After nearly a decade, Netflix “The Crown” has reached its final season, releasing on Nov. 16 exclusively on the streaming service. The Crown first premiered on Netflix on Nov. 4, 2016. At the time, it was the most expensive series produced by the streamer.
“The Crown” follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II between the years of 1947 to mid 2000’s. The sixth and final season picks up nearly where the fifth left off, in the late summer of 1997. The first six episodes will surround the days leading up to the death of Princess Diana, who was killed in an automobile accident on Aug. 31, 1997.
Something new for this season is that it will be split into two parts. The first four episodes premiering first with the final six releasing Dec. 14. A decision that seems intentional given the contents of the first six episodes.
Episodes 1 – 4 will cover one of the darkest times within the Royal Family. In the aftermath of Diana’s death, The Royal family was residing at their summer home at Balmoral Castle. As tributes poured in from around the world for the “People’s Princess” the people of England were left stunned as the Queen remained silent.
Over the course of the preceding five days, the Queen would face public scrutiny and backlash like she never had before. Finally, after six days the Queen gave a national address mourning the death of Diana and offering tribute to all that she offered the people of Britain and the world.
Series creator, Peter Morgan, is no stranger to the story of the Queen and the Royal Family. He also penned the screenplay for the 2006 film, “The Queen” which chronicled those six days in 1997.
The second half of the final season will follow the Queen as she adapts to the changing world around her and deals with the loss of her sister Margaret and the Queen Mother.
The first two seasons starred Claire Foy and Matt Smith in the titular roles of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Olivia Coleman and Tobias Menzies took over for seasons three and four, followed by Imelda Staunton and Johnathan Pryce.
While the series has been praised for the performance of its cast, it has faced backlash for its dramatized version of events from both the press and the royal family.
The Netflix drama has netted numerous awards for its cast including Emmy and Golden Globe wins for both Claire Foy and Olivia Coleman.
