. Foreign politics were more questionable, but were his further plans successful, he wouldn't be blamed so much. Catherine and her advisors continued his rapprochement with Frederick's Prussia and never disputed the peace he signed.
R00siable yes but he was childish and like to go party with the French (true story) he was crashing the economy he gave up the seven year war he also was abusive and hate her enlightenment
@@birdiewolf3497 First off, no he didn't and I still stand by that. Second, this is a year old comment, shut up, no one cares anymore. And third, I'm blocking you so I don't have you commenting on my other year old comments.
That joke was about her death... that a hoarse f her to death.... it was a rumour created and spread after her death. She actually died from a stroke at age 67 at the palace.
Guys please don’t get mad at Msmojo. I think it’s just pointing out the historical rights and wrongs for fun. Not for judgement. It quotes “An Occasionally True Story” which is in the title screen of every episode.
At least they acknowledge the historical inaccuracy by saying “an occasionally true story” in the title. Other shows barely do *reign* .This is mainly a fantasy show but is based on real life people.
The change I found interesting was the "coup" at the end of the first season. In real life, Catherine's coup was essentially bloodless (sans Peter, of course), but here they actually went down the bloody route when it really didn't seem necessary. It was still a good show and I can't wait for the next season, I just thought it was odd.
It was bloodless mostly because of Peter, who was indecisive and decided not to fight(though he had his Holstein guard ready for it). He basically gave up and just asked to be allowed to return to his home country Holstein with his close friends. Peter in this TV series wouldn't act like this, he is much more proactive. So I guess they just decided to spice things up.
Favorite quote from the show: “they’re like little pandas trapped in a barrel, and they all have knives and they cut each-other up” “rather than using the knives to cut open the barrel and run free”
The idea that Peter III was a progressive ruler is based on a single newer account that isn't seen as very accurate, but who's position was unfortunately completely adopted by his wikipedia page. Most historians account him as an overgrown child of a ruler who just kind of signed whatever what was 8n front of him, and any progressive policies by him were merly due to his personal obsession with Prussia/ central European culture
I'm sorry, but I find Leo and his relationship with Catherine boring. I'm not sure if it's me or just that the actors have little to no chemistry. Peter is clearly sinister, childish, and annoying. But he's entertaining and the cat and mouse game him and Catherine play is waayyyy more entertaining to watch. Also maybe it's that both those actors were in Skins and the characters they played gave me the same exact vibe. Tony was interesting, Matty was kind of clingy and annoying.
It should be added that while Peter was a mainline Romanov, Peter III was a matrilineal grandson and actually of House Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov of the Oldenburg Dynasty, born and raised in Northern Germany, and commonly regarding himself as a German prince.
Indeed. Peter in fact hated Russia and admired Frederick the great of Prussia. Even going as far as surrendering Russia to Frederick, which displeased the Russian army generals who later overthrew him.
i know this is an old comment but i just wanted to say the reason it’s speculated that peter III died of hemorrhoids is because Catherine had people spread several official documents saying peter died in different ways so the public wouldn’t accuse her of killing them. one being hemorrhoids another being small pox.
I love that they included facts and fiction, but it doesn't make a bit of difference cuz this show is simply witty and a fckin riot to watch, I cannot wait to see what happens in Season 2, geshh hurry up Hulu I'm losing my patience! lol
From Marie Antoinette to Hamilton, this sugar coated history lesson comedy drama genre is really catching on. Edutainment. Despite the obvious dramatization for added effect.
I agree, and it is very depressing trend. History is so amazing, and these series present such a distorted, but pleasing, image.... it's kind of post-modern, though, and fitting for our time of fake news and conspiracy theories and beliefs turned into facts.
@@mahel2002 People hopefully understand that it is presented as a SHOW, not historical fact, and historical fiction shows have been around for quite some time, it’s not a recent trend. Many people who watch historical fiction get intrigued and seek out actual history, which is only a plus.
@@mahel2002 I see the show as an introduction to do the research myself. I'm always on the phone while watching Googling questions like "did Peter shot Catherine's bear?", "was Catherine inoculated?", "have Catherine fucked a horse", "who was Aunt Elizabeth of Peter Catherine the Great"... And the list goes on.
@@augustooliveira518 that's a good thing that is coming out of the show, then, if it makes you want to find out more while watching. I still would have preferred either an entirely fictional show based on the real characters (a bit like Game of Thrones being partly based on War of the Roses), or a show that would try to be closer to the facts, but I am not the maker of the show and (clearly) not among its intended audience. If it entertains and makes people learn, that's good, and I hope that you find it enjoyable! :)
I’m so glad Leo wasn’t real. It was so sad at the end. But I’m sure in real life Catherine had to make other hard decisions. Interesting that they chose someone shorter than Catherine to play Leo. it makes it feel like Catherine is the boss even though she is pretty, a women, and in love with him. I still cried though. I wish Catherine had a better costumes at the end tho. It looked too modern and sharp, but maybe that was the point cause she wanted that day to be the start of modernizing Russia. Great show.
This show is truly one of a kind. So funny and yet so dark. First season was great, however, it only got getter from there. I loved the evolution of Peter's character and Nicholas Hoult totally killed it with every scene. Elle Fanning especially shined in season 3, Katherine must have been such a difficult role to play. Respect, truly ❤
No.1 thing they got wrong was that Catherine wasn't an attractive slender beauty as depicted in the show. And the show depicts that Peter later becomes infatuated by her. The infatuation which might not be true. If she were as attractive as depicted that might've changed the real Peter's opinion of her, and their subsequent relationship.
