Premiered: November 9, 2022

On: Netflix

Starring: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Jonny Lee Miller, Olivia Williams, Claudia Harrison, Natascha McElhone, Marcia Warren, Elizabeth Debicki, Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby, Salim Daw, Amir El-Masry, Khalid Abdalla, Alex Jennings, Adam Buchanan, Lia Williams, Timothy Dalton, Ben Miles, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Bertie Carvel, Flora Montgomery, Andrew Havill, James Murray, Sam Woolf, Senan West, Timothée Sambor, Humayun Saeed, Lydia Leonard, Jude Akuwudike, Joshua Kekana, Oliver Chris, Jamie Glover, Alastair Mackenzie, Anatoliy Kotenyov, Phil Cumbus, Richard Rycroft, Hanna Alström, Michael Jibson, Blake Ritson & Ben Lloyd-Hughes

Starting its final two seasons, The Crown brings about a new cast in Queen Elizabeth II’s later years.

Now entering her 40^th year as monarch, Queen Elizabeth II (Staunton) faces growing concerns about relevancy with Prince Charles (Dominic West) gunning for her to step down in his favor. However, Charles is in the midst of a brutal marriage with Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki).

Staunton portrays the aging queen grace, strength and vulnerability. However, Elizabeth takes a backseat for the majority of the season with Charles and Diana occupying the most screentime.

While Debicki perfectly embodies Diana in looks and actions, West is miscast as Charles. We lose the “woe is me” attitude that Josh O’Connor brilliantly played in season four and instead get a man who’s too charming and good looking.

Final say: Some cracks in this crown. ★★★★☆