The Great

In 1761, Catherine arrives in Russia to marry Emperor Peter, with the aim of becoming Empress. However, she becomes disillusioned by Peter's self-centered behavior and his opposition to her ideals. Encouraged by her servant Marial, she begins to consider a radical solution to escape her predicament.

Catherine begins planning a coup with the support of Marial, trying to gain the allegiance of Count Orlo, a palace intellectual, through seduction, but the attempt is unsuccessful. After observing Peter's cruel behavior toward the nobility and his unwillingness to consider others' opinions, Orlo eventually chooses to back Catherine's movement.

Catherine, Orlo, and Marial push forward with their plan to take control by trying to secure the support of the discontented General Velementov during a palace ceremony honoring Peter's father, Peter the Great. At the same time, Peter, sensing Catherine's growing dissatisfaction, offers her a sterile lover named Leo, who ultimately earns her favor despite her initial hesitation.

Catherine becomes entangled in court politics and a personal relationship with Leo, which distract her from a growing coup. Following the Patriarch's death, Orlo tries to influence Peter during the selection process, while Archie takes calculated steps of his own.

Catherine and Aunt Elizabeth make a journey to the Russian front during the war with Sweden, during which Catherine contemplates her vision for governing Russia. At the same time, Grigor, disturbed by Peter's relationship with Georgina, poisons him in an effort to terminate it, prompting political activity by Velementov, Orlo, and Marial as Peter's health declines.

After a near-death experience, Peter is revitalized and adopts Catherine's vision of integrating art and science within the court, focusing on the crucial task of securing an heir. At the same time, Orlo delves into the mystery surrounding Peter's poisoning while dealing with his own personal challenges.

Catherine looks forward to a stable future with Peter as their relationship deepens, but an outbreak of smallpox among the servants leads Peter to take a more authoritarian approach. Meanwhile, tensions increase between Catherine and Leo, and Georgina begins to desire Peter's attention.

Catherine displays her political acumen during a diplomatic mission abroad with Peter and Velementov, aiming to negotiate peace with the Swedish king, which ultimately secures Velementov's backing for a coup. At the same time, within the palace, Leo contemplates leaving court, but Marial convinces him to remain by revealing the plans for the coup.

Catherine and her allies work to gain regional backing for a coup, but the situation deteriorates when several men are killed. A body is discovered, prompting Peter to conduct a harsh interrogation at the palace, during which Marial confesses to Archie about Catherine's plans under pressure. At the same time, Catherine learns that she is pregnant.

On her birthday, Catherine decides to proceed with a coup, but Peter resists and takes Leo hostage. Marial betrays Catherine to Peter, revealing her pregnancy in exchange for a return to favor. Realizing she must fight for a stronger Russia without Leo, Catherine prepares for battle.

Four months after deposing her husband, Peter, Catherine, now pregnant, continues to consolidate power, showing little hesitation in securing the throne despite his love for her and their child.

Catherine, Orlo, and Velementov take control of Russia but encounter unexpected difficulties. At the same time, Peter, who is under house arrest and engaged in self-improvement, convinces Catherine to permit him to attend her coronation and to symbolically hand over his crown to her.

Catherine is deeply affected by the emotional impact of Leo's death during the coup, prompting her to confront Peter. Upon discovering Peter's involvement in Leo's death and his recent killing of a noble, Catherine locks him in his quarters, leaving him alone with his mummified mother.

As political tensions escalate, the Ottoman Ambassador pays a visit to Catherine. In an effort to undermine her, Peter attempts to gain the ambassador's favor and demonstrate his own appeal to the court by hosting an extravagant baby shower.

A crocodile appears in the royal court, causing alarm, and Archie stirs up tension by hinting it could be a sign questioning Catherine's rule.

Catherine, frustrated by the slow progress of reform, creates a plan to reveal the court's apathy by orchestrating a prank that involves a serf. The scheme quickly goes awry, leading to chaotic and serious unintended consequences.

Catherine's leadership is challenged as tensions within her team escalate, and her mother's visit compels her to hide the court's instability. To highlight Russia's ingenuity, Catherine arranges a science fair that demands the nation showcase its most innovative creation.

Elizabeth announces that Catherine's child will be born in seven days, leading the court to begin preparations through rituals for the newborn and Peter. As tensions with the Ottoman Empire intensify, Catherine tries to handle state matters despite being instructed to remain on bed rest.

Catherine and Peter, who are co-parenting their newborn son, Paul, while trying to avoid rekindling their relationship, enlist the help of Elizabeth. When Paul disappears, they are forced to work together to find him, which leads them to confront their unresolved feelings.

Catherine discovers a startling revelation about Peter just before attending a critical meeting with the Sultan at the war front. Meanwhile, as Peter considers his next course of action, tensions escalate, bringing all the main characters together for a pivotal confrontation at Marial's wedding.

Catherine and Peter go to couples counseling to work through the tension in their relationship after a difficult and chaotic day.

Catherine is visited by the British and American ambassadors, both hoping to leverage her influence in the ongoing War of Independence. At the same time, Maxim disapproves of the increasing public affection between Grigor and Marial.

Catherine organizes a conference involving peasants, nobles, and merchants to drive reform in Russia. Meanwhile, Peter's pursuit of revenge against a historical enemy jeopardizes Catherine's efforts to abolish murder.

Arkady and Tatyana help Peter and Catherine during a time of tension caused by disagreements over their son Paul. Catherine is worried that Paul will grow up to be a harsh and irresponsible ruler, while Arkady and Elizabeth are concerned when she refuses to crown him.

Peter grapples with the challenge of meeting the expectations set by his father's legacy, while Catherine contends with increasing regional unrest with minimal backing from Velementov.

Catherine tries to persuade Peter to return with her, while Hugo increases his efforts to regain his lost kingdom. At the same time, Georgina continues navigating the political complexities of the royal court.

Catherine aims to revitalize court life by organizing a festival that includes truth-telling, humor, and creative expression, with Georgina's help. At the same time, Katya produces a play that quietly challenges Catherine's authority, while Catherine samples a new salty dessert crafted by Peter.

Catherine begins divorce proceedings in court, which result in unforeseen consequences. At the same time, Grigor develops a connection with Maxim and accompanies him on a stag hunt, while Elizabeth travels to the regions with Petrov.

Grigor, acting on Catherine's instructions, seeks shelter in the forest with Paul, while Catherine undertakes a bold political strategy to establish her role in shaping Russia's future. At the same time, she faces the difficulties arising from Peter's impact on her position of power.

Catherine meets Nikolai, a court scientist, who informs her of a comet set to pass over Russia. She uses the event to bolster her position, showing emerging leadership amid considerable pressure.