The real reason The Crown won’t continue past season 6

The creator of the Netflix hit series won't tackle recent royal events, a producer confirms

The Crown (TV series), season 4: Emma Corrin as Diana, Princess of Wales
(Image credit: Dom Slike / Alamy Stock Photo)

The producer of The Crown has told viewers that the show will come to an end after season six, due to a long-maintained decision by its writer and creator.

The Netflix favourite centred on the Royal Family has captured audiences for four seasons, with the most run garnering more internet commentary and critical acclaim than ever before.

Yet, despite its popularity, the programme will very likely come to its permanent end after its sixth offering—as boss Peter Morgan wants to let enough time pass between real-life happenings and their creative portrayal for audiences.


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Queen Elizabeth in The Crown played by Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman plays The Queen in seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown

(Image credit: Credit: Netflix / The Hollywood Archive via Alamy)

In an interview with Broadcast, producer Suzanne Mackie confirmed why Morgan has decided to call time on the program before reaching events from the 2010s and beyond.

"Peter has said it very articulately, that he simply can't write something unless there has been time to gain a proper perspective,” she explained.

"I think he's always felt 10 years is the minimum amount of time that he can see something in a historical context, to allow him to really understand it."

Margaret Thatcher played by Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson plays Margaret Thatcher in Season 4 of The Crown

(Image credit: Des Willie/Netflix)

She went on to explain that while she doesn’t think he’ll deviate from this plan, his talent for storytelling will make the seasons left to come shine. "We all know these stories, but what Peter does so brilliantly is get underneath that and understand the landscape in a more nuanced, complex, surprising way.”

The programme explores the major events that take place during the reign of Elizabeth II, starting in the first season with her coming to the throne and the major adjustments that come with her new role.

Claire Foy played the part of the Queen for two seasons before the role was then taken up by Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman for seasons 3 and 4.

Emma Corrin as Princess Diana in Netflix's The Crown

Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles and Emma Corrin as Princess Diana

(Image credit: Des Willie/ Netflix)

Imelda Staunton is next in line to play the monarch, starting with the upcoming fifth season which is said to begin filming later this month.

The most recent season explored the relationship between Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. Viewers were particularly charmed by the performance of Emma Corrin as the late mother of William and Harry, while Josh O’Connor was nominated for a Bafta for his portrayal of the Prince of Wales.

Writer and editor

Nicole Vassell is a London-based writer and features editor, with years of experience working in the publishing industry. 

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in English Literature with Creative Writing from the University of Surrey, her words have appeared in Gal Dem, woman&home, Metro, Glamour, and Digital Spy. 

When she's not writing about who's dating and breaking up in the world of celebrities, she's watching RuPaul's Drag Race or thinking of ways to avoid going to the gym.