“Young Royals,” a Swedish series running from 2021-2024 on Netflix, offers viewers a compelling blend of drama, romance, and social commentary, making it a captivating watch for audiences of various interests. Focusing on Prince Wilhelm, played by Edvin Ryding, as he navigates a restricting life at Hillerska boarding school, we watch as our protagonist struggles through new relationships, compounding pressure, loneliness, grief, and a looming future. We meet Simon, played by Omar Rudberg: a “non-resident” student who isn’t afraid to speak up for himself, his sister Sara, and his criticisms against the monarchy. The final season aired earlier this year and, if you haven’t watched it already, here are several reasons why you should consider diving in:
1. Compelling Characters: The show features perfectly human characters with complex personalities and relatable struggles. From Prince Wilhelm’s journey of self-discovery to Simon’s internal conflict between raising his social status and sticking to his morals, each character brings depth and nuance to the storyline, making them compelling and empathetic figures for viewers to invest in. We also meet Felice, played by Nikita Uggla, the popular girl of Hillerska who struggles with familial pressure and insincere friendships; and August, played by Malte Gårdinger, Wilhelm’s second cousin and next in line for the throne (after Wilhelm, of course). While he puts on a confident guise, he often grapples with body image issues, money, and family.
2. Theme of Authenticity: “Young Royals’’ offers an authentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly through the central romance between Wilhelm and Simon. The series portrays their relationship with sensitivity and nuance, exploring the challenges and joys of young love in the face of societal prejudice and familial pressure. By depicting LGBTQ+ characters in lead roles, the show contributes to greater visibility and acceptance in mainstream media. Head writer of the series, Lisa Ambjörn, said, “Some of the reactions from viewers that have struck me the most are older people who didn’t get to realize their teenage crushes due to the oppression they faced… But now thanks to our show, they have felt that they’ve been able to live out that dream through Young Royals.”
3. Identity and Acceptance: The series explores universal themes of identity, acceptance, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds and ages. Viewers can relate to the characters’ struggles with authenticity and the desire to forge their own paths, regardless of societal expectations or familial pressure. “Young Royals” encourages viewers to embrace their true selves and stand up for what they believe in, fostering a message of empowerment and inclusivity.
4. Engaging Storylines: With its mix of romance, drama, intrigue, and plenty of teen angst, “Young Royals” offers engaging storylines that keep viewers hooked from episode to episode. Whether it’s the forbidden romance between Wilhelm and Simon, the dynamics within the royal family, or the tensions at Hillerska boarding school, the series delivers twists and turns that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
5. Social Commentary: Through its portrayal of privilege, social class, and the expectations placed on “rising stars,” “Young Royals” provides thought-provoking social commentary. The show prompts viewers to reflect on issues of inequality, prejudice, and the pressure to conform, sparking important conversations about societal norms and the pursuit of authenticity. In addition, we watch as each of the characters struggles with varying degrees of declining mental health, including negative body image, familial and societal pressure, cyberbullying, lack of support, and more. The audience can find a little bit of themselves in each relatable character.
“Young Royals” offers a compelling mix of complex and engaging characters, authentic representation, universal themes, and thought-provoking commentary, making it a must-watch series for audiences seeking quality storytelling and meaningful narratives. Scoring an 8.2/10 on IMDb and 5 stars on Google, as well as season one earning 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no secret that this show is beloved by many. Don’t forget to check out the documentary too, where you can see how the show came to life and all the talented actors, writers, and crew who made the global phenomenon possible.