The Crown's creators discuss making the hit Netflix series
The creators of Netflix's The Crown explain why sometimes its necessary to forsake accuracy, but never truth, in a drama based on real events
The Crown
The Crown: Deconstructing the Coronation
The lavish ten-part Netflix series became another outstanding triumph for writer Peter Morgan and a distinguished team . Critics noted a “startling attention to detail in everything from costumes to sets” and thought it hard to see how it could be better.
The show set out to tell the inside story of the most famous addresses in the world, Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street, and it did just that, exploring the intrigues, love lives and machinations of post-war Britain.
The best period dramas to watch after Bridgerton
Bridgerton
Netflix
In regency England appearances are everything and for the powerful Bridgerton family they face the constant battle between their duty and desires.
Inspired by the Julia Quinn novels, wealth, lust, betrayal and honour are navigated by those seeking to stay ahead in an English society filled with secrets and gossip.
TV Picks: 9th November – 15th November
My Family, the Holocaust and Me with Robert Rinder
Monday 9th November
BBC One, 9pm
Robert Rinder is known for laying down the law in court show Judge Rinder, where the barrister helps settle disputes and grievances.
Netflix reveals first look at The Crown’s Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana
Gillian Anderson (Sex Education) will play Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, while Emma Corrin (Pennyworth) will play Princess Diana.
The fourth series is set to cover Thatcher’s term and her relationship with Queen Elizabeth II (Olivia Colman), as well as the courtship between Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) and Lady Diana Spencer and their wedding in 1981 where she becomes Princess.
Netflix has also released images of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh (Tobias Menzies), and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret.
Netflix releases first look trailer and premiere date for The Crown series four
A short trailer accompanied the announcement, in which Olivia Colman’s Queen Elizabeth II declares: “Something as important as the monarchy simply cannot be allowed to fail.”
The trailer also introduced the characters of Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana, played by Gillian Anderson and Emma Corrin.
The coming series will follow the arrival of Thatcher as Prime Minister and Diana’s turbulent relationship with Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor).
Casting announced for Princess Diana and Prince Philip in the final two series of The Crown
Debicki will take over the role from Emma Corrin, who will star as Princess Diana in the upcoming fourth series due later this autumn.
Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones) has also been announced to take over from Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip.
Pryce and Debicki will join the cast confirmed for series five and six including Imelda Staunton (A Confession), who will play Queen Elizabeth, and Lesley Manville (Mum) as Princess Margaret.
Ear Candy: Because I Watched...
Whether it’s the spike in sales of canned Marks & Spencer gin and tonic or Google searches of priests – both inspired by season two of Fleabag – never underestimate TV’s power to influence people’s behaviour. Yet, sometimes, it is the smallest detail of a TV series that can effect a change in someone’s life.
Joining Netflix’s host of original podcasts, storytelling series Because I Watched looks back through the screen of the latest binge-watch and into the lives of viewers at home.
Imelda Staunton set to play the Queen in fifth and final series of The Crown
Morgan had originally planned for six series of the much-loved drama, but has decided that the fifth series “is the perfect time and place to stop”.
Morgan thanked Netflix and Sony for supporting his decision and described Staunton as an “astonishing talent” and a “fantastic successor”.
Staunton will be the final actor to play the Queen after predecessors Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, taking the series into the 21st Century.
The Crown first aired in 2016 and with its big budget production spend, was hailed as a game-changing drama for Netflix.
Memorable TV performances of the decade
Series binging over weekly releases has become the new norm, and brand new, high-quality TV content seems to be in endless supply.
The competition for viewers’ attention has intensified tenfold, and the leading broadcasters have risen to the challenge.
At the beginning of a new decade, we look back at some of the most memorable performances and series of the last ten years.