Despite being one of the most iconic female historical figures of all time, Catherine the Great has been rarely depicted on-screen.
Now the acting titan and Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren takes on the role of the scandalous Russian monarch, whose affairs and political machination have become legend the world over.
In the new series from Sky Atlantic and HBO, we shall delve into the psyche of the obscure German Bride who became the most powerful woman in the world and the hearts she broke along the way.
But when can we expect Catherine the Great on our screens?
Here's what you need to know about the new drama series.
Catherine the Great UK start date
Catherine the Great airs its entire four-episode run in the UK on October 3, 2019 on Sky Atlantic.
All four episodes of the series will then be available on Sky on Demand and on NOW TV.
Catherine the Great cast
Dame Helen Mirren as Catherine the Great
The Oscar-winner plays the Russian Empress and the country's longest serving female monarch, who came to power in a coup d'etat against her husband Tsar Peter III years prior.
Jason Clarke as Grigory Potemkin
A Russian military leader, statesman and commander who was a favourite and lover of Catherine's.
Joseph Quinn as Tsarevich Pavel
The only son of Catherine and Tsar Peter III, and the heir to the throne of the Russian Empire.
Gina McKee as Countess Praskovya Bruce
The lady-in-waiting, friend, and long-running confidante of Catherine.
Rory Kinnear as Nikita Ivanovich Panin
An influential Russian statesman and one of Catherine's chief political mentors.
Richard Roxburgh as Grigory Orlov
A former lover and favourite of Catherine's who led the coup for her against her husband and effectively ruled beside her for a time until he fell from grace.
Kevin McNally as Alexei Orlov
Grigory's brother who was another key member of the coup that installed Catherine.
Sam Palladio as Alexander Vasilchikov
A Russian aristocrat and one of Catherine's lovers.
Thomas Doherty as Pyotr Zavadovsky
A court favourite and lover of Catherine the Great.
Clive Russell as The Fool
The Fool of the Court.
Paul Ritter as Alexander Suvorov
One of Russia's greatest military commanders and a close associate of Catherine's who often quarreled with her son, Pavel.
Paul Kaye as Yemelyan Pugachev
An ataman of the Yaik Cossacks who led an insurrection against Catherine and claimed to be dead husband, Peter.
Catherine the Great plot
The new miniseries tackles the later life of Russian monarch Catherine the Great.
The official plot synopsis reads: Catherine The Great is an epic historical romance that delves into the politically tumultuous and sexually charged court of the most powerful female monarch in history.
Catherine wielded supreme power throughout Russia for nearly half of the 18th century strong-minded, independent, brilliantly intelligent and sexually liberated, she was the definition of the modern woman.
The mini-series follows Catherine's passionate affair with her romantic and political soul mate, Grigory Potemkin. Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, this is a story of obsessive love.
Unable to publicly marry and famously promiscuous, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries, claiming the Crimea, and together shaping Russia into the country we know today.
It looks set to be a passionate and bloody affair!
Catherine the Great trailer
The trailer for the sumptuous historical drama can be found at the top of the article.
It certainly looks like it will do the trick!
Catherine the Great airs on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV on October 3, 2019.
Will you be watching Catherine the Great? Let us know in the comments below.
