Nicholas Hoult, Elle Fanning Drama 'The Great' Axed by Hulu After Three Seasons

Another fan favorite has been axed as streamers continue to cut back: Hulu has canceled acclaimed series "The Great," which centers on Catherine the Great and Emperor Peter III, after three seasons.

Breaking the story, Deadline declared, "OK, this one hurts."

"The series starred Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult," Deadline said. "Created, written and executive produced by Tony McNamara, 'The Great' reinvented the period drama by revisiting the life of Catherine the Great, Russia's reigning empress from 1762 to 1796. It depicted an iconic character and her place in history through a unique prism."

The lavish period comedy-drama drew raves from critics, as well as "seven Emmy nominations since launching in 2020," Deadline noted.

"It won an Emmy for Outstanding Period Costumes in 2022, the same year that Fanning and Hoult earned their first nominations for headlining the popular series. Fanning also received numerous other accolades for her performance as Catherine, including a SAG, a Critics Choice, an Independent Spirit Award and two Golden Globe nominations."

EDGE writer Matthew Creith, reviewing the third season, which launched May 12, noted that "Some events in 'The Great' actually happened, some have been made up for television, and others are blatantly delusional."

"The result is a series that grounds its characters with delightfully crass dialogue, a shake-up of documented norms, and a playground for gifted actors to make light of their corset-laden presence."

Creith added, "Nicholas Hoult is always a sexy and maniacal treat," and wrote that Hoult and "Fanning prove to be solid leads in an ensemble show that relies on their particular brand of chemistry mixed with sadistic humor."

Have a look at some of the photos shared by Hoult on his Instagram.