Why was Ivan VI left out of this top 10 list? He was a real person, a real tsar and was also overthrown by a distant aunt/cousin. He was eventually executed by Cathrine the Great when he was in his early 20s and lived under solitary confinement most of his life.
I really enjoyed this series but used the show’s confession of taking liberties with the history of Catherine’s ascent to the throne, and my own curiosity to learn more about her. There’s tons of factual information out there if you care to look for it. This is how you figure out true history my fellow citizens 🇺🇸. But too many of us consider ourselves 🙃superior in intelectual and already know this, right? 😏 BTW Catherine was so gangsta 😎 that she’s the last Russian monarch to be tagged “The Great”, and a decree banning women from ascending to the Russian throne was made after her death. That’s one hell of a feminist mic 🎤 drop.
Catherine didn't really like women or their company much, she even preferred her grandsons to her granddaughters. Idk if you can consider her feminist.
@@R00siable yeah, if she's on her right mind she wouldn't want his son to reign just to destroy her works. his son paul is so much like peter. she's just greedy and manipulative
What's also interesting is that Catherine the great was just one of SEVERAL Empresses and powerful female rulers in Russia just from that century. The story of Catherine I, the second wife of Peter the Great, the peasant who very unexpectedly became a queen, is, in some ways, an even more bizarre and exciting story. Peter the Great's older half-sister Sophia is long overdue for a novel telling her side of the story. Russian history is so crazy, it's great!
It's funny that this series portray Catherine as a progressive when it's more accuate to portray her as a reformer. She's not interested in progressive ideals, she was interested in making Russia a great empire. Ironically it was Peter who seems to be more progressinve between the two, that is adapting Western European policies.
@cristina Banuelos Why are you asking under every comment what this show is about? Did you actually watch the video? Just watch it and use Google if you have any further questions. Or just watch the show
I love this show so much and I am kinda sad that they didn't have Elizabeth as regent when she and Peter met...just so we could have shenanigans with Catharine escaping her mother's politicking to gain favor in the Prussian court, and Elizabeth and Fredrick the Great being besties and vetting Catherine before she came to Russia. I am crossing my fingers that Old Fritz will make an appearance at some point in this show. I would love to see The Great's take on him. Another big one I thought would be on the list: Peter was also German, was the heir presumptive to both Finland and Sweden before Empress Elizabeth named him her heir. He didn't speak Russian, was Lutheran, and obviously did not embrace the Russian culture as Catherine did which is part of the reason why Catherine also became so beloved and was able to successfully overthrow him. Another big one: Catherine's name was Sophia before her conversion to Russian Orthodoxy.
I learned my history well. This TV show is a comedy where there is no truth except names. Amusing absurd and that's all. Like in 2nd season of Miracle Workers.
Peter III was NOT the son of Peter the Great - this was the one that got so annoying every time they mentioned it ;) It's my historian self. Still loved the show!!!
TV Peter's mother wasn't "borderline abusive" but just plain abusive. She stuck him with pins and locked him up alone for long periods until he was near psychotic and constantly put him down and called him cruel names. She was pretty much full Joan Crawford.
Hmmm... having recently finished reading a biography on Catherine the Great it sounds like they changed a lot of details that didn't need to be changed. Her strained start of her marriage under the eyes of the Empress at the time was actually a more dramatic story. Oh well.
This show, which in fact is a well-made spectacle - a showcase for the talents of the writers, the directors and the brilliant actors of course, - has Nothing to do with the real History - of Russia or anyone else mentioned - like Voltaire, who never set his foot in Russia. It does has some details (like the empress adopted name) right - just like the broken clock shows the right time - twice a day! :) Please do enjoy the show - like I do, but please - NEVER use Hollywood productions (or any cinematic productions for that matter) as a source of reality - neither of History nor of human romantic relationships :)
with History channel only showing Aliens nowadays, shows like this are the escapes to learn some Histories even only in spirit ( as it is *Occasionally True* ) as TikTok gen will never ever touch books again as you can clearly see around you
Elizabeth was already dead during Catherine & Peter's marriage and Grigori Orlov is her true love but the writers turned him into two different characters (Grigor and Orlo)
I thought it was hysterical that Elle is an American, putting on a English accent (very well, btw) to portraying a Prussian woman living in Russia. If they weren't going to bother trying to have accurate accents, why not just let her speak with her normal voice?
I think we can all agree that a british accent sounds more elegant than a german or russian one. I'm german myself and I really wouldn't want to listen to german accents for 10 episodes straight... Besides, I'm assuming people of the court would've been trained to speak foreign languages as flawlessly as possible anyway. So, although I do not have the knowledge to actually back that up, I do think it's plausible that an empress would've tried to speak the Queen's english rather than a "bad" accent-infused english.
the auto-genertated subtitles came up with "they just needed me inb the hall!", which I was pretty sure wasn't right, so I replayed the segment 3 times and then suddenly got it 😆😆😆😆😆😆
It wasn't meant to get everything right, and that's why it's hilarious. They've pulled off the Victorian era with a hilarious addition of modernism and stuff. It's great
@@chingizzhylkybayev8575 His Holstein heritage was influencing his way of thinking too much, he was obsessed with getting his ancestors' lands back from Denmark, etc. For Catherine it was easier.
The problem with historical adaptations is that we don’t know what is true about the person or period that the media is based on because what is heard about the person or time period is based on peoples interpretation. So anything what people say on that person or time period is just hear say. We don’t know what happened ourselves because we weren’t there which is another problem.
