User reviews

What can I say about The Crown that hasn't already been said? It's incredible! There are some that don't like it because they take some liberties with the story but overall it's pretty accurate, especially the first few seasons. You can tell the amount of effort they put into this show from everything from the writing, acting, cinematography, production, etc. All being as good as it gets for a television show. It chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family from the 1940's to modern times. It gives you an inside look at the personal lives of the royal family including their romances and political rivalries. There's a reason this show has won so many awards and that's because it's brilliant!

I have to be honest. I had refused to watch this show from the moment it was released. Being no fan of monarchies in general, or of the House of Windsor in particular, I wrongly failed to see the potential.

But history always is interesting, especially when left in the hands of able writers and an absolutely spectacular cast. To a person, word for spoken word, I was drawn into this series headlong and found myself taken by this expertly crafted story.

I love that the flaws and tensions that existed are exposed and leveraged. And I find myself reaching for the shelf and pulling out a book or two to refamiliarize myself with some event.

In short it won me over and taught me a lesson or two in the process. What more can one ask?

The Crown is simply a brilliant piece of television. It's one of the most expensive shows ever made and you can tell because the production and attention to detail is amazing. I originally put off watching this because I thought it was a show aimed from women but I couldn't have been more wrong. It is for everyone! Even when they changed the main characters in Season 3 because of the time jump it didn't lose a beat. Both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman both lead amazing casts who all deserve all the praise this show gets!

Every so often a drama comes along that takes away your breath. Sometimes that's subjective, other times objective. Dramas such as The Jewel in the Crown, The West Wing, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Downton Abbey, House M.D. have all stood at the pinnacle of television drama.

The Crown is right up there at the very top. It is outstanding in every way: faultless. From brilliant dramatisation to acting to score to cinematography: everywhere you look it commands.

Watch it. You won't regret it. You will remember one of those television 'moments' that come along all too rarely.

I just watched the first two episodes and I already am in love with the story and characters! The acting is excellent as well as the directing, story line, costumes, sets, filming locations and everything else that has gone into the making of this series. It is well written and filmed and I am looking forward to seeing the remaining episodes. I have always been fascinated with history and this series takes you back in time. It has such powerful emotion and a lot of surprises which held my interest tremendously. So far, the episodes I saw went by quickly with me wanting to see more. If you are a history buff or interested in the Royal Family, don't miss this! It is a down to earth version of their lives and responsibilities. And so far, there are many things I did not know or appreciate. Definitely a learning experience and thank you for such a beautiful story! This is an addition to my previous post- I am now on episode 9 and if there aren't any awards for acting, I will be extremely surprised. John Lithgow's portrayal of Winston Churchill is award winning as well as Claire Foy playing the Queen. All of the acting is superb in my opinion and I don't want this series to end...

Where to start is very difficult when it comes to what I can only describe as an amazing feat of production and acting. The cast are absolutely outstanding and are nothing but professional.

You can tell a lot of effort has been put into the research and accuracy of the story line. The attention to detail also has to be credited.

I can't find a fault and believe me I've tried. Having watched previous biopics/Dramas regarding royalty I will have to put this at the Top and that is including The Queen which again I would rate at 10/10.

In summery a must watch if you are looking for a great piece of production and a stimulating story line. I would recommend this to anyone.

Regardless of what you may think of the Royals Netflix has poured a ton of money into this exquisite production about the life of Queen Elizabeth. It is a show which requires fixed attention as things progress at a unhurried pace. The opening musical evolution is enchanting and never grows old. Actress Claire Foy is beautifully riveting in the role of Elizabeth; someone who wants to have a normal life and yet is made to feel her duty as Queen should be the highest priority. It has been suggested the Queen is warm, has a sense of humor, is compassionate and this portrayal conveys it. She is wise enough to realize she's going to have to forge her own way as those around her are stymied in their own limitations or ignorance. John Lithgow transforms into Winston Churchill and is equally stellar. Their scenes together are superb. If Peter Morgan's research is accurate I can fully appreciate how Princess Diana must have felt. The show is rounded out by a wonderful supporting cast. This show is my favorite Netflix production so far.

The first four seasons were simply superb with some genius casting - and accents to boot. The likes of Claire Foy and Matt Smith gave the show its charisma, along with incredible actors such as Pip Torrens and Alex Jennings, etc.. All fears of Matt Smith departing were allayed when Tobias Menzies stepped into the Prince Philip role.

However, Season 5 isn't quite on the money. Whilst the new queen is very good, and the Diana Spencer character unbelievably like the real Lady Di, Prince Charles is somewhat of a let down. He appears to have ditched his royal accent for that of a regular Joe. Dominic West might be conscious of portraying a crass caricature, but caricatures are what we want. Prince Philip is no longer on par either (was Charles Dance not available!?!) and James Hewitt appears to have been randomly chosen. The show is still very good, and the likes of Lady Di's character keep it together, but it's starting to feel like a BBC drama, which is a shame.

