Hulu has recently made the decision to cancel its beloved period dramedy, “The Great,” after three successful seasons. The news came as a surprise to fans, as the show’s third season premiered just three and a half months ago in May. Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, “The Great” delves into the complex and intriguing relationship between Russian Empress Catherine II and Emperor Peter III in the 18th century.
Throughout its run, “The Great” garnered significant acclaim and recognition. It received a total of seven Emmy nominations, including a win for outstanding period costumes. In addition, both Fanning and Hoult earned acting nominations in 2022, while series creator Tony McNamara and director Matt Shakman were recognized for their exceptional writing and directing work in the series’ premiere episode in 2020.
Critics hailed “The Great” as a triumph, with all three seasons receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews. However, due to Hulu’s reluctance to share detailed viewing data, the exact number of viewers remains unknown. The show did not make it onto Nielsen’s top 10 original streaming series list for its third season.
In addition to Fanning and Hoult, the ensemble cast of “The Great” included Phoebe Fox, Sacha Dhawan, Charity Wakefield, Gwilym Lee, Adam Godley, Douglas Hodge, Belinda Bromilow, Bayo Gbadamosi, Florence Keith-Roach, Freddie Fox, and Grace Molony. Show creator McNamara served as an executive producer alongside Fanning, Hoult, Marian Macgowan, Mark Winemaker, Echo Lake’s Brittany Kahan Ward, Doug Mankoff, and Andrew Spaulding, as well as Thruline Entertainment’s Ron West and Josh Kesselman.
While the cancellation of “The Great” may come as a disappointment to fans, it is not an uncommon occurrence in the highly competitive television landscape. Many beloved shows have been unexpectedly canceled, leaving fans yearning for more. However, the decision to cancel a show is typically based on a combination of factors, including viewership numbers, cost of production, and creative direction.
In the case of “The Great,” the lack of publicly available viewing data makes it difficult to determine its true popularity. However, the critical success and award recognition the show received indicate that it had a dedicated and passionate fanbase.
It is always disappointing when a show as well-received and acclaimed as “The Great” comes to an end. Fans become emotionally invested in the characters and storylines and eagerly anticipate each new season. However, the unpredictable nature of the television industry means that not all shows can continue indefinitely.
As streaming platforms continue to grow in popularity, they find themselves in an increasingly competitive market. With numerous original series vying for viewers’ attention, platforms like Hulu must carefully evaluate each show’s performance and decide whether it warrants further investment.
While fans of “The Great” may be saddened by its cancellation, they can take solace in the fact that the show had a successful run and left a lasting impact. Its unique blend of humor, drama, and historical storytelling captivated audiences and showcased the immense talent of its cast and crew.
In conclusion, Hulu’s decision to cancel “The Great” after three seasons has left fans disappointed but also grateful for the memorable moments and exceptional storytelling the show provided. It served as a shining example of the quality content that can be found in the world of streaming television. Although the cancellation may be disheartening, viewers can cherish the time they spent with the characters and eagerly await the next exciting project from the talented individuals involved in creating this captivating series.