OK let's be honest, if they would make the same comedy show about history of ppl of colour they would be cancelled. As a russian I can't watch it cuz I feel a lot of jokes could be made if they would use actual historical events, culture, real characters of those royalties and they even could use conspiracy theories abt history. But I don't really feel any russian spirit in this show
As a Russian and a history nerd, I'm scarred for life by this absurdity. It's not an occasionally true story, it's a poor taste slapstick comedy. She was one of the most tragic and successful female rulers in the history of the world and this what they've done to her story, while the OG dumb blond Marie-Antoinette enjoys a number of decent movies. Great job (but not really).
I realised this video came out 2 years ago so the tv show has gotten better recently dw, but it was never going to be 100% accurate that wasn't its aim
I thought it was quite funny that she was from Germany and they were from Russia yet they all spoke with an English accent until the French guy came in and he actually had a French accent. So why did they not make them have a German or a Russian accent.
I kind of don't understand why shows do this. There is plenty of fascinating drama in real life history without fabricating all this stuff. Do a historical drama then and don't base it on real people. How many people think the Tudors show accurately depicts what really happened? Will people look at this and say "Yes, that's what happened to Catherine the Great"? I'd love for a show to accurately portray history. That being said, the costumes are absolutely stunning. And considering what a proponent Catherine was of Enlightenment France, very in keeping with her character.
Ekatarina had a stroke on her commode and she was 96 years old and she died in 1797 and she was the longest ruling monarch to sit on the throne I’m sure if that rumor was truly going around she would have made an example of the person that had started it as she did in that show yet more sever and Peter was going to kill Ekaterina Peter was an idiot and he loved everything Prussian Gregory Orloff killed petter the 3rd with the help of his brothers he was strangled and ekaterina had it put in the papers he died of hemroyds that’s why vaulter never went to Russia since he had them Ekaterina was the greatest empress that country has ever had she only lost 1 battle out of 97 or 98 I think 🤔
She was 67 when she died not 96 and it was in 1796 ! (check on Wiki) she ruled 34 years on Russia .. Louis XIV ruled over 72 years on France .... I suppose you meant "the longest ruling monarch to sit on the throne" for Russia right ?! Ivan IV of Russia ruled over 50 years over the country...
Dear Emily, btw, Russia had an *imperial* family not a ''royal'' one, imperial due to Russia's status as an empire unlike that of the British 'royal' family today and when the Great is set. Basically ''imperial is an empire, royal is (generally) a Kingdom.
I enjoyed the series, but really wish they wouldn't change the facts so drastically. Sadly, some who watch shows like this and Reign will never bother to find out the real story and just believe what they see is what really happened. I think history is fascinating as it is, why not portray it accurately?
I am sure that a lot of people will try to find out the real story, i spent hours on wikipedia reading about everything after watching the series. I might not have read full books but at least now i have an idea.
Definitely not, you wont have to worry because the story was incredibly obvious with it even if I didn't see "Occasionally true story" I still would have known it wasn't exactly how it went. And a lot of people read up on what really happened after watching it cuz it added on to the story and others wanted some things to stay true also cuz some of the actual events were pretty cool.
@@paseykilo5788 It was incredibly obvious to someone interested in history maybe. Those people have a basis to go from,but if you are somebody who doesn't know anything about this period in history it may have been obvious. I would hope it would spark people to delve into the real story, bit my point was simply that many would not and would take it at face value. I think that's a shame because the real story is just as interesting.
@@Trysmiling For allegedly feminist shows like The Great and Reign, they seem to go out of their way turning fascinating strong and complex female rulers into caricatures or typical "good girl"/"bad girl" archetypes, or leaving out what made these women so great in the first place. The Great completely ignores Empress Elizabeth (just one of SEVERAL empresses from that century), who was in charge before Peter, and who Catherine, in real life, struggled with early in her marriage. Reign: Constantly tells the audience how tough and intelligent the three lead queens are...yet continually makes them look like idiots, ignores political context, and basic history, and in exchange gave us...love triangles (ugh), repetitive plot lines, and lots of gory deaths just for the sake of shock value. There's something really arrogant about how writers decide that "their story" is better than history because "history is boring." If history is so "boring", then these writers need to make up their own characters instead of piggy-backing off famous historical figures in order to get their show picked up and put on the air. Wow, I did not mean to write a comment this long. I'm a huge history nerd, can you tell?
I wish they wouldn't have based it on Catherine the Great at all, and used this script for original characters. I think it would've been better. But then again, I think that the true story would've made for a more interesting series anyways. Not the worst thing I've watched, but it was still really lacking...
Have you watched The Great? What did you think? Let us know your thoughts below!
_didn't know it existed so no-_
Not yet but I was planning to
I don't have Hulu.
I binge it in ONE day which was a accomplishment because the episodes each were all very long but I absolutely love it. Ellie Fanning was just amazing as Catherine. She was able to make a character who is set so far in the past feel so Modern to our time with the issues and struggles she face and Nicholas Holt killed it as Peter. He actually got me to kinda like Peter (just a little). I just can’t wait to see what they are going to do for season 2 because season 1 cover the biggest historical-ish events.
Just finished the series over the weekend and I loved it... Hoping there's a season 2!
Well, it does say in the title screen. "An OCCASIONALLY true story"
Yeah, like always
I just find the actual history a more dramatic and cool story
Yes they said it was not factual lol
Right, I love that they're openly admitting that the ideas came from history, but are not actually accurate. It's the opposite of Reign. I loved reign but it was inspired by Mary queen of scots at best.
Sorry, zombie post! But yeah, it's historical fiction. It'd be like saying, "But... but... Brad Pitt didn't kill Goering! Inglorious Basterds is a lie!" It's theater, not a documentary. It's a what-if scenario. *sigh* Some people don't understand what fabrication is, historical fiction. It's not presented as a history, it's a drama. Do they think *ANYTHING* in Shakespeare's works were any more real than The Avengers? X-Men? Batman? Aesop's fables? The Brothers Grimm? Calvin and Hobbes?
