Photo: Marion Bailey, Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Daniels in The Crown: Season 3.. Image Courtesy Des Willie/Netflix
After an interminable wait that seemed as though it would never end, The Crown is finally back on our screens with new episodes. Season 3 has finally arrived nearly two years after season 2 dropped in December 2017. This made for a longer wait than even the producers of Game of Thrones dared test its audience with ahead of that show’s final season.
The Crown’s third season has tested the patience of its viewers in another crucial way. Showrunner Peter Morgan had previously announced his decision to recast and age up the show’s major roles every two seasons, with a planned total of six seasons. Fans who may have become attached to the actors who were previously playing Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy), Prince Phillip (Matt Smith) and Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) have an entirely new set of performers to connect with in these roles.
Was this retooled version of The Crown worth the wait? Like a lion on the British Royal Standard, The Crown has roared back to life with a resounding yes. It’s a testament to Morgan’s storytelling expertise that it feels as though the series hasn’t missed a beat. We’re going to spill the tea about season 3 episode by episode here on WiC.
Grab yourself a biscuit or a scone and let’s dive into the sumptuous season premiere!