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The Best Episodes of The Great Season 1

Every episode of The Great Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Great Season 1!

Binge this in 8h 42m•Peaking at 8.4/10

A genre-bending, anti-historical ride through 18th century Russia following the rise of Catherine the Nothing to Catherine the Great and her explosive relationship with husband Peter, the emperor of Russia.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Great Season 1 Episode 10 - The Beaver's Nose
    8.4/10(1431 votes)

    S1:E10

    Catherine's decides to move forward with the coup on her birthday. Peter isn't so easily overcome and holds Leo hostage as collateral. In exchange for a return to her status, Marial betrays Catherine to Peter and tells him that she is pregnant. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, without Leo. The battle begins.

    Director:Geeta Patel
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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  2. The Great Season 1 Episode 8 - Meatballs at the Dacha
    8.3/10(1324 votes)

    S1:E8

    Catherine's political abilities are tested when she's given an opportunity to travel abroad with Peter and Velementov to discuss ending the war with Swedish king. Velementov finally sees the potential of her leadership and decides to support the coup. Back at the palace, Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.

    Director:Colin Bucksey
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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  3. The Great Season 1 Episode 9 - Love Hurts
    8.2/10(1234 votes)

    S1:E9

    Tensions mount as Catherine, Orlo, Velementov, Leo, and Marial try to get regional counts on board with the coup. A few of the men end up killed. When a body is discovered later, Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial buckles under the pressure and confides in Archie about Catherine's plans. Catherine realizes she is pregnant.

    Director:Geeta Patel
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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  4. The Great Season 1 Episode 7 - A Pox on Hope
    8.0/10(1278 votes)

    S1:E7

    Catherine feels optimistic about peaceful coexistence with Peter and their increasing chemistry. When smallpox breaks out in the servant's quarters, however, Peter reverts to his old ways. Meanwhile, Leo and Catherine's relationship suffers and Georgina misses Peter.

    Director:Colin Bucksey
    Writers:Tony McNamara, Gretel Vella

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  5. The Great Season 1 Episode 1 - The Great
    7.9/10(2391 votes)

    S1:E1

    In 1761, Catherine travels to Russia and becomes the Empress by marrying the Emperor of Russia, Peter. With hopes of marrying a great love, Catherine soon realizes Peter is a selfish brat who stands against everything she values. Catherine is feeling hopeless and verging on suicide when her servant, Marial, presents her with an alternative path – to overthrow Peter.

    Director:Matt Shakman
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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  6. The Great Season 1 Episode 5 - War and Vomit
    7.8/10(1351 votes)

    S1:E5

    As the war with Sweden continues to rage, Catherine and Aunt Elizabeth visit the military at the Russian front. Seeing the soldiers reminds Catherine of her goal to rule Russia differently. Grigor struggles with Peter and Georgina's relationship and poisons Peter to end it. When Peter falls ill, Velementov, Orlo, and Marial all try to influence Catherine's steps toward takeover as Peter's life hangs in the balance.

    Director:Ben Chessell
    Writer:James Wood

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  7. The Great Season 1 Episode 6 - Parachute
    7.8/10(1285 votes)

    S1:E6

    Peter has a new lease on life after his near-death experience. He is open to Catherine's progressive ideas of introducing art and science to court and wants to focus on an heir. Orlo tries to figure out who poisoned Peter and faces demons of his own.

    Director:Ben Chessell
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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  8. The Great Season 1 Episode 3 - And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great
    7.7/10(1510 votes)

    S1:E3

    Catherine, Orlo and Marial continue their coup planning. They try to recruit an unhappy military general, Velementov, for their cause during palace celebrations honoring Peter's late father, Peter the Great. Peter, noting Catherine's unhappiness at court, gifts Catherine a sterile lover, Leo. She's hesitant at first, but Leo manages to charm her.

    Directors:Bertie, Bert
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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  9. The Great Season 1 Episode 4 - Moscow Mule
    7.7/10(1388 votes)

    S1:E4

    Catherine tries to manage her reputation at court and her relationship with Leo, both of which distract her from the coup. Meanwhile, the influential Patriarch of the church dies, and a new one must be chosen. Orlo sees an opportunity to try and influence Peter in the decision, and Archie makes moves.

    Directors:Bertie, Bert
    Writers:Tony McNamara, Tess Morris

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  10. The Great Season 1 Episode 2 - A Fake Beard
    7.6/10(1650 votes)

    S1:E2

    Catherine takes her first steps toward a coup. Taking advice from Marial, she attempts to seduce and recruit palace intellectual Count Orlo. It's a disaster. However, after seeing Peter's brutal treatment of local nobles and unwillingness to listen, he decides to join Catherine's coup.

    Director:Colin Bucksey
    Writer:Tony McNamara

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Beaver's Nose" is the best rated episode of "The Great" season 1. It scored 8.4/10 based on 1431 votes. Directed by Geeta Patel and written by Tony McNamara, it aired on 5/15/2020. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Meatballs at the Dacha".