The Royals

The Royals is an original television series, produced by E! network which aired from 2015 to 2018. This wildly entertaining scripted drama draws on classic TV tropes from the world of soap operas, paired with the pomp and glamor of British high society. The show reflects the glamorous, yet tumultuous life of a fictional British Royal family set in modern-day London, while artfully blending relevancy, humor, drama and glamour into a cocktail of engaging television.

At its core, The Royals is a family drama, helmed by the affluent, renowned, and respected Henstridge family who bear the heavy mantle of the British Crown. As the royal family, their lives are constantly under scrutiny from both the public and the media. It offers a fictitious perspective on the secretive world of the British monarchy with all its duties, protocols, privileges, and problems. However, it is not just about honor and tradition, but also about the secrets, the lies, the scandals and the machinations behind the palace doors.

The series kicks off with an unexpected tragedy that propels the youthful, hard-partying Prince Robert to acclimate himself to the rigorous expectations of the throne, while his younger sister, rebellious Princess Eleanor, struggles to find her place in a life laden with rules she loves to flout. Their mother, Queen Helena, portrayed by Elizabeth Hurley, who is the show's most dominant character, is often caught between her royal obligations and her desire to connect, protect and control her family. Their father, King Simon, serves as the moral compass of the family, grappling with the disconnection and alienation that their lifestyle creates.

As part of exploration into the royal family's dynamics, the series also delves into the interwoven lives of the staff who serve them, the politics within the palace walls, their relationships with the outside world and how these factors sway their decisions. The loyalties are tested, relationships are made and broken, and shocking secrets are revealed, all under the glare of a relentless, ever-watching global media.

Despite its primary focus on the glitz, glamour and the scandal-prone nature of this aristocratic family's life, The Royals does not shy away from revealing the human aspects of its characters. It elegantly delves into themes of power, family, love, jealousy, duty and loyalty creating an intriguing blend of drama and comedy. The characters grapple with problems we can all relate to - sibling rivalry, parental pressure, love, betrayal, identity and purpose – just with much fancier clothes, grander settings, and higher stakes.

In the creative helm of the The Royals is Mark Schwahn of One Tree Hill, who serves as the creator and executive producer. The show's decidedly British core is accentuated by an ensemble cast of both British and non-British actors who excellently portray the nuances and charm of blue-blooded British aristocracy while making their characters appealingly human and relatable. The exquisite portrayal from the actors adds depth to their characters, increasing the show’s authentic touch.

One of the most engaging aspects of The Royals is its aesthetic appeal. The grandeur, lavish interiors of the palace, the opulent costumes, the expensive cars, and extravagant lifestyle provide a visually stunning backdrop that captures the audience's attention. Aesthetically, the series is an absolute treat, providing a captivating window into a world awash in wealth and privilege.

Furthermore, The Royals show is magnificently complemented by an equally affecting soundtrack. The series incorporates both modern and classic music tracks that often play in harmony with the storyline, accompanying the rollercoaster of emotions that come with the twists and turns of royal life.

While The Royals combines elements one might expect in any primetime soap opera, it is the unique angle - a modern-day fictitious British royal family – that sets the show apart. To its core, The Royals is a character-driven drama, with the human condition at the heart of its narrative, making it highly relatable despite its regal setting.

Whether you're a fervent devotee of royals-focused entertainment or simply looking for a fun mix of drama, romance, and comedy, The Royals offers all of this and more, making it a compelling viewing experience. Being one of the very few scripted series in the portfolio of E!, it is a bold foray into dramatic territory for the cable network and is well worth the watch.