The Crown skyrockets to top of Netflix after Queen's death

Following the death of the Queen, UK viewership for the historical drama The Crown has increased by 800 per cent.

Variety reported that the Netflix series, which follows the reign of Her Majesty, had viewership soar astronomically between Friday and Sunday (September 9-11), according to data analyst firm Whip Media.

In the wake of the monarch’s death, US viewership for The Crown had quadrupled during their period, with viewership in France also tripling, as per Whip Media.

Netflix

Global viewership had also increased four times compared to the previous week, so undoubtedly, fans are eagerly awaiting the series' fifth season.

However, they may have to wait a little longer, as Deadline reported that production had abruptly halted out of respect for the Queen.

Writer Peter Morgan said according to the outlet: “As a mark of respect, filming on The Crown was suspended today. Filming will also be suspended on the day of Her Majesty The Queen’s funeral.”

And with production delayed, no doubt the show’s release date will be pushed back as a result.

Netflix

However, we’re set to see an entire cast of new faces, with Imelda Staunton stepping into the role of Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Phillip, Lesley Manville as Prince Margaret and Aussie actor Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, Princess of Wales. 

There were reports suggesting Netflix were struggling to find an actor to play the disgraced Prince Andrew, but it was confirmed recently that actor James Murray would take on the role.

Yahoo! News reported that while weighing in on the Prince Andrew controversy, Murray said: “Well, if I’m being professional it’s not really my job to feel too much or judge the character, and remember we’re in the 90s, before all the things that we know now."

According to NBC News, the season will follow the Royal family’s life from early-to-mid 1990s and as annus horribilis unfolded in 1992.

The season is also set during John Major’s tenure as Prime Minister, the breakdown of several royal marriages, and the events leading up to the highly publicised death of Princess Diana.

With the series coming to an end while interest in the Royals is piquing, it’s a given The Crown will go out with a bang.