The Great – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Great

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Wickedly clever historical satire about Catherine the Great's rise—but with so much sex and profanity it's strictly for grown-ups.

96%

→

The Great

show

TV-MA, 2020

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Wickedly clever historical satire about Catherine the Great's rise—but with so much sex and profanity it's strictly for grown-ups.

96%

Jump to

Also rated on

96%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, The Great is genuinely great television—if you're an adult. It's sharp, funny, beautifully produced, and Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are fantastic. The satirical take on Catherine the Great's rise to power is fresh and feminist and earned those sky-high critic scores for good reason.

But this is not remotely kid-friendly. Every episode features explicit sex scenes, nudity, and language that would make a sailor blush. The show treats graphic sexual references (including deeply uncomfortable topics) as casual comedy. Common Sense Media says 15+, but honestly, that feels young—this is really 18+ material, or maybe 16-17 with very intentional parental conversation.

If you're looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed and you want clever historical satire with a modern edge, go for it. Just keep it far away from anyone under 16, and be ready to have some real conversations if you let older teens watch.

Age Fit

This is strictly 18+ content, though older high schoolers (16-17) might handle seasons 1-2 with explicit parental permission and discussion. Season 3 is firmly adult territory. It's clever and well-made, but the constant sexual content and profanity make it inappropriate for anyone under 18.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Frequent explicit sexual content, simulated sex acts, nudity, graphic sexual references including incest/rape/bestiality, and pervasive strong language. Season 3 escalates further into adult territory. The tone is satirical and often crude rather than emotionally grounded.

Imaginative

Genre-bending 'anti-historical' comedy that mixes 18th-century Russia with modern humor and satire. Creative reimagining of Catherine the Great's rise to power with a fresh, irreverent lens. The show takes real historical events and twists them into something unexpected and original.

Safe

Severe content warnings across the board: frequent sex scenes with nudity, graphic sexual references (including incest, rape, bestiality), strong profanity in every episode, moderate violence, and alcohol/drug use. Completely inappropriate for children and would be shocking if encountered unexpectedly. Season 3 pushes into 19-20+ territory.

Enriching

For mature viewers, offers insight into Russian history (albeit fictionalized), power dynamics, gender roles, and political maneuvering. The satire invites critical thinking about historical narratives. Strong performances and writing (96% RT critic score, 8.1 IMDb). However, the entertainment value is wrapped in very adult themes that limit its educational accessibility.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Brilliant, genre-bending comedy that earned a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes—it's genuinely funny and smart
Fresh, feminist take on Catherine the Great's story with modern sensibilities and sharp political satire
Stellar performances and writing that make 18th-century Russian history surprisingly compelling
For mature viewers who appreciate irreverent historical fiction, it's a wild, entertaining ride

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sexual content in every episode—simulated sex, full nudity, graphic sexual discussions
Severe profanity throughout, plus references to incest, rape, and bestiality
Season 3 ramps up the adult content even further—definitely not for teens
This is not a history lesson for kids; it's satirical adult entertainment that plays fast and loose with facts

Conversation Starters

"How does the show's satirical approach change the way you think about historical figures and power?"
"What does Catherine's journey say about women navigating male-dominated spaces—then and now?"
"The show mixes real history with fiction—does that make it more or less interesting to you?"
"How does humor help us process darker historical realities like political violence and oppression?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic