Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, her legacy endures in the hearts of her family, and followers, and on the screen through Netflix’s acclaimed biopic, The Crown. The fifth season, which premiered on November 9, 2022, mesmerized audiences with its gripping narrative and authentic depiction of the royal family.
The Crown, created by Peter Morgan, has become one of Netflix’s most popular Originals and is also one of the most expensive shows ever produced, with each season costing over $100 million.
Initially planned for five seasons, the series was extended to a sixth season, with production already underway before the fifth season’s release. The show has received an impressive 423 award nominations and won 129 accolades, including all seven awards at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2021, with Olivia Colman winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II.
Filming for the sixth and final season concluded on April 21, 2023, after brief pauses to honor the passing and funeral of Queen Elizabeth. The shooting took place in St. Andrews, Scotland, focusing on Prince William’s time at university, where he met his future wife, Kate Middleton. Behind-the-scenes footage of Rufus Kampa and Meg Bellamy, who play young Prince William and Kate, was also released.
While the production is now in post-production, there are concerns about potential disruptions due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. However, it’s speculated that the strikes won’t significantly impact the release since filming is already complete and a release window has been announced.
Netflix has yet to officially announce the release date, but based on previous season premieres, The Crown Season 6 is expected to arrive in late 2023 or early 2024. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, confirmed during a virtual Upfront presentation that the season is set to be released in the Fall of 2023.
The sixth season will explore the challenging early years of the 21st century for Queen Elizabeth II, including the deaths of her sister, Princess Margaret, and the Queen Mother. Flashbacks will feature scenes of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret on V-E Day, leaving Buckingham Palace together.
The season will also touch upon the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death and Prince Harry’s struggles with addiction, leading him to seek treatment at Featherstone Lodge.
Although the show will begin weeks before Princess Diana’s tragic accident, the actual car crash will not be shown, as confirmed by a representative from Netflix.
The principal cast from Season 5, including Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, and Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, will reprise their roles for the final season. New cast members, such as Meg Bellamy as Kate, Rufus Kampa as young Prince William, and Ed McVey might get included.
