Almost Royal

Almost Royal is an entertaining pseudo-reality, mockumentary-style television show that aired on BBC America from 2014 to 2016. The series boasts a unique concept where the distinction between reality and fiction is cleverly blurred, suggestive of the mockumentary genre that has gained popularity in recent years.

The central characters of Almost Royal are two sibling British aristocrats, Georgie and Poppy Carlton. The duo embarked on their first tour of the United States, providing a unique view of the long-standing and often nebulous relationship between Britain and America.

The characters are quasi-royals, ostensible siblings Georgie, played by Ed Gamble, and Poppy Carlton, portrayed by Amy Hoggart. Despite their apparent frivolity, the two actors bring a delightful depth to their parts. They cleverly use their characters to slyly mock both British and American culture alike.

Georgie is introduced as the more grounded of the two, a 29th in line to the throne who takes his royal duties quite seriously. As the older sibling, he’s saddled with the responsibility of looking after his naive younger sister, Poppy. Georgie carries an endearing quality in his quest to understand American culture intertwined with his brotherly concern for Poppy's well-intentioned but often misguided escapades.

On the other hand, Poppy Carlton is portrayed as an amusingly eccentric character, providing most of the show's light-hearted and hilarious moments. She is an aspiring reality TV star whose dreams and ideas tend to be outlandish, wildly far-fetched, and utterly divorced from reality. Poppy’s delightfully whimsical personality, however, is what makes her character so appealing.

The show's unique format sees the duo interviewing real Americans who believe they're meeting actual British royals. On their journey through prominent cities and states, including Los Angeles, Texas, New York, Michigan, and Boston, they encounter various American subcultures and odd assortment of characters. The real charm of the show lie in these interactions, the clash between the highborn British etiquette and unpredictable nature of their American counterparts results in many comedic situations.

Their interpretations and reactions to American customs and traditions are hilariously wrong and absurd, yet endearing, delivering a comedic appraisal of the American way of life from an outsider's perspective.

These entertaining exchange of cultures incorporate a variety of themes, like hipsters, hunting, beauty pageants, and reality television, which ends up being a mild social commentary wrapped brilliantly in comedy. The show's ability to blend these serious topics with its playful theme displays astute writing and a keen sense of satire.

Throughout the show, Gamble and Hoggart maintain an impressive commitment to their peculiar characters. Their comedic timing and innate ability to improvise provide some incredibly memorable moments. They keep up the facade even in the face of unexpectedly absurd scenarios, making it all the more engaging and entertaining to watch.

The strong chemistry between the Carltons and their remarkable ability to stay in character during their real-world encounters contribute substantially to the charm of the show. Almost Royal does a fantastic job blending dry British wit with slapstick humor, mirroring Georgie and Poppy's mix of traditional aristocratic roots and their wide-eyed wonder at the American way of life.

The vibrant cinematography and crisp production quality bring an air of authenticity to the show, making their journey across the U.S seem tangible and realistic. The contrast between the posh and refined Carltons against the backdrop of gritty and diverse American locales only further add to the humor and aesthetic of Almost Royal.

In conclusion, Almost Royal is a refreshing take on mockumentary-style television, exploring the cultural differences arching over the Atlantic. It cleverly merges classic British humor with the eccentricities of modern America, immersing viewers in a travelogue like no other. With its unique concept, impressive performances from its main cast, and intelligent wit, Almost Royal stands as a comedy capable of both tickling your funny bone and offering subtle social commentary. It's a hilarious ride for anyone who appreciates offbeat humor and great comedy.