Even fans who did not binge the entirety of the third season of The Crown immediately have now come to the end of this newly cast season three. But now what? What is there left to watch while waiting, patiently as ever, for a complete season four to find its way to Netflix?
In fact, there is a lot. It’s the new golden age of television and options abound. Fans can commit to a new ongoing series, a completed classic, or a mini-series just to fill the time. Here are just a few suggestions for lovers of The Crown to enjoy right now.
The Royal House Of Windsor
This six-episode docuseries is the real story behind the dramatic interpretation The Crown fans already love. Want to know what facts on the show actually ring true? Netflix is ready and waiting with The Royal House of Windsor, which explores the history of the British royal family from World War I through the loss of Princess Diana. This time the drama is real, and you don’t need to check Wikipedia after you watch an episode to see which of the dramatic events actually happened.
Victoria
Do you watch The Crown less for the historical information and more for the palace intrigue and the amazing sets and costumes? Well then, it’s time to try Victoria.
Queen Victoria is the great-great-grandmother to the current Elizabeth II. The PBS program currently has three complete seasons and, like The Crown, is working on its fourth. Starring Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, and Rufus Sewell, the show follows another of the very few reigning Queens in England’s long history.
Wolf Hall
Looking for even more reviewed royal drama? Try the six-part mini-series, Wolf Hall. Based on the historical fiction novel of the same name by Hilary Mantel, follows Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the time of King Henry VIII. Another reason for The Crown fans to enjoy this whos in particular? It stars the original Queen Elizabeth herself, Clarie Foy, as Anne Boleyn. This performance may very well be the reason she got to play Elizabeth for Netflix. The show had rave reviews while it was on and continues to rank highly on Rotten Tomatoes.
Downton Abbey
Still looking to explore the aristocracy, gender roles, and history in Great Britain? Look no further than PBS Masterpiece show, Downton Abbey. For six seasons (and a full-length feature film, released this year) viewers followed the Crawley family from 1912 onward as the world changed around them. If you enjoy watching Elizabeth and company come to terms with new technology and social upheaval, the Crawleys are for you.
The Hollow Crown
Here is a dramatic look at Kings, rather than Queens, but with a background in Shakespeare, The Hollow Crown brings drama in Great Britain to a whole new level. For two seasons the show follows the basic plotline of Shakespeare’s Richard II, Henry IV (parts one and two) and Henry V for part one and, Henry VI (parts one, two, and three) and Richard III. Starring Ben Whishaw, Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, and Hugh Bonneville this is an all-star cast, a pleasure to watch as they play their way through palace intrigue, war, and loss.
John Adams
If you’re looking for a change in location, John Adams starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney, as Adams’ wife, Abigail, is a look at the power players in early America. The costumes are still fun, the history still dramatic, but the difference in the lineage of the power players makes for a very different story than that of the monarchs on the other side of the Atlantic. The mini-series is seven episodes in length and was originally aired on HBO, so you know the production quality is top-notch.
Turn
Here is some more historical drama from the early life of the United States. Turn, originally aired on AMC (better known for their show, The Walking Dead) follows the Culper Spy Ring, who helped to turn the tide of the war during the American Revolution. The show ran for four seasons and starred Jamie Bell, Seth Numrich, and Daniel Henshall. Some familiar historical faces pop up in a number of episodes including George Washington and Benedict Arnold.
Game Of Thrones
Political intrigue? Female leads? High-quality production value? Many of the aspects of The Crown that fans know and love can be found in the mega worldwide hit, Game of Thrones as well. When watching Game of Thrones there’s no need to worry about whether or not details are historically accurate, all you have to do is let the incredibly well-developed fantasy world embrace you and hold you in dramatically induced stress for eight long (but finally complete) seasons.
Empire
If The Crown is at its best for you during episodes where power and family drama are on display then Empire from Fox may be the best show to try out while waiting on The Crown season four. Six seasons follow the Lyon family and their company, Empire Entertainment, and which of them will hold the most power and sway over the music industry. With three sons, an ex-wife, and more money than anyone should really amass in a lifetime, Lucius Lyons must decide what his legacy is going to look like. Do you enjoy watching both The Crown as well as Succession? That’s what Empire is.
The Politician
Want to jump into a new show that has more seasons coming up and a set of A list celebrities on screen? The Politician, from superstar Ryan Murphy, has the same close look at the political maneuverings of a very rich family but in a modern setting. Gwenyth Paltrow and Ben Platt lead the all-star cast on Netflix. The real question is, after you’ve seen a few episodes, what seems more absurd? The real story of the British monarchy, or the fictional antics of rich people and their high school politics?
