The Crown Season 1 on Netflix was a massive hit, chronicling the early days of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The show was praised for its stunning visuals, excellent writing, and masterful performances. The series’ first season was released in 2016 and introduced viewers to the young queen and her family. Since then, the show has gone on to become one of Netflix’s most popular and critically acclaimed series.
The Crown Season 1 Recap: The first season of The Crown begins with Princess Elizabeth’s marriage to Prince Philip and follows her as she navigates her new role as queen. The show explores the challenges Elizabeth faces as a young monarch. And the political and personal struggles that come with the job. The season covers significant events such as the Great Smog of London, the Suez Crisis, and the resignation of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Where Are They Now: The Crown’s first season introduced viewers to a talented cast of actors who brought the characters to life. Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II, while Matt Smith portrayed Prince Philip. Other notable cast members included Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret and John Lithgow as Winston Churchill. In this article, we will take a look at where the cast is now and what they have been up to since the show’s first season aired.
Key Takeaways
- The Crown Season 1 on Netflix was a critical and commercial success.
- The show follows Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign and the challenges she faced as a young monarch.
- The talented cast brought the characters to life, and we will explore where they are now.
The Crown Season 1 Recap
The first season of Netflix’s hit series, The Crown, premiered in 2016 and introduced viewers to the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The season covered the early years of Elizabeth’s reign, from her marriage to Prince Philip to the early days of her reign as queen.
The show stars Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and Matt Smith as Prince Philip. Other notable cast members include Jared Harris as King George VI and John Lithgow as Winston Churchill. The series was created by Peter Morgan, who also wrote the award-winning film The Queen.
The first episode of the season, “Wolferton Splash,” begins in 1947 with the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. As the season progresses, viewers see the impact of King George VI’s declining health on the royal family and the country as a whole. Winston Churchill is elected as Prime Minister for the second time. And viewers see the tension between him and the young queen as she navigates her new role.
One of the standout performances of the season comes from John Lithgow as Winston Churchill. Lithgow’s portrayal of the iconic Prime Minister earned him critical acclaim and a well-deserved Emmy award. Claire Foy’s performance as Queen Elizabeth II is also noteworthy, as she brings a quiet strength and grace to the role.
Overall, the first season of The Crown is a captivating and well-crafted drama that explores the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. With strong performances from the cast and a talented creative team behind the scenes, it’s no wonder that the show has become a hit with audiences and critics alike.
Key Characters and Their Portrayal
Queen Elizabeth II
Claire Foy portrays Queen Elizabeth II in Season 1 of The Crown. The portrayal presents her as a young, inexperienced monarch who struggles to establish herself as a leader while also managing personal challenges. Foy’s performance captures the queen’s quiet strength and determination, as well as her vulnerability and doubts.
Prince Philip
Matt Smith portrays Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in Season 1 of The Crown. The portrayal depicts him as a complex and often challenging character who wrestles with his role as a supportive spouse to the queen, simultaneously managing his own personal ambitions and frustrations. Smith’s performance captures both Philip’s charm and his stubbornness, making him a compelling and sometimes controversial figure.
Winston Churchill
John Lithgow portrays Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in Season 1 of The Crown. The portrayal depicts him as a larger-than-life figure who grapples with reconciling his own mortality and adapting to the shifting political landscape of post-war Britain. Lithgow’s performance captures Churchill’s wit, intelligence, and occasional grumpiness, making him a memorable and beloved character.
Princess Margaret
Vanessa Kirby portrays Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II’s younger sister, in Season 1 of The Crown. She is depicted as a glamorous and rebellious figure, struggling to find her place in a world that often seems to stifle her. Kirby’s performance captures Margaret’s wit, charm, and vulnerability, making her a fan favorite.
King George VI
Jared Harris portrays King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II’s father, in Season 1 of The Crown. He is depicted as a kind and compassionate monarch. He struggles to deal with his own health problems and the challenges of ruling a country in the midst of war and social change. Harris’s performance captures George’s warmth and humanity, making him a sympathetic and beloved character.
