Now that life The Crown is over, here are some suggestions for what to watch next:
1. Victoria (Masterpiece)
Starring Jenna Coleman in the title role, this show chronicles the ascension to the throne and subsequent reign of Queen Victoria (great-great-grandmother to Elizabeth and Philip!), the longest reigning British monarch (63 years) until QEII broke her record (67 years to date). You’ll find the similarities between the two stories remarkable. Here also is a woman who unexpectedly ascends to the throne at a young age. In a world dominated by men, she must learn to navigate her role as a constitutional monarch while also balancing the challenging roles of wife and mother.
Anyone who has studied the Victorian era knows what a critical part Victoria’s husband, Albert, plays in ruling alongside her, and their relational highs and lows are quite captivating. Their marriage was a love match, even more unusual for the time than when Elizabeth fell for the unlikely Philip. And they had NINE children! There have been three seasons so far, and the fourth season is expected March 2020. If it follows true to history, season 4 is sure to be a heartbreaker.
2. The King’s Speech (Netflix)
Most have probably already seen this, but it’s worth a re-watch especially after viewing The Crown. The film tells the story of Albert, King George and Elizabeth’s father, in the wake of his brother David’s abdication, giving helpful context for Season 1. It especially provides insight into the close relationship between Bertie and his wife, Elizabeth Bowes Lyon (played by Helena Bonham Carter!), later the Queen Mother. Reportedly, the Queen Mum asked the writer to wait to film the story until she had passed, as the subject matter would be too painful for her to view.
3. The Queen (Starz with subscription, Amazon Prime and other outlets for rent or purchase)
If you want a teaser for future seasons of The Crown, check out The Queen starring Helen Mirren. Written by Peter Morgan (creator of The Crown), the film details the immediate aftermath following the tragic death of Princess Diana. The proposed conversations and decision making that took place in the privacy of the royal family’s living rooms are utterly fascinating. Helen Mirren understandably won an Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth II. I read they have cast Imelda Staunton for seasons 5 and 6, but it will be interesting to see if Helen Mirren steps back into her role for later seasons.
4. The Crown: The Official Podcast
If you’re a podcast listener, the official companion podcast is worth a listen! It features interviews with the members of the creative team as well as the actors- I just listened to episode 4 where the host interviews Jane Lapotaire, the actress who portrays Phillip’s mother, and it was wonderful!
You can also catch countless documentaries and television specials on Netflix and YouTube if you’re looking for non-scripted (but no less dramatic!) material!
Did I miss something that’s a must-watch? Let me know and I’ll add it to the list!
MGC 