Overview
"The Crown" is a historical drama television series produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for the streaming service Netflix. Season 4, the fourth installment of the series, continues the dramatized portrayal of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, covering the period from 1979 to 1990. The season premiered on Netflix on 15 November 2020 and consists of ten episodes.
Production
- Development: The series was created by Peter Morgan, who also serves as showrunner and writer for several episodes. Season 4 was green‑lit in 2019 as part of Netflix’s multi‑season agreement with the production companies.
- Directors: The season features multiple directors, including Benjamin Caron, Jessica Hobbs, and Julian Jarrold.
- Writers: In addition to Peter Morgan, episodes were written by Christopher Hampton, Peter Morgan, and others.
- Filming: Principal photography took place primarily in the United Kingdom, with notable locations including Ely Cathedral (standing in for Westminster Abbey), Lancaster House (as Buckingham Palace), and various sites in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Filming occurred from mid‑2019 to early 2020.
- Costume and Set Design: The production continued its partnership with costume designer Michele Clapton and production designer Michael Carlin, emphasizing authenticity to the late‑1970s through the 1980s aesthetic.
Cast
- Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II (her final season in the role)
- Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret
- Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles
- Emma Corrin as Lady Diana Spencer
- Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- Jason Watkins as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
- Jenna Coleman as Princess Diana (appearing in later episodes)
- Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Note: Anderson appears as Thatcher in season 3; in season 4, the role is portrayed by Jason Watkins, while Anderson guest‑stars as a different political figure.)
- Additional supporting roles include actors portraying John Major, Ronald Reagan, and other contemporary figures.
Episodes
Season 4 comprises ten episodes, each ranging from approximately 53 to 71 minutes. Episode titles and original air dates are:
- “Gold Stick” – 15 November 2020
- “Caroline” – 15 November 2020
- “Fairytale” – 15 November 2020
- “Beryl” – 15 November 2020
- “48:1” – 15 November 2020
- “Avalanche” – 15 November 2020
- “The Hereditary Principle” – 15 November 2020
- “Fagan” – 15 November 2020
- “War” – 15 November 2020
- “Aberfan” – 15 November 2020
(The titles reflect the internal naming conventions used by the series; they may differ from publicly released titles.)
Narrative Focus
The season addresses several major historical events and personal developments:
- The accession of Margaret Thatcher as the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister and her political relationship with the monarchy.
- The marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, including their courtship, wedding, and early marital challenges.
- The death of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the political climate surrounding the Falklands War.
- The 1981 marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, as well as the public and private tensions that followed.
- The 1982 birth of Prince William and the evolving roles of the royal family within a modern media landscape.
- The 1984–85 miners' strike and its impact on the monarchy’s public image.
- The 1989 abdication crisis in Spain (the burial of Juan Carlos I; though not directly related, the season alludes to broader European royal dynamics).
Reception
- Critical Acclaim: Season 4 received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Corrin, as well as its production values. Review aggregators reported a Rotten Tomatoes rating above 80 % and a Metacritic score in the mid‑70s.
- Awards: The season earned nominations at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress (Olivia Colman), Outstanding Supporting Actress (Helena Bonham Carter), and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Emma Corrin). It won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Olivia Colman).
- Viewership: Netflix did not release detailed streaming numbers, but internal reports indicated the season was among the platform’s most‑watched original series in the first week of release.
Historical Accuracy
The series continues its blend of dramatization and historical documentation. While it strives for visual authenticity—utilizing period‑accurate costumes, set designs, and archival research—it takes creative liberties in dialogue, character motivations, and the chronology of events. Historians and royal commentators have noted both commendable details (e.g., accurate depiction of the 1981 royal wedding) and contested representations (e.g., speculative portrayals of private conversations between the Queen and Prime Ministers).
Home Media
Season 4 was released on Blu‑ray and DVD in select markets on 15 March 2021, featuring standard bonus content such as behind‑the‑scenes featurettes, cast interviews, and a documentary on the making of the season.
Legacy
Season 4 marks the final appearance of Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, concluding her three‑season tenure in the role. The season also introduced Emma Corrin as the first actress to portray Lady Diana Spencer, a casting decision that generated significant public and media attention. The series’ ongoing evolution reflects its commitment to exploring the contemporary relevance of the British monarchy in the late 20th century.