The Royals (Netflix) Review: A Glamorous Misfire That Fails to Reign Supreme

Introduction

Netflix’s latest attempt at a regal rom-com drama, The Royals, starring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter, promised grandeur, glitter, and drama, but delivers little more than confusion wrapped in designer outfits. Despite an ensemble cast and a lavish backdrop of royalty mixed with corporate flair, the show ends up being a forgettable binge with misplaced ambitions.

Plot Overview: Royalty Meets Corporate Chaos

Set in the fictional royal town of Morpur, the story kicks off when the late Maharaja Yuvanath Singh leaves behind a shocking will favoring his secret lover. The once-proud royal family, now facing financial ruin, scrambles to save face and fortune. Enter Aviraaj (Ishaan Khatter), a model reluctantly summoned from the US, and Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar), a struggling businesswoman eager to revive her hospitality brand by collaborating with the reluctant royals.

While the setup promises intrigue, wealth, and high-stakes drama, the execution barely scratches the surface, leaving the viewer unsatisfied and confused.

Performances: Wasted Potential of a Stellar Cast

Both Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter try their best to bring life to their roles but fail to generate chemistry. Their on-screen dynamic feels disjointed—almost as if they belong in different shows. Pednekar exudes maturity and poise, while Khatter appears to be caught in a teen romance drama. Supporting stars like Sakshi Tanwar add brief moments of charm, but even veterans like Zeenat Aman are reduced to quirky caricatures.

The Royals: Confusion in Every Frame

What makes The Royals particularly exhausting is its indecisiveness. Is it a family drama? A soap opera? A romantic comedy? A reality cooking show spoof? The show tries to be everything and ends up being none. Each episode brings grand events, ballrooms, auctions, and even a reality cooking competition subplot that serves more as filler than story progression.

The writing lacks sharpness, the humor feels unintentional, and the drama never really peaks. Instead of building intrigue or affection for its characters, the series drags through eight muddled episodes of pretty visuals and empty substance.

Visuals and Styling: Gloss Without Depth

One cannot deny that The Royals is aesthetically pleasing. Designer outfits, grand sets, and a polished production design make every frame look Instagram-worthy. However, this is surface-level gloss—there’s no real emotional or narrative weight behind the beauty. Even moments of supposed tension or romance feel manufactured and hollow.

Final Verdict: A Royal Misstep

In trying to blend Downton Abbey grandeur with Gossip Girl spice and a sprinkle of Indian royal charm, The Royals loses its own identity. The pacing is off, the plot is scattered, and character development is practically nonexistent. Not even Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, or the stunning royal backdrops can save this from becoming a dull watch.

Rating: 1.5/5

Should You Watch It?

Unless you’re in the mood for background noise while you scroll through your phone or want to admire pretty outfits with no real engagement, The Royals is an easy skip. Netflix’s royal experiment unfortunately crowns confusion instead of entertainment.