Is Netflix's "The Royals" Worth Watching? A Critical Analysis

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Is Netflix's "The Royals" Worth Watching? A Critical Analysis

Forget the stiff upper lip; prepare for a royal rumble! Netflix's "The Royals," a soapy drama that aired from 2015 to 2018, offered a scandalous glimpse into a fictionalized British monarchy. But is it worth your precious streaming time? This critical analysis dives deep into the show's merits and flaws to help you decide.

A Modern Take on Monarchy: Glamour and Grit

"The Royals" isn't your grandmother's historical drama. Instead of focusing on stuffy tradition, the series plunges headfirst into the messy realities of power, ambition, and the intoxicating allure of royal life. The show cleverly blends the opulent settings and lavish costumes expected of a royal drama with a contemporary, fast-paced narrative reminiscent of shows like "Gossip Girl" or "Revenge." Think palace intrigue, forbidden romances, and enough shocking plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Character Deep Dive: Beyond the Tiaras

The show’s strength lies in its compelling characters. Prince Liam (William Moseley), the rebellious heir to the throne, is particularly captivating. His struggle to balance duty and desire forms the emotional core of the series. Princess Eleanor (Alexandra Park) is equally fascinating, a modern princess unafraid to challenge expectations. Their complex relationships with their parents, Queen Helena (Elizabeth Hurley) and King Simon (Vincent Regan), add layers of depth to the already intricate storylines. Each character grapples with their own demons, creating relatable conflicts despite their extraordinary circumstances.

Visual Spectacle and Soundtrack: A Feast for the Senses

From the stunning backdrop of a fictionalized Buckingham Palace to the meticulously crafted costumes, "The Royals" is a visual feast. The show's creators clearly invested heavily in production design, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The soundtrack further enhances this, seamlessly blending contemporary music with traditional orchestral scores to amplify the emotional impact of each scene.

Criticisms and Shortcomings: Where the Crown Falls Short

While "The Royals" boasts its fair share of strengths, it isn't without its flaws. The show's reliance on melodrama can feel excessive at times, and some plot lines are arguably far-fetched. Furthermore, character development can be inconsistent, with some storylines feeling underdeveloped or abruptly concluded. The sheer number of romantic entanglements can also feel overwhelming, occasionally overshadowing the core themes of the narrative.

The Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure with a Bite

Ultimately, whether or not "The Royals" is worth watching depends on your viewing preferences. If you're looking for a historically accurate portrayal of the British monarchy, look elsewhere. However, if you enjoy escapist drama with glamorous visuals, compelling characters, and plenty of scandalous secrets, then "The Royals" could be your next guilty pleasure. It's a show that embraces its over-the-top nature, offering a refreshing departure from more traditional royal dramas. Think of it less as a documentary and more as a juicy, royal-themed soap opera – and embrace the ride!

Keywords: The Royals, Netflix, Royal drama, TV show review, William Moseley, Alexandra Park, Elizabeth Hurley, Vincent Regan, British monarchy, soap opera, guilty pleasure, streaming, TV series review, modern drama.

Related Articles: (Internal links – assuming your website has these articles)

• [Link to article about other Netflix original series]
• [Link to article about best British TV shows]

Call to Action (subtle): Have you watched "The Royals"? Share your thoughts in the comments below!