Hulu's The Great [1] isn't the only ridiculously sexy period piece on the block. Following in the footsteps of The Favourite [2] — and sharing a flamboyantly dressed Nicholas Hoult [3] — The Great takes a comedically fictionalized look at Catherine the Great's early life. Elle Fanning [4] portrays the titular empress as she seizes power in a coup from her less-than-worthy husband Emperor Peter III (Hoult), complete with gorgeous gowns and sexy suitors. If The Great has caught your attention, but you're on the lookout for other things to watch, we've got you covered.
Nothing says badass like a woman of history who defies what's expected of her as she takes control of her own life. These eight women, some fictional, left a legacy that history took note of and have been talked about to this day. Get ready to clear your schedule because you're definitely going to want to binge these shows.
Catherine the Great From Catherine the Great (2019)
While The Great focuses on Catherine the Great's rise to power, Catherine the Great [6] is a miniseries centreed around her later years. A queen in her own right, Helen Mirren [7] portrays the titular empress. If the gorgeous gowns and elaborate jewels aren't enough to draw you in, the series also tackles Catherine and her many, many lovers.
Catherine the Great is currently available to stream on HBO [8].
Ariadne From Atlantis (2013)
Unlike the rest of the women on this list, Ariadne is a fictional princess from Greek mythology. Atlantis follows Cretan princess Ariadne (Aiysha Hart) as she becomes allies with the mythological hero Jason (yes, the one with the Argonauts that sought out the golden fleece). On the show, she not only follows her heart, but she's a capable archer that helps her friends get out of a number of obstacles (all tied to some of your favourite tales from Greek mythology).
Atlantis is currently available to stream on Hulu [9].
Elizabeth Woodville From The White Queen (2013)
The Other Boleyn Girl isn't Philippa Gregory's only adaptation. Following the story of Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson [10]), who was consort to King Edward IV (Max Irons), The White Queen [11] is set against the War of the Roses as Woodville and King Edward fall in love. This derails the original plan of King Edward marrying nobility — as Woodville is a commoner — and securing stability for his rule, adding to the drama between the House of York and the House of Lancaster as each vie for control of the crown.
The White Queen is currently available to stream on Hulu with a Starz subscription [12].
Mary, Queen of Scots From Reign (2013)
This wouldn't be a complete list without the mention of The CW's Reign [13]. Adelaide Kane stars as Mary, Queen of Scots, as she travels to France to secure her engagement to Prince Francis (Toby Regbo). At four seasons long, the show serves as a fictionalized account of Mary's journey to claim her "rightful" throne in England from Queen Elizabeth (Rachel Skarsten). Seeing as it's from The CW, you can expect it to be sexy and dramatic.
Reign is currently available to stream on Netflix [14].
Elizabeth of York From The White Princess (2017)
The second Philippa Gregory adaptation on our list is The White Princess, which is a sequel to The White Queen. Starring Killing Eve's Jodie Comer as Elizabeth York, daughter of Elizabeth Woodville, The White Princess follows York's marriage to King Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy), which results in the end of the War of the Roses by uniting the Houses of Lancaster and York.
The White Princess is currently available to stream on Hulu with a Starz subscription [15].
Queen Victoria From Victoria (2016)
Until her great-great granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her in 2017, Queen Victoria was the longest reigning monarch in English history. The Masterpiece series Victoria follows Queen Victoria (Jenna Coleman) as she ascends to the throne, gets her heart broken by Lord Melbourne (Rufus Sewell), falls in love with Prince Albert (played by Coleman's real-life partner Tom Hughes), and has six children by the time she's in her 30s. It also follows the trials and tribulations of being a female monarch trying to keep everything afloat.
Victoria is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime [16].
Catherine of Aragon From The Spanish Princess (2019)
The final Philippa Gregory adaptation on our list is The Spanish Princess, which follows a young Catherine of Aragon (Charlotte Hope) as she arrives in England to wed Prince Arthur (Angus Imrie) and unite the kingdoms of England and Spain in peace. Tragedy strikes as Arthur dies young and Catherine grows close to Harry (Ruairi O'Connor), Duke of York (aka King Henry VII), causing unrest in the kingdom. It is an interesting look into the life of the first of King Henry's six wives.
The Spanish Princess is currently available to stream on Hulu with a Starz subscription [17].
Queen Elizabeth II From The Crown (2016)
Finally, there is Netflix's The Crown [18]. Queen Elizabeth II is the current longest-reigning monarch in English history, which gave The Crown more source material than they could have ever dreamed. The first couple of seasons follow Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) as she marries Prince Philip (Matt Smith), ascends to the throne, and deals with how to rule the United Kingdom to the best of her ability. Season three and the upcoming season four follow an older Queen Elizabeth II (Olivia Colman) along with her children and the obstacles she faces as a monarch. The final seasons will follow Queen Elizabeth II (played by Imelda Staunton) in her later years, and document Princess Diana and Prince Charles's royal relationship.
The Crown is currently available to stream on Netflix [19].