John Lithgow, Claire Foy And Matt Smith Fitted For The Crown On Netflix

Netflix has already delved into the darkest corners of Washington D.C. in House of Cards, and now the streaming service is looking across the pond for another political drama. Today brings news that Dexter alum John Lithgow, Wolf Hall‘s Claire Foy and former Doctor Who lead Matt Smith have secured major roles in The Crown, a period piece that spans decades of British history.

Lithgow will portray Sir Winston Churchill, while Foy will play Queen Elizabeth II and Smith will take on the role of Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh. The show looks inside Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street, the two main seats of British power, to explore the personal interests, love affairs and political machinations that were at the heart of some of the latter 20th century’s most pivotal events.

The Queen writer Peter Morgan is behind the ambitious series, which also enlists director Stephen Daldry (The Hours) and The Queen producer Andy Harries. In addition to Daldry, Philip Martin and Julian Jarrold will helm installments in the 10-episode first season.

The Crown is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2016. It joins a burgeoning lineup of originals for the exponentially growing Internet TV network. Next up, Netflix will debut Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp this July, and 2015 will also see the unveiling of crime drama Narcos, French-language political drama Marseille, superhero series Marvel’s Jessica Jones and the return of Longmire (saved from the cancelation graveyard).

Next year, the streaming service is also debuting a slew of promising new series, including book adaptation A Series of Unfortunate Events, Brit Marling drama The OA, Will Arnett comedy Flaked, Judd Apatow-created Love, Baz Luhrmann’s ambitious musical drama The Get Down, the period conspiracy thriller formerly titled Montauk and comedies Fuller House and The Ranch. This in addition to the return of originals Orange is the New Black, Hemlock Grove, Marco Polo, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, House of Cards, Trailer Park Boys, Marvel’s Daredevil, Grace and Frankie and Arrested Development.