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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Sam Cook

The Crown fans dub season five opener 'weak' despite return of key star

The Crown 's fifth season has now premiered on Netflix and fans of the show have been sharing what they think on social media. The new series sees Imelda Staunton take over from Academy Award winner Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Jonathan Pryce, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki also star. Claire Foy also made a surprise cameo during the series, after last appearing as The Queen in the second season and earning two Emmys for her role.

With 2022 being a big year for the royals, fans of the Netflix show had high hopes for the new series. Some people, however, were left disappointed by the latest offering and after watching the first couple of episodes, called it "boring" and "the weakest ever".

Following the Queen's passing, viewing figures for The Crown increased significantly and generally, the first four seasons are held in high regard. Here's what some of the show's fans said about the new series.

Read more: The Crown: Welsh actor believes the Netflix series will 'provide comfort' following Queen’s death

"This season of #TheCrown is surprisingly boring. I’m struggling to get through episode 5," wrote one person on social media. A second agreed and said: "Season 5, it's boring honestly #TheCrown."

A third commented: "Started season 5 of The Crown. I have to say, I’m finding the whole Charles and Di divorce storyline just really, *really* boring. All of the divorces coming up were uninteresting mainly because they were no one else’s business but theirs."

Jonny Lee Miller plays John Major, who complained about the show (PA)

Viewers also shared their thoughts on Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller's appearance as former Prime Minister John Major. They were, generally, conflicted on the actor's portrayal. One person even said of it: “Why is Johnny Lee Miller playing John Major...he is far too hot. I don’t want to fancy John Major.”

Despite a wholly negative reaction so far, Claire Foy's return was welcomed by fans of the show. One person even suggested: "Claire Foy made a guest appearance on episode 1 of #TheCrown now watch her win an Emmy next year." Elsewhere, another person commented: "so happy to see claire foy again in #TheCrown." And a third said of her return: "the GASP I let out when she appeared. one minute in season 5. I MISS CLAIRE FOY." The below tweet shows Claire's return to the show.

The Crown: Seasons 1-5 are available to watch on Netflix. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.

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