
The Amazing Netflix Series “The Crown” Uncovers foremost dramatic issues of 21st-century powerful women
In recent months, young British queens have ascended to the throne of prestige TV. In November, Netflix debuted its series The Crown, which follows the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who came to the throne in 1952. And in January, PBS launched the new drama Victoria, which traces the rise of Queen Victoria in the 19th century.
Any historical TV show is bound to make choices about which events and themes are most important. But the shows’ approaches are particularly noteworthy because they reflect 21st-century expectations about women in leadership positions. Contemporary audiences assume that a young woman in power—regardless of the era in which she rules—would necessarily be filled with self-doubt, and be forced to spend much of her time winning over skeptical men. The Crown and Vict