The best episodes of The Crown
Ranked by viewer rating, highs first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
After Elizabeth makes a tone-deaf speech at a Jaguar factory, she and the monarchy come under public attack by an outspoken lord.
- 02
Following a tragic accident at a Welsh mining village that quickly becomes political, both Elizabeth and Wilson struggle with their responses.
- 03
As Thatcher's policies create rising unemployment, a desperate man breaks into the palace, where he finds Elizabeth's bedroom and awakens her for a talk.
- 04
Inspired by Jackie Kennedy and against her government's wishes, Elizabeth takes an unconventional approach to resolving an issue with Ghana.
- 05
Amid rising Welsh nationalism in the run-up to his investiture as Prince of Wales, Charles is sent to spend a semester there and learn the language.
- 06
On a tour of Australia, Diana struggles to balance motherhood with her royal duties while both she and Charles cope with their marriage difficulties.
- 07
As tensions with Philip increase, Elizabeth spends time with her old friend Porchey. Churchill's portrait is painted for his 80th birthday.
- 08
A secret World War II document opens Elizabeth's eyes to grim realities about a family member. The Duke of Windsor campaigns to re-enter public life.
- 09
Philip insists that Prince Charles attend his alma mater in Scotland and reminisces about the life-changing difficulties he experienced there.
- 10
With Elizabeth in new role, Philip tries to assert some power. Churchill wants to delay the coronation. King George's disgraced brother arrives.
- 11
A letter from Peter Townsend spurs Margaret to make a bold proposal. Elizabeth has good news that causes complications for Margaret.
- 12
With Britain in need of a financial bailout from the U.S., Elizabeth reluctantly enlists Margaret to assist in winning over President Johnson.
- 13
After Charles proposes, Diana moves into Buckingham Palace and finds her life filled with princess training, loneliness — and Camilla Parker Bowles.
- 14
Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.
- 15
When Elizabeth and Philip throw a grand party for their 10th anniversary, both Margaret and the new Prime Minister experience romantic tribulations.
- 16
As the royal family makes a documentary to boost their image, an unexpected guest arrives from Greece, throwing a wrench into Philip's publicity plans.
- 17
When dense smog cripples London for days and creates a serious health hazard, Churchill's inaction leaves him vulnerable to his political enemies.
- 18
As Charles begins dating Camilla Shand, Elizabeth considers visiting an ill Duke of Windsor in Paris, whose destiny changed when he met Wallis Simpson.
- 19
Grappling with mental health issues, Margaret seeks help and discovers an appalling secret about estranged relatives of the royal family.
- 20
Pursuing improvements in her racehorse management, Elizabeth imagines the life she might have had. Meanwhile, a plot against her government is brewing.
- 21
While a government stalemate with mineworkers leads to nationwide power cuts, Charles's family intervenes in his deepening relationship with Camilla.
- 22
Margaret Thatcher visits Balmoral but has trouble fitting in with the royal family, while Charles finds himself torn between his heart and family duty.
- 23
As Philip leaves for a long tour, Elizabeth makes an upsetting discovery. Prime Minister Eden wants to strike back after Egypt seizes the Suez Canal.
- 24
A salacious government scandal hits close to home for Elizabeth and Philip. Elizabeth retreats to Scotland for the rest of a difficult pregnancy.
- 25
As her marriage disintegrates, Margaret seeks comfort elsewhere. But her fragile state of mind and lack of family support make true happiness elusive.
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