I watched with bated breath as Olivia Coleman took over from Claire Foy. Coleman embodies a mature Elizabeth, one who is calcified into a Royal with a stoic countenance, dowdy wardrobe, and a hint of what the crown has given and cost her.

What really blew me away was the lavish attention to detail and period. The public and private spaces are painted in luscious colors, the furniture upholstered with richly hued brocade (so are the women come to think of it). The salons and libraries decorated with massive wood furniture. It's not comfortable - you can almost feel the drafty cold circulating throughout the palace, but it is a showstopper. No wonder they wore wool sweaters and tartan wool suits while lounging about.

To be very honest, when a friend told me we should watch the crown, a series about Queen Elizabeth ll life, i was not excited, im normally not a very good person to start watching a new series. However, so glad i watched this. Me and my friend watched 3 episodes, and i watched the rest on my own, latter that day.

The series is exciting, fast past, amazing cast, beautifully shot, beautiful costumes. Besides all that, The Crown , have made me look with another eyes to the royal family, specially Queen Elizabeth, to be honest i did not know much about her personal life . The series shows the struggle of the royal family, and make us realise they are all people in the end, with their problems and feelings.

I truly hope they will make another season, to continue this extraordinary show. Thanks Netflix.

The Crown boasts no action sequences or big movie stars, and yet it is one of the most expensive shows of all time. Why? Because of the sheer attention to detail. Aside from the fully historically accurate costumes and locations, the show is just gorgeous to look at. The lighting, the cinematography, and everything else visual about it is on point. It's quite apparent none of that money went to waste.

The show doesn't just look gorgeous, though. It is also compelling, well written, and well performed. In fact, almost every element is perfectly executed, which means that no single one stands out above the rest, but rather they work in harmony. And that is the show's greatest success; the fact that it all comes together smoothly into a neat, binge-able, high quality package.

Mind you, the reason I enjoy the Crown so much is that I knew what to expect when I went into it. This is NOT a fast-paced, action-packed, edge-of-your-seat experience. It is a character drama about the royal family. It runs at a slow pace. Yet it is gripping all the same.

That's why it is so good to know that Netflix made such a large investment in this series; they're taking chances and funding original and unusual things in an era when Hollywood is afraid to do anything that isn't already an existing intellectual property. I hope that the Crown blows up like Stranger Things. I hope it gets all the attention it deserves.

The first four seasons were excellent. A measured portrayal of the royal family. The fifth season is a compete hatchet job. Imelda Staunton is completely unconvincing, and the characterisation of Charles doesn't sit well. Given the recent death of the queen, putting out something that will disproportionately affect how young viewers see the monarchy is a serious responsibility. Instead, the makers of this season have seized the opportunity to mix historical fact with complete fiction and share it without any form of caveats. I've no doubt that much of what is shown will be taken as gospel by those unwilling or unable to read past the political bias oozing from every frame.

By season 3, the series has kept a high level of professionalism, acting, and story even when they changed every single actor !! Such an extraordinary series !!

Queen Elizabeth 2 just passed away and I have been binge watching almost all of Season one in the past 2 days since she died, may she rest in peace.

This is so good. I don't know how I missed it when it came out back in 2016, but I'm so happy to get to watch it on Netflix now.

It is riveting, beautiful, and moving, and I'm so looking forward to watching the rest.

It was moving, watching the king die on the show and seeing young Queen Elizabeth first starting out, when now in real life she has passed and her son Charles is now King and taking over. Gives a real sense of time moving on and stopping for no one.

This is a great series, and for older Brits (Baby boomers), the historical significance is stunning. The first series of actors did an excellent job, and now we are into the second series, and the acting just got better and better!

Olivia Coleman is brilliant, as usual. The episode on the Welsh disaster in Aberfan was so well done and very sad. I intend to watch this many times as it is of high quality. I wish all TV were this good and such a high standard.

Binge it!

What happened in season five?

I'm 5 episodes in and they seem to have abandoned their format.

Before it was real life historical events in Britain jusxtosposed against how the royal family was effected or involved.

This tension created the drama.

Without the historical Britain piece I am just watching boring, spoiled characters.

The show really suffered this season.

I was so excited for it. And it's just not the same show this season.

Characters are "all right". But their plots droll on.

There isn't enough to fill ten episodes.

I'm not British, but it does sort of feel like an agenda.

Or they over edited it after the Queens death so as not to "affect her legacy.

The Crown (1-4) was truly excellent. A brilliantly casted, written set of episodes, dipping into the many historical segments that have fashioned the monarchy to where it is today. What makes The Crown so appealing is the casting and acting. But, Series 5 is such a disappointment. Over-acted, badly characterised, tooth-pulling episodes that lose the once excellent sparkle it had. There are moments of excellence. John Major, The Queen in particular are outstanding. But, there are too many 'lame' representations' and storylines that drag on. Let's hope Series 6 gets back to the recipe The Crown once had and the sparkle can return.

