The Crown

Based on the British royal family, the Netflix anthology series gives a dramatic twist to life within palace walls. Claire Foy, Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby made their debuts as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret, respectively, during seasons 1 and 2 in 2016 and 2017. Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies and Helena Bonham Carter filled their shoes for seasons 3 and 4 in 2019 and 2020. The later chapters also introduced Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) and the late Princess Diana (Emma Corrin).

Season 5 was released by Netflix in November 2022 and featured a new ensemble cast: Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton), Prince Phillip (Jonathan Pryce), Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville), Charles (Dominic West) and Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) in the 1990s.

The Crown has garnered 21 Emmy Award wins from 69 nominations, sweeping the ceremony in 2021 with a total of seven wins.

Production on season 6 of The Crown, which will introduce Prince William and Princess Kate, was temporarily paused after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. Following criticism from royal family supporters about the show’s accuracy — including Judi Dench in an open letter — Netflix added a disclaimer to the show’s season 5 trailer and website in 2023 clarifying that it is a fictional dramatization inspired by real-life events.