It's allegory, parallels, but with a side swing.
Sorry, got a tad wordy. I just get a bit miffed when people treat entertainment as history. As if Dracula was real. Okay, not miffed, I don't have anger in my emotional vocabulary. I'll deem it, amused, but also disappointed. I think that fits better.
Peter the 3rd wasn't assassinated he just died very very conveniently. 😂
Great video about
Catherine The Great
Time 5:53PM Wed 6/10/20
Much like Jeffrey Epstein. :)
Death by snu snu.
@@neddyconstant5816 What?
super easy, barely an incovenience
To the people who complain about them speaking with English accents, what are they supposed to do? Speak with stereotypical, terribly executed Russian accents? (And a German accent for Catherine?) Or should they be speaking Russian (and French, since they are in the court) with English subtitles, and immediately put off english speaking viewers?
I personally watch plenty of shows with subtitles, but idk why ya’ll are complaining
Not only that, but with a "German" accent based on the 18th Century or an "English" accent at the same time?
Even in the relatively closer 'Downton Abby' series to our modern time, their accent was not the English accent of the upper class nobility.
Wouldn’t it be a much better idea to just cast Russians instead😐
Shanoriya Robinson Honestly, I would prefer that.
But seeing as this is clearly catered to a more Western audience, I guess it’s makes sense that they chose western actors
@@shanoriya
The Emperor and Empress aren't actually Russian, though.
I get what you mean it’s just weird lol like sometimes I forget its Russia but the shows a satire so (if the borgias could get away with it why not this show)
Just want to remind everyone that the title screen of every single episode includes this: *Occasionally Accurate. This show isn’t supposed to be accurate to history, sure it is taking real historical events and people and presenting it to us. Catherine’s coup wasn’t within the first few years of her marriage but around a good 20 years into it, they did this on purpose. It’s more of a parody of other historical dramas and in a way directs people to actually learn about Catherine the Great.
Exactly. It's like a satire and no need to be fact-checked so hard like this.
Exactly and I loved the show btw. Amazing actors and I even like Peter at the end of the season lol
that should be included in any historical movies or tv shows, there is way too many people who will believe in everything they saw and won't bother with doing research,
@hammertapping source?
Since that is stated so plainly in the title card of every episode, I don't care. If it didn't say that, it would be a problem.
People are confused about why they are speaking English with accent, but then people are not willing to watch shows with subtitles.....soooo I'll take my Elle Fanning/ Nicholas Hoult show I thoroughly enjoyed. ( I enjoy subtitled movies/shows too)
EXACTLY. People always find something to complain about
why not American accent tho
I swear to god this their accents make this show so much funnier
@@SuchingYan lmfao American accents would ruin every period drama no offence
ANGLOPHONES aren't willing to watch a show with subtitles. Everyone else is perfectly fine doing so.
The show makes it clear that theyre not trying to tell the story in an accurate way. It's a comedic TV show. Loosely inspired and "occasionally true". We cant always tell history from an accurate perspective. I think there's art in using history to create a funny story. And at least the show fully owns up to it. From the first 5 minutes it makes that clear with its crass and period-inaccurate dialogue. I personally love this show.
I didn’t view this as if they were trying to prove that the show was not factual. To me the video was made to just give simple facts for curious minds.
@@HexesfromTexas oh no i didnt mean to say that the video is criticizing the accuracy of the show. Like you said, i'm aware they're simply what exactly the show actually did factually correct, for funzies
sometimes it even changes to an occasionally untrue story :)
You forgot the following: Aunt Elizabeth was Regnant Empress before Peter III but named him as his heir, so obviously she was already dead. Orlo is a real character and helped plan the coup, but he was also one of Catherine's purported lovers.
Peter and Catherine were married in 1745. Empress Elizabeth died only in 1762.
For a fact: Peter the III hated russian people and called them wild all the time, + he barely spoked in russian because before he turned 14 he lived with his father's family in other country.
But, the Ekaterina the Great loved russian people, she was inspired by them and their culture,+ she spoked very clearly in russian with the most lightest accent(that was one of the the reason why common folk liked her, they had an inner respect towards her). She was more russian than Peter the III ever was.
And if we will talk about their relationship ... Well, it's kind of like in the show, it was also complicated, but in the and of the day Ekaterina remembers him as a good friend, the one who has been honest to her(she very respected that) and by the way they had an open relationship, so they were an interesting duo, kind of.
Peter the III wanted a War against Danemark to give It to Prussia, and become a vassal of Friedrich II because he was German . He belived in a re-unification in 1700. He was more nationalist than the Germans nowdays ...
all of royalty despised the Russian people who were a sef class. French was the predominate language spoken at court.
When you meet a person at 10 and then think that person is to “childish” that says ALOT
"Alot" is not a word. Neither is "alittle". You're welcome.
@@stevehay964 go play in traffic. You should give those words a try. You're welcome 😉
I'm surprised kooky Aunt Elizabeth actually being an Empress Regnant didn't make the list
The show is dark and hilarious and I don't think anyone is watching it for any sort of historical accuracy.
Incorrect. Peter III was not a big reformer. He was Tsar for under one year, come on. He prematurely ended a war with his hero Frederick the great of Prussia, to the detriment of the Russian Empire , and did a lot of stupid things during his reign.
Trusting his wife was a pretty stupid thing.
