Hulu’s The Great has captivated viewers with its irreverent take on Russian history, and with Season 4 officially in development as of early 2025, anticipation is mounting for the next chapter of Catherine the Great’s wild reign. Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, the satirical dramedy has thrived on its sharp wit and chaotic charm across three seasons. Here’s everything we know so far about Season 4, based on updates as of March 19, 2025.
What Could Be the Release Date?
Season 3 of The Great premiered on May 12, 2023, and while Hulu hasn’t dropped an exact date for Season 4, production rumors point to filming kicking off in mid-2025. Given the show’s typical 10-12 month production cycle, a release in late spring or early summer 2026—perhaps May or June—seems plausible. This aligns with past patterns, as Seasons 2 and 3 also landed in warmer months. Fan chatter on X in March 2025 suggests a similar timeline, with some hoping for a surprise early 2026 drop if post-production speeds up. Hulu’s renewal announcement in January 2025 signals confidence, but until an official date lands, it’s a waiting game.
Cast
Returning Cast (Expected Based on Season 3):
- Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great: The ambitious empress steering Russia with ruthless optimism.
- Nicholas Hoult as Peter III: Catherine’s unpredictable husband, whose survival antics fuel the chaos.
- Phoebe Fox as Marial: Catherine’s loyal, sharp-tongued confidante.
- Sacha Dhawan as Orlo: The idealistic adviser, if he survives Season 3’s cliffhangers.
- Supporting Players: Adam Godley (Archie), Gwilym Lee (Grigor), and Charity Wakefield (Georgina) are likely to return, barring dramatic exits.
Not Returning:
No confirmed departures as of March 2025, though Season 3’s violent twists—like Orlo’s uncertain fate—could trim the roster. Creator Tony McNamara loves a good shock, so expect surprises.
What to Expect in Plot?
Season 3 ended with Catherine solidifying power after Peter’s apparent death (and resurrection via a double), only to face new threats: a fracturing court, restless nobles, and her own grief-fueled recklessness. Season 4 will likely see her doubling down on reforms—think education or military overhauls—while juggling personal turmoil. Peter’s survival could spark a bizarre co-ruling dynamic or an all-out war for the throne. McNamara’s penchant for dark humor suggests absurd subplots, perhaps involving Marial’s schemes or Grigor’s loyalty tested anew. X posts from March 18, 2025, speculate Catherine facing a foreign rival or a coup from within, but the show’s unpredictable streak keeps it anyone’s guess. Expect lavish costumes, biting dialogue, and at least one unhinged banquet.
Fan Theories
The X and Reddit hive minds are buzzing with Season 4 ideas. A top theory has Catherine facing a real historical foe like Prussia’s Frederick the Great, while others predict Peter faking his death again for leverage. Some fans crave a time jump to see baby Paul as a toddler tyrant, and a March 19, 2025, X post pitched a wild assassination plot by Archie’s church faction. A cameo from a Succession-style guest star also floats around, fitting McNamara’s past vibes. The speculation is as unhinged as the show itself.
Previous Seasons IMDb
- Season 1: 8.2/10
- Season 2: 8.1/10
- Season 3: 8.0/10 (based on 2025 ratings)
With a steady 8.0-8.2/10 range on IMDb and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score for Season 3, The Great holds strong critical and fan love. Season 4’s rating will hinge on its delivery, but the bar is sky-high.
Where to Watch
As of March 19, 2025, Seasons 1-3 stream exclusively on Hulu with a subscription (plans start with ads included). Season 4 will land there too, likely in mid-2026, available across the U.S. and select international markets via Hulu or Disney+ bundles. Check Hulu for updates as production rolls on. No alternate platforms are confirmed yet—stay tuned.
