I have only seen the first episode but so far this is what I think ...
Firstly, Helen Mirren was the absolutely wrong choice. She is 72 years old playing a character who is supposed to be in her mid 30's. Catherine the Great didn't even live to 72 .. she died in her 60's. Helen Mirren is an incredibly talented actress but why not give someone younger the opportunity to play such a great character?
Secondly, Mirren's portrayal isn't how I pictured Catherine the Great to be. Catherine the Great was a Tom boy as a child and was not feminine. She was strong and willful. Her husband had been a weakling who played with dolls in the bedroom. She cane to power out of necessity for Russia more than personal desire. She loved Russia from the beginning and was doing what was best for the country ... not herself. This portrayal of Catherine the Great shows her as a greedy, selfish woman who is acting out of her own personal desires and not those of the country. This couldn't be more wrong!
Further, I am so tired of hearing british accents in every movie that takes place in other countries. It is historically inaccurate. But heaven forbid someone play a Brit and not have a proper accent! It is such a double standard! Make those actors learn and use a Russian accent.
Lastly ... this show was so far just plain boring. Such a missed opportunity. Really sad ...
