"The Crown," Netflix's prized series, has garnered significant attention in the era of prestigious television shows. Led by Peter Morgan, the writer and showrunner, the series has depicted 60 years of global history from the perspective of the British monarchy. The series will come to an end next week with the release of the final six episodes on the streaming service.
Prior to the highly-anticipated final episode, current and former cast members gathered at the Royal Festival Hall in London to bid farewell to the show after its successful seven-year run. Speaking to CNN, Dominic West, who portrayed Prince Charles, noted the captivating contrast between the characters' public and private lives. "The show's allure surpasses all others, truly. The luxurious homes, extravagant cars, stylish attire, and grandeur of the ceremonies are unmatched," West commented. "However, it is the brilliant playwright Peter Morgan who provides a compelling glimpse into the inner thoughts and conversations of these characters, which has captivated and intrigued audiences."
The show's timeline necessitates a cast change every two seasons to align with the ages of the royals. Imelda Staunton, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth in the fifth and sixth seasons, found the challenge of the role appealing. "It feels very special to be part of something that involved three different casts," she explained. "No one knew how it was going to turn out."
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in Season 5 of "The Crown."
Staunton told CNN that the thrilling aspect of acting, and of the job in general, is the need to rise to the challenge and step out of one's comfort zone.
The first half of Season 6 of "The Crown" focused on the events leading up to and following Princess Diana's death. The final episodes will cover the period up to 2005, including Prince William and Kate Middleton's courtship and the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. The show has helped launch the careers of actors such as Claire Foy, Emma Corrin, Vanessa Kirby, and Josh O'Connor, and is now introducing a new generation of young talent for the final generation of royals.
Newcomer Ed McVey, who will be portraying a university-aged Prince William, confessed, "I've been a huge fan of the show for a long time. It's been a whirlwind, but it finally sank in the other day that it's ending, and it was a bit emotional for me."
The series finale for "The Crown" was attended by a star-studded cast including James Murray, Beau Gadsdon, Dominic West, Meg Bellamy, Ed McVey, Marcia Warren, Claudia Harrison, Madeleine Arthur, Jonathan Pryce, Imelda Staunton, Elizabeth Debicki, Lesley Manville, Bertie Carvel, Olivia Williams, Khalid Abdalla, Salim Daw, Sebastian Blunt, and Luther Ford.
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Throughout the show's duration, Morgan has consistently stressed that it is a dramatization of real events, rather than a historical account. For Lesley Manville, who replaced Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret in 2022, this creative freedom has been crucial for the show's lasting appeal.
"We can only speculate about their lives around the breakfast table and their daily routines," said Manville. "It's their private lives and we shouldn't know the details. But that's the power of drama, and I think that's a big part of The Crown's success."
Olivia Williams, who portrays Camilla Parker Bowles, commented, "Peter's writing brilliantly combines history with soap operas. It's a winning combination that, when paired with stately homes and fabulous costumes, creates a truly exceptional series."
When you search Netflix, it's clear to see the impact of the series legacy. The streaming platform has expanded its range with the more provocative "Bridgerton" and "Queen Charlotte," along with investing in non-English language shows like "The Empress" - proving that the public's interest in the private lives of aristocrats goes beyond just the British royals.
However, for some, the story of the Windsors is the ultimate fascination. Unless Morgan decides to once again rewrite history and return to the royals, Netflix will need to find a new gem for its lineup.
"The Crown" Season 6, part two debuts on Netflix on December 14.