His internal politics were quite reformatory for the time, despite only 6 month reign. He freed the nobles from the service, dismantled secret police, started secularization, made economy more liberal, etc. Foreign politics were more questionable, but were his further plans successful, he wouldn't be blamed so much. Catherine and her advisors continued his rapprochement with Frederick's Prussia and never disputed the peace he signed.
R00siable yes but he was childish and like to go party with the French (true story) he was crashing the economy he gave up the seven year war he also was abusive and hate her enlightenment
@@astrocat1016 Source? Or was it in the show?
Peter III also banned the killing of serfs by their masters. Which was a step in the right direction.
No he did not, what source did you find that from?
@@pearcewentz178 Yes he did.
@@birdiewolf3497 First off, no he didn't and I still stand by that. Second, this is a year old comment, shut up, no one cares anymore. And third, I'm blocking you so I don't have you commenting on my other year old comments.
@@pearcewentz178 triggered
@@pearcewentz178please I care,I want to know more I'm being taught Russian history in the 19th century,any recommendations?😭🤲🏾
Bloody addicted to this show. Huzzah!
im addicted too its so weird
We all are . Huzzah!
@@NeedleWorkerMore still waiting for a new season!
'Ekaterina' is spot on about Catherine the great.
@cristina Banuelos "Ekaterina" is a russian period drama.
Nah, the actress is too beautiful and doesn't age, noone wears wigs, etc.
@@shaad6824 ekaterina is catherine the great
Ironically, the horse rumor was the one thing about Catherine I never even heard of
That joke was about her death... that a hoarse f her to death.... it was a rumour created and spread after her death. She actually died from a stroke at age 67 at the palace.
You are comparing a portrait of Catherine in her seventies to the actress. Unfair!
At least a portrait of Catherine with the age the actress portraits
yeah the real catherine is brunette
Guys please don’t get mad at Msmojo. I think it’s just pointing out the historical rights and wrongs for fun. Not for judgement. It quotes “An Occasionally True Story” which is in the title screen of every episode.
At least they acknowledge the historical inaccuracy by saying “an occasionally true story” in the title. Other shows barely do *reign* .This is mainly a fantasy show but is based on real life people.
Almost not even occasionally, but hey, at least they got some of their names right, cheers to that.
Very funny and enjoyable show.
The change I found interesting was the "coup" at the end of the first season. In real life, Catherine's coup was essentially bloodless (sans Peter, of course), but here they actually went down the bloody route when it really didn't seem necessary. It was still a good show and I can't wait for the next season, I just thought it was odd.
It was bloodless mostly because of Peter, who was indecisive and decided not to fight(though he had his Holstein guard ready for it). He basically gave up and just asked to be allowed to return to his home country Holstein with his close friends. Peter in this TV series wouldn't act like this, he is much more proactive. So I guess they just decided to spice things up.
Favorite quote from the show: “they’re like little pandas trapped in a barrel, and they all have knives and they cut each-other up” “rather than using the knives to cut open the barrel and run free”
The idea that Peter III was a progressive ruler is based on a single newer account that isn't seen as very accurate, but who's position was unfortunately completely adopted by his wikipedia page. Most historians account him as an overgrown child of a ruler who just kind of signed whatever what was 8n front of him, and any progressive policies by him were merly due to his personal obsession with Prussia/ central European culture
I'm sorry, but I find Leo and his relationship with Catherine boring. I'm not sure if it's me or just that the actors have little to no chemistry. Peter is clearly sinister, childish, and annoying. But he's entertaining and the cat and mouse game him and Catherine play is waayyyy more entertaining to watch. Also maybe it's that both those actors were in Skins and the characters they played gave me the same exact vibe. Tony was interesting, Matty was kind of clingy and annoying.
Uhm only Peter from the show was in skins.. not sure which other actor youre referring to as to being in skins.
I think the actor who played Leo also played Matty on skins?
@@wendymarie2922
He was Lucrezia's lover in "The Borgias" too
It should be added that while Peter was a mainline Romanov, Peter III was a matrilineal grandson and actually of House Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov of the Oldenburg Dynasty, born and raised in Northern Germany, and commonly regarding himself as a German prince.
Indeed. Peter in fact hated Russia and admired Frederick the great of Prussia. Even going as far as surrendering Russia to Frederick, which displeased the Russian army generals who later overthrew him.
8:01 The "official" cause of death for Czar Peter was hemorrhoids.
I don't think so. After she takes the throne, he dies immediately. One Event leads to the another.
i know this is an old comment but i just wanted to say the reason it’s speculated that peter III died of hemorrhoids is because Catherine had people spread several official documents saying peter died in different ways so the public wouldn’t accuse her of killing them. one being hemorrhoids another being small pox.
@@EpicJulee thank you for this,but please is this historically accurate??
I reluctantly tuned to the show but got hooked on to it. Mostly for the subtle raunchy comedy
I love that they included facts and fiction, but it doesn't make a bit of difference cuz this show is simply witty and a fckin riot to watch, I cannot wait to see what happens in Season 2, geshh hurry up Hulu I'm losing my patience! lol
I kinda wish it was more historically accurate, idk I think it would be really interesting seeing the evil police stuff and opening two schools.
what i did was read Catherine's autobiography. She was fascinating.
From Marie Antoinette to Hamilton, this sugar coated history lesson comedy drama genre is really catching on. Edutainment. Despite the obvious dramatization for added effect.
I agree, and it is very depressing trend. History is so amazing, and these series present such a distorted, but pleasing, image.... it's kind of post-modern, though, and fitting for our time of fake news and conspiracy theories and beliefs turned into facts.
