'The Crown' Netflix premiere date news 2016: Netflix launches most expensive TV series; Royal family 'very nervous and very excited' to see upcoming drama
Netflix viewers will witness a historic coronation when Peter Morgan's "The Crown" premieres this fall.
During the Television Critics Association summer press tour last week, Netflix showcased new programs which will be released this year. The streaming giant presented several upcoming shows including "Narcos," "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life," "The Get Down," "Last Chance U," "Black Mirror," "Luke Cage" and "The Crown."
To make the event more interesting, Netflix set up a panel made up of dogs from the said series. Despite not taking questions, the furry animals took treats from their handlers. The panel included Lorelai's ("Gilmore Girls") dog named Paul Anka, a drug-sniffing German Shepherd ("Narcos"), and the Royal family's two Corgis ("The Crown").
Known for being Netflix's most expensive series to date, "The Crown" follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding back in 1947 up to the present day. Actress Claire Foy, who was previously seen in BBC's "Wolf Hall," has been cast to portray the Queen during the earlier part of her reign. "Doctor Who" star Matt Smith will also join the cast as the Queen's young husband, Prince Philip. The network is reportedly staking £100 million for the show's production — making it Netflix's most ambitious project yet.
In the Q&A panel for the series, showrunner/writer Morgan confirmed that the Royal family are "very, very aware" of the upcoming program and Netflix is actually planning to get the Queen's endorsement. "I think Netflix are working on getting her to give an endorsement," said the Oscar-nominated writer. "Through untraceable back channels, countless approaches have been made," added Morgan.
He also described the Royal family as "very nervous and very excited" about the outcome of the series. "I think they don't like not having control, but they also understand that [a drama] dealing with this subject with respect is a rare thing," Morgan continued.
Season 1 will explore the complications the Queen encountered during her younger days — giving the audience a glimpse of how the British monarch's reign terribly affected her as well as her relationships with others. The show will have 10 one-hour episodes for its first season and is expected to span 60 episodes over six seasons.
Production is currently in full swing and just this month, the cast and crew were spotted filming scenes at the Ely Cathedral for the royal wedding.
The first season of "The Crown" premieres on Friday, Nov. 4, on Netflix.