November 4, 2016 – December 14, 2023
The Crown is a historical drama television series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, created and principally written by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix. Morgan developed the series from his film The Queen (2006) and his stage play The Audience (2013), which also focused on Elizabeth.
The series consists of six seasons spanning almost six decades, beginning shortly before the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten in 1947 and ending with the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. The principal cast of the series has been changed every two seasons; Elizabeth was played by Claire Foy in the first and second seasons, Olivia Colman in the third and fourth, and Imelda Staunton in the fifth and sixth.
Filming took place at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, with location shooting taking place in the United Kingdom and internationally. Netflix released the first season on November 4, 2016; the sixth was released in two parts, the first on November 16, 2023 and the second on December 14, 2023.
The Crown has been praised by critics for its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production value. However, its historical inaccuracies have been criticised, particularly in the latter half of the series's run. The series has won numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series-Drama.
Storyline
The Crown portrays the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, until the early 21st century:
- The first season covers 1947 to 1955, including Elizabeth's accession after the death of George VI, Winston Churchillresigning as prime minister and the Queen's sister Princess Margaret deciding not to marry Peter Townsend.
- The second season covers 1956 to 1964, including the Suez Crisis, the resignations of Anthony Eden and Harold Macmillan as prime minister, the Profumo affair, and the births of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
- The third season covers 1964 to 1977, including Harold Wilson and Edward Heath's terms as prime minister, the introduction of Camilla Shand, and the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
- The fourth season covers 1979 to 1990, including Margaret Thatcher's term as prime minister and the marriage of Lady Diana Spencer and Charles, Prince of Wales.
- The fifth season covers 1991 to 1997, including John Major's term as prime minister, the "War of the Waleses" and the resulting divorce of Charles and Diana, as well as the rise of the Al-Fayed family and the Queen's "annus horribilis" of 1992.
- The sixth and final season covers 1997 to 2005, during the premiership of Tony Blair. The first four episodes cover the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the final six the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the deaths of Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the early relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.
TV Show Intro
Sound Effects Used
- Dial-up Modem Sounds
- Pro Sound Effects, Seagulls and Crows, Birdcalls, Squawks, Screeches, Cries, CU