@@mahel2002 People hopefully understand that it is presented as a SHOW, not historical fact, and historical fiction shows have been around for quite some time, it’s not a recent trend. Many people who watch historical fiction get intrigued and seek out actual history, which is only a plus.
@@agalo3631 I do hope people read up on the history after watching this.
@@mahel2002 I see the show as an introduction to do the research myself. I'm always on the phone while watching Googling questions like "did Peter shot Catherine's bear?", "was Catherine inoculated?", "have Catherine fucked a horse", "who was Aunt Elizabeth of Peter Catherine the Great"...
And the list goes on.
@@augustooliveira518 that's a good thing that is coming out of the show, then, if it makes you want to find out more while watching. I still would have preferred either an entirely fictional show based on the real characters (a bit like Game of Thrones being partly based on War of the Roses), or a show that would try to be closer to the facts, but I am not the maker of the show and (clearly) not among its intended audience. If it entertains and makes people learn, that's good, and I hope that you find it enjoyable! :)
I’m so glad Leo wasn’t real. It was so sad at the end. But I’m sure in real life Catherine had to make other hard decisions. Interesting that they chose someone shorter than Catherine to play Leo. it makes it feel like Catherine is the boss even though she is pretty, a women, and in love with him. I still cried though. I wish Catherine had a better costumes at the end tho. It looked too modern and sharp, but maybe that was the point cause she wanted that day to be the start of modernizing Russia. Great show.
This show is truly one of a kind. So funny and yet so dark. First season was great, however, it only got getter from there. I loved the evolution of Peter's character and Nicholas Hoult totally killed it with every scene. Elle Fanning especially shined in season 3, Katherine must have been such a difficult role to play. Respect, truly ❤
no one is watching The Great and thinking "ah yes this absolutely happened no doubt in my mind. 100% factual"
No.1 thing they got wrong was that Catherine wasn't an attractive slender beauty as depicted in the show. And the show depicts that Peter later becomes infatuated by her. The infatuation which might not be true. If she were as attractive as depicted that might've changed the real Peter's opinion of her, and their subsequent relationship.
Peter eventually falls, not for her looks, but for her support in making wise decisions and understanding him
Why was Ivan VI left out of this top 10 list? He was a real person, a real tsar and was also overthrown by a distant aunt/cousin. He was eventually executed by Cathrine the Great when he was in his early 20s and lived under solitary confinement most of his life.
Because his character wasnt in the 1st season. This video compares the show and history. Can't be a comparison if the show hasnt shown it yet.
I really enjoyed this series but used the show’s confession of taking liberties with the history of Catherine’s ascent to the throne, and my own curiosity to learn more about her. There’s tons of factual information out there if you care to look for it.
This is how you figure out true history my fellow citizens 🇺🇸. But too many of us consider ourselves 🙃superior in intelectual and already know this, right? 😏
BTW Catherine was so gangsta 😎 that she’s the last Russian monarch to be tagged “The Great”, and a decree banning women from ascending to the Russian throne was made after her death.
That’s one hell of a feminist mic 🎤 drop.
Catherine didn't really like women or their company much, she even preferred her grandsons to her granddaughters. Idk if you can consider her feminist.
@@R00siable yeah, if she's on her right mind she wouldn't want his son to reign just to destroy her works. his son paul is so much like peter. she's just greedy and manipulative
What's also interesting is that Catherine the great was just one of SEVERAL Empresses and powerful female rulers in Russia just from that century. The story of Catherine I, the second wife of Peter the Great, the peasant who very unexpectedly became a queen, is, in some ways, an even more bizarre and exciting story. Peter the Great's older half-sister Sophia is long overdue for a novel telling her side of the story. Russian history is so crazy, it's great!
It's funny that this series portray Catherine as a progressive when it's more accuate to portray her as a reformer. She's not interested in progressive ideals, she was interested in making Russia a great empire. Ironically it was Peter who seems to be more progressinve between the two, that is adapting Western European policies.
I subbed to Prime a few weeks ago and binged this series! Does anyone know when the second season is coming out?
Same! And that's what I wanna know
@cristina Banuelos Why are you asking under every comment what this show is about? Did you actually watch the video? Just watch it and use Google if you have any further questions. Or just watch the show
Hopefully never.
Been months and looks like their preparing it
Just came out
I love this show so much and I am kinda sad that they didn't have Elizabeth as regent when she and Peter met...just so we could have shenanigans with Catharine escaping her mother's politicking to gain favor in the Prussian court, and Elizabeth and Fredrick the Great being besties and vetting Catherine before she came to Russia. I am crossing my fingers that Old Fritz will make an appearance at some point in this show. I would love to see The Great's take on him. Another big one I thought would be on the list: Peter was also German, was the heir presumptive to both Finland and Sweden before Empress Elizabeth named him her heir. He didn't speak Russian, was Lutheran, and obviously did not embrace the Russian culture as Catherine did which is part of the reason why Catherine also became so beloved and was able to successfully overthrow him. Another big one: Catherine's name was Sophia before her conversion to Russian Orthodoxy.
I learned my history well. This TV show is a comedy where there is no truth except names. Amusing absurd and that's all. Like in 2nd season of Miracle Workers.
It scares me that my ancestors used lemons as baiscally condoms 😥
if you are here today, they probably did not
Sheep’s or pigs intestines were actually more commonly used as condoms. The lemon was being used more like a diaphragm/spermicide here.
@@melfree2545 stop ruining me life
Omg how did they do that lmfao
I think everyone is scared even tho my ancestors were forced to have children because of slavery and all 😞
I've been waiting for this video since I watched the show!
Peter III was NOT the son of Peter the Great - this was the one that got so annoying every time they mentioned it ;) It's my historian self. Still loved the show!!!