Peter Townsend
Ben Miles portrays Group Captain Peter Townsend, a Royal Air Force officer and former equerry to King George VI, in Season 1 of The Crown. The portrayal presents him as a charming and dashing figure who grapples with his forbidden love for Princess Margaret. Miles’s performance captures Townsend’s charisma and passion, making him a tragic and sympathetic character.
Historical Events Covered
Season 1 of “The Crown” covers a wide range of historical events that occurred during the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The show provides an in-depth look at some of the most significant moments in British history, including:
Coronation
The first episode of “The Crown” covers the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The episode provides a detailed account of the preparations leading up to the event, as well as the ceremony itself. The coronation was a significant moment in British history, as it marked the beginning of a new era for the country.
Egypt and the Suez Canal
“The Crown” also covers the Suez Crisis of 1956, which was a major international incident that occurred when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal. The crisis led to a military intervention by the UK and France, which was ultimately unsuccessful. The show provides an interesting perspective on the crisis, highlighting the political and personal struggles faced by the key players involved.
South Africa and Apartheid
Another significant event covered in “The Crown” is the issue of apartheid in South Africa. The show explores the relationship between the British monarchy and the South African government, as well as the broader political and social implications of apartheid. The show’s portrayal of the issue is nuanced and thought-provoking. It provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexity of the situation.
Commonwealth
Finally, “The Crown” also delves into the role of the Commonwealth during the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The show provides a fascinating look at the political and cultural significance of the Commonwealth, as well as the challenges faced by the Queen as she sought to maintain its unity and relevance.
Awards and Recognition
The Crown Season 1 has received widespread critical acclaim and has been recognized by various award-giving bodies. The show has won several awards and nominations, including Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards.
In 2017, The Crown received three Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Television Series – Drama, Claire Foy for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama, and John Lithgow for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television. The series also won the award for Best Television Series – Drama.
The show has also been recognized by the Critics’ Choice Awards. In 2017, The Crown received five nominations, including Best Drama Series, Best Actress in a Drama Series for Claire Foy, and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for John Lithgow. The series won the award for Best Drama Series.
Entertainment Weekly named The Crown as one of the best TV shows of 2016, praising its performances, writing, and production design.The show has additionally found its place in several year-end lists, including those curated by The New York Times, The Guardian, and Vanity Fair.
Where Are the Cast Now
Claire Foy
Claire Foy played the role of Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of The Crown. Since then, she has starred in a number of films and TV shows, including First Man, Unsane, and The Girl in the Spider’s Web. She has also won several awards for her performances, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Matt Smith
Matt Smith played the role of Prince Philip in the first two seasons of The Crown. Since then, he has appeared in a number of films and TV shows. This includes Terminator Genisys, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Doctor Who.
John Lithgow
John Lithgow played the role of Winston Churchill in the first two seasons of The Crown. Since then, he has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including Bombshell, Daddy’s Home 2, and Perry Mason. He has also won several awards for his performances, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Tony Award.
Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby played the role of Princess Margaret in the first two seasons of The Crown. Since then, she has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Hobbs & Shaw, and Pieces of a Woman. She has also won several awards for her performances, including a BAFTA Award.
Jared Harris
Jared Harris played the role of King George VI in the first season of The Crown. Since then, he has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including Chernobyl, The Terror, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He has also received critical acclaim for his performances, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his role in Chernobyl.
Conclusion
As the captivating journey of “The Crown” Season 1 unfolds on Netflix, audiences are transported into the tumultuous world of royalty and power. With Season 1 coming to a close, viewers may be curious about the subsequent chapters in the lives of these historical figures.
Since those early episodes, the real-life counterparts of the characters have etched their stories into the annals of history. The show’s meticulous storytelling has ignited conversations about monarchy, duty, and personal sacrifice.
As we reflect on “Where Are They Now?”, we are reminded that the echoes of the past reverberate through time. Subsequent seasons continue to delve into the lives of the royals, but the foundation laid in the first season remains integral to the series’ enduring impact. “The Crown” Season 1 not only offers a window into history but also prompts us to contemplate the weight of tradition and the resilience of those who wear the crown.