We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. How The Great's ending sets up season 2 What could happen next? 08/03/2021 Who knew that history could be so much fun? Such is the power of Channel 4's The Great, which charts the rise of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) and the overthrow of her husband Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult). Yet with its satirical nature, The Great is far from being a straightforward history lesson, with every title card reminding audiences that it's "an occasionally true story". Catherine's journey over the season has seen her plotting to seize the reins of power while attempting to influence Peter and handle his growing affection towards her. The finale episode depicts the culmination of Catherine's planning, yet, as always in this show, nothing happens like you think it will.