Premiered: November 16, 2023

On: Netflix

Starring: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Olivia Williams, Bertie Carvel, Claudia Harrison, Marcia Warren, Salim Daw, Khalid Abdalla, Elizabeth Debicki, Ed McVey, Rufus Kampa, Luther Ford, Fflyn Edwards, Meg Bellamy, Ella Bright, Eve Best, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Alex Bake, Lee Otway, Harry Anton, Hanna Alström, Lydia Leonard, Andrew Havill, Jamie Parker, Theo Fraser Steele, James Murray, Sebastian Blunt, Richard Rycroft, Adam Damerell, Charlotte Melia, Blake Ritson, Tim Dutton, Matilda Broadbridge, Daniel Burt, Viola Prettejohn, Beau Gadson, Matt Smith, Claire Foy & Olivia Colman

Though the final season of The Crown may not cover Queen Elizabeth II’s final years and death, it beautifully encapsulates the monarch’s reign during tumultuous later years.

Having divorced Prince Charles (Dominic West), Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) is romantically involved with Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla) until their tragic death in 1997. As the queen (Imelda Staunton) ages, she contemplates stepping down for Charles to take over.

Debicki is the perfect Diana and captures her mannerisms flawlessly. Staunton is fantastic as the queen, even though we see less of her, and her moments with the younger versions of herself (Claire Foy & Olivia Colman) are heartfelt.

Focusing more on William (Ed McVey) during the second half of the season leaves more to be wanted from the elder royals, but it’s interesting seeing his interactions with them.

Final say: A cut above. ★★★★★