Yes! It was so annoying. But it was a fun TV show. I'm a European historian, too.
Well it's from Hulu, not from the Discovery or History Channel.
😂😂😂
This show is not historically accurate and this CZcamsr, Ms Mojo regularly gets the so called FACTS WRONG.
Ms Mojo: well yes, but also no
Epic satire! A must-watch!
This show is amazing. Regardless of anything else. We'll worth the watch 10x over
Noticed this has the same setting as The Favorite.
It’s the same writer Tony McNamara
TV Peter's mother wasn't "borderline abusive" but just plain abusive. She stuck him with pins and locked him up alone for long periods until he was near psychotic and constantly put him down and called him cruel names. She was pretty much full Joan Crawford.
"the great got factually right or wrong" what part of the "an occasionally true story" in the main titles didn't you understand?
Not sure who said this but never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Hmmm... having recently finished reading a biography on Catherine the Great it sounds like they changed a lot of details that didn't need to be changed. Her strained start of her marriage under the eyes of the Empress at the time was actually a more dramatic story. Oh well.
The show isn't a drama, it's a comedy and i don't think they set out to be accurate in the first place. It's entertainment.
"Young Catherine", a 1991 film starring Julia Ormond depicts the period between her marriage and the coup much more faithfully.
What book was it? I'd love to read it :)
"based on historical facts... sort of"
This show, which in fact is a well-made spectacle - a showcase for the talents of the writers, the directors and the brilliant actors of course, - has Nothing to do with the real History - of Russia or anyone else mentioned - like Voltaire, who never set his foot in Russia. It does has some details (like the empress adopted name) right - just like the broken clock shows the right time - twice a day! :) Please do enjoy the show - like I do, but please - NEVER use Hollywood productions (or any cinematic productions for that matter) as a source of reality - neither of History nor of human romantic relationships :)
with History channel only showing Aliens nowadays, shows like this are the escapes to learn some Histories even only in spirit ( as it is *Occasionally True* )
as TikTok gen will never ever touch books again as you can clearly see around you
It can be done but Hollywood will not because the childish and cliche fantastical love story is something that guarantees money
Elizabeth was already dead during Catherine & Peter's marriage and Grigori Orlov is her true love but the writers turned him into two different characters (Grigor and Orlo)
If you wanna watch really good TV-series about Ekaterina you can watch Russian.
Agreed! That is if you can find the subtitles, I understand some Russian but like 3 words...
loved that series so much
i binge watched yesterday & loved it
I wish it was more accurate. History is very important and the real story was even more dramatic.
Vronsky was the name of Anna Karenina’s lover. I’m sure it’s a common Russian name though.
How about they gave them English accents when they were Russian and German 🤣
seeing as how the language at court would most likely be French, (local languages were usually dirty peasant language) that's not too glaring an issue
@@dangercats77 exactly ! Catherine the Great was fluent in French.
Film makers use English accents for Americans who can’t understand other accents
I thought it was hysterical that Elle is an American, putting on a English accent (very well, btw) to portraying a Prussian woman living in Russia. If they weren't going to bother trying to have accurate accents, why not just let her speak with her normal voice?
I think we can all agree that a british accent sounds more elegant than a german or russian one.
I'm german myself and I really wouldn't want to listen to german accents for 10 episodes straight...
Besides, I'm assuming people of the court would've been trained to speak foreign languages as flawlessly as possible anyway. So, although I do not have the knowledge to actually back that up, I do think it's plausible that an empress would've tried to speak the Queen's english rather than a "bad" accent-infused english.
"Oh my God... tney just neighed at me in the hall! 😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣!!
the auto-genertated subtitles came up with "they just needed me inb the hall!", which I was pretty sure wasn't right, so I replayed the segment 3 times and then suddenly got it 😆😆😆😆😆😆
It says OCCASIONALLY TRUE in the beginning of every episode and it’s a comedy 🎭 not a docuseries.
Leo was stellar and the lady Marianne my two fav!
If they lied about her life, they had intended to disrespect her from the beginning.
Elizabeth (Peters aunt), was actually Empress before Peter III came to the theone
And both Peter and Catherine was German.
Peter III was a Frederick the Great fanboy. Who was a Prussian who defeated the Russians in several battles. No wonder they killed this nut.
Just finished season 2 brilliant!
Let's count the number of the glasses broken in this series so far.
Huzzah!!!
👇
Because facts are boring. This IS a comedy after all. :)
It wasn't meant to get everything right, and that's why it's hilarious. They've pulled off the Victorian era with a hilarious addition of modernism and stuff. It's great
Victorian era?
@@TukikoTroy Well, Georgian to be exact. I got confused, but still - you get what I mean.
5:12 =His only flaw: His love for his homecountry, Prussia...
Prussia wasn't his home country, duchy of Holstein was.
He was an emperor of Russia for fuck's sake. It doesn't get much more definitive than that when figuring out your loyalties.
His main flaw was his unwillingness to learn and adapt in order to be a better ruler of his country. Catherine, also a born German, did just that.
@@chingizzhylkybayev8575 His Holstein heritage was influencing his way of thinking too much, he was obsessed with getting his ancestors' lands back from Denmark, etc. For Catherine it was easier.
the show was a lot of fun, though not what I normally go towards
If you think this is the alternative history In the alternative universe of our world this is a great show. 🙃🙃🙃
The lemon thing is too 😄
Marial is my absolute favorite. Hands down funniest chick on the show
The problem with historical adaptations is that we don’t know what is true about the person or period that the media is based on because what is heard about the person or time period is based on peoples interpretation. So anything what people say on that person or time period is just hear say. We don’t know what happened ourselves because we weren’t there which is another problem.