So dissapoonted from the writing and acting in the new season! Whole episodes focused on not so importnat people or events rather than the royal family. So much worse than the previous 4 seasons where the focus was on the royal family. The new casting very dissapointing, Diana actress is dissaster! They picked a handsome actor to act Charles, you watch and you don't feel the character! Also, the appearances of random characters just to show some connection with the royal family, but this goes on for half an episode and you forget what you are watching I relly feel like I wasted my time to watch this season, I really hope that the last one will be better and in line with the first 4 seasons.

The Crown is one of the fascinating dramas I have watched in very recent of times. First off, the show itself is a bit slow paced but nevertheless, it generates enough amount of suspense over the episodes. The Crown may lack the twist and turning of events than many other historical dramas, but the flawless direction and impeccable acting of its actors do not allow its audiences get disappointed. Secondly, the grandeur of the show is something of a treat to the sore eyes. Netflix has not been so frugal in the making of the show and it has paid them off every penny. The costume and the furnishing of the show within are scintillating. Lastly, this show is a great history lesson for all the viewers, particularly the ones who are of younger generations. It is mostly based on true events, so that is indeed a stand-out fact of the show. Though there were some moments where it seemed a little bit exaggerated but considering its genre as a TV series, that is reasonable. The Crown has allowed its viewers to peek what lies behind the royal curtains and taught a significant truth that a royal born doesn't necessarily get to evade all the personal tribulations that all the other commoners go through. They share just as same values as the other citizens of the country.

There are a lot of things i like with season 3. Most of it is good. The stories, the characters, the actors.

Colman is a good actor, no doubt about it. She played the part really well.

The problem for me is:

Claire Foy played the part like she was born to do it. I've never seen anything like it on tv.

20 hours of portraying Elizabeth II made Claire Foy the real queen in a young age for so many of us.

And the fact is; Every actor who comes next needs to portray Claire Foy. Not The Queen.

Could this season be any slower? They are trying to extend into another season with filler. The first episodes gave some momentum at the start, but has now descended into inane sidebars. Carriage riding...really?? The disappointments of love, stories told by the supporting characters for a whole episode? I'm so bored I can't go any further.

Could this season be any slower? They are trying to extend into another season with filler. The first episodes gave some momentum at the start, but has now descended into inane sidebars. Carriage riding...really?? The disappointments of love, stories told by the supporting characters for a whole episode? I'm so bored I can't go any further.

While I loved the first two seasons, I'm a bit disappointed with season 3. I didn't find it as exciting and engaging as the previous two, and mostly I felt really... removed from the Queen. There were very few personal episodes and scenes that really centered around her. Sure she was on screen a lot, but mostly as a participant in someone else's inner/outer conflicts. What I loved so much about the first two seasons was how much we got into the Queen's headspace, her struggle with her role, her sister, her husband, how she was trying to find her footing with government officials, as a woman, as a queen, etc... Now my feeling was that she really 'managed to disappear while wearing the crown', as Margaret had put it. My other main issue was of course the replacement of the whole cast. Initially I was very disappointed that we're going to lose Claire and Matt and Vanessa Kirby, all of whom I had grown very much to love in their roles, and they were doing phenomenal jobs of course. Then I was a bit excited seeing all the great names involved, I love and respect Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies is an incredibly colorful actor, Helena is one of my favorite actresses since Fight Club, and I love, worship, adore Charles Dance of course :) It was also interesting because I never watched a show before where the entire cast was changed between seasons. But sadly, I don't think this experiment worked. They all did very remarkable performances, Tobias Menzies was in particular very good as-Matt Smith-as-Prince Philip, but none of this seemed to matter. I kept missing the original cast. I couldn't drown that little twinge of constant disappointment when I saw Olivia and not Claire. When you put a character into an other actor's body, it simply isn't the same character anymore, and the wonderful first cast was a very big reason in us all falling in love with The Crown. It also irritates me, because we didn't even jump that much ahead in time yet. They could have easily aged up the actors a little, a lot of shows have actors playing decades younger/older characters then themselves. With a little makeup and styling and practical effects they could have easily sold us the original actors as older versions of themselves. Instead everybody felt way too old all of a sudden, particulary Lord Mountbatten, who was a man in his prime and now is suddenly kind of ancient. And why did they have to reacast Michael Adeane, who was oldish to begin with? I didn't even know that was him (and Charteris) until some stray subtitle gave them away. And I know it's a small and probably silly thing to mentoin, but the eyecolors of the new Queen and Margaret bothered me more and more with each episode. I got so used to those striking blue eyes, that their new doe-eyedness jolted me out of the story even more. The show is of course still top-quality television, the aforementioned mistakes and faults notwithstanding, but once we're given perfection we'll expect perfection and season 3 fell short for me in that regard.

This show ticked all the boxes in seasons 1 and 2. The change of cast spoilt it for me (much like my fellow reviewees). I would totally love to see season 3 remade with the original cast.