OK let's be honest, if they would make the same comedy show about history of ppl of colour they would be cancelled. As a russian I can't watch it cuz I feel a lot of jokes could be made if they would use actual historical events, culture, real characters of those royalties and they even could use conspiracy theories abt history. But I don't really feel any russian spirit in this show
What part of OCCASIONALLY TRUE didn’t click
Peter's a Prussian fanboy and that's how he withdraw his forces from the war, which makes Catherine do the coup
As a Russian and a history nerd, I'm scarred for life by this absurdity. It's not an occasionally true story, it's a poor taste slapstick comedy. She was one of the most tragic and successful female rulers in the history of the world and this what they've done to her story, while the OG dumb blond Marie-Antoinette enjoys a number of decent movies. Great job (but not really).
I love this show. I know nothing is true I still love it.
I realised this video came out 2 years ago so the tv show has gotten better recently dw, but it was never going to be 100% accurate that wasn't its aim
I thought it was quite funny that she was from Germany and they were from Russia yet they all spoke with an English accent until the French guy came in and he actually had a French accent. So why did they not make them have a German or a Russian accent.
I love Elle Fanning 🥰
Would like a video about what Mrs America got right and wrong please!
I love knowing the true story but also everyone should keep in mind that the intro says “the great * occasionally true story”
I kind of don't understand why shows do this. There is plenty of fascinating drama in real life history without fabricating all this stuff. Do a historical drama then and don't base it on real people. How many people think the Tudors show accurately depicts what really happened? Will people look at this and say "Yes, that's what happened to Catherine the Great"? I'd love for a show to accurately portray history.
That being said, the costumes are absolutely stunning. And considering what a proponent Catherine was of Enlightenment France, very in keeping with her character.
I loved Leo 😭 I was so hurt when he died
Ekatarina had a stroke on her commode and she was 96 years old and she died in 1797 and she was the longest ruling monarch to sit on the throne I’m sure if that rumor was truly going around she would have made an example of the person that had started it as she did in that show yet more sever and Peter was going to kill Ekaterina Peter was an idiot and he loved everything Prussian Gregory Orloff killed petter the 3rd with the help of his brothers he was strangled and ekaterina had it put in the papers he died of hemroyds that’s why vaulter never went to Russia since he had them Ekaterina was the greatest empress that country has ever had she only lost 1 battle out of 97 or 98 I think 🤔
She was 67 when she died not 96 and it was in 1796 ! (check on Wiki)
she ruled 34 years on Russia .. Louis XIV ruled over 72 years on France .... I suppose you meant "the longest ruling monarch to sit on the throne" for Russia right ?! Ivan IV of Russia ruled over 50 years over the country...
Dear Emily, btw, Russia had an *imperial* family not a ''royal'' one, imperial due to Russia's status as an empire unlike that of the British 'royal' family today and when the Great is set. Basically ''imperial is an empire, royal is (generally) a Kingdom.
I enjoyed the series, but really wish they wouldn't change the facts so drastically. Sadly, some who watch shows like this and Reign will never bother to find out the real story and just believe what they see is what really happened. I think history is fascinating as it is, why not portray it accurately?
I am sure that a lot of people will try to find out the real story, i spent hours on wikipedia reading about everything after watching the series. I might not have read full books but at least now i have an idea.
Definitely not, you wont have to worry because the story was incredibly obvious with it even if I didn't see "Occasionally true story" I still would have known it wasn't exactly how it went. And a lot of people read up on what really happened after watching it cuz it added on to the story and others wanted some things to stay true also cuz some of the actual events were pretty cool.
@@paseykilo5788 It was incredibly obvious to someone interested in history maybe. Those people have a basis to go from,but if you are somebody who doesn't know anything about this period in history it may have been obvious. I would hope it would spark people to delve into the real story, bit my point was simply that many would not and would take it at face value. I think that's a shame because the real story is just as interesting.
@@Trysmiling For allegedly feminist shows like The Great and Reign, they seem to go out of their way turning fascinating strong and complex female rulers into caricatures or typical "good girl"/"bad girl" archetypes, or leaving out what made these women so great in the first place.
The Great completely ignores Empress Elizabeth (just one of SEVERAL empresses from that century), who was in charge before Peter, and who Catherine, in real life, struggled with early in her marriage.
Reign: Constantly tells the audience how tough and intelligent the three lead queens are...yet continually makes them look like idiots, ignores political context, and basic history, and in exchange gave us...love triangles (ugh), repetitive plot lines, and lots of gory deaths just for the sake of shock value.
There's something really arrogant about how writers decide that "their story" is better than history because "history is boring." If history is so "boring", then these writers need to make up their own characters instead of piggy-backing off famous historical figures in order to get their show picked up and put on the air.
Wow, I did not mean to write a comment this long. I'm a huge history nerd, can you tell?
@@Greeklings Lol... Very well said. I agree completely. I love history, even when it's boring.
This is why it is called “The Great, an occasionally true story”. Key word being OCCASIONALLY
Peter acts like medieval Tony stonem
I don’t understand why they left out Potemkin
I wish they wouldn't have based it on Catherine the Great at all, and used this script for original characters. I think it would've been better. But then again, I think that the true story would've made for a more interesting series anyways. Not the worst thing I've watched, but it was still really lacking...
This show is the best
Ye is don’t think so
I don’t think I’d be the best to tell you
I’m actually not lying
I loved it too ⭐️
They left out the Empress Elizabeth? Yikes!!
Good show 👍
That shoe was very funny