Culture

Royal dramas captivate TV audiences with fresh scandals and diverse storytelling

Sunday, 25 May 2025 12:19AM UTC

From fictional monarchies like The Royals to acclaimed historical dramas such as The Crown and edgy modern takes like Bridgerton, television series continue to explore the complex worlds of power, love and scandal within royal families, evolving to reflect contemporary values and fresh perspectives.

The allure of royal families, both real and fictional, has long captivated television audiences, with shows like The Royals leading the charge in this glamorous arena. This E! network drama provided a modern perspective on a fictional British monarchy, blending opulence with scandal, forbidden romance, and the intricate balance of royal duties. Elizabeth Hurley’s riveting portrayal of Queen Helena became a focal point, as viewers witnessed the tension between the queen's responsibilities and her personal desires—a delicate dance that many audiences find thrilling.

For those yearning for more regal intrigue after completing The Royals, the television landscape is rich with options. Series from various historical periods and cultures explore the unique challenges faced by royalty, delving into the complex mix of power, love, and societal expectation. One standout is The Crown, a Netflix series that meticulously charts the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from 1947 onwards. Renowned for its top-tier production quality and stellar performances, the series has snagged multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. However, it has also faced scrutiny for its occasional historical inaccuracies, reminding viewers that dramatization often blurs the line between fact and fiction.

Another notable entry is Reign, which aired on The CW from 2013 to 2017, focusing on the tumultuous life of Mary, Queen of Scots. Set against the backdrop of the French court, it combines historical events with romantic entanglements, reflecting the personal and political struggles of a young queen navigating her rise to power. This show's emphasis on the romanticised aspects of royalty echoes the themes present in The Royals, continuing the tradition of weaving personal challenges into broader historical narratives.

The recent release of A Very British Scandal further illustrates the fascination with royal dramas based on true events. Starring Claire Foy as Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, the three-part series delves into one of the most notorious divorce cases in British history, highlighting the interplay of public scandal and personal trauma that often accompanies royal lives. Similarly, the upcoming series A Very Royal Scandal promises to examine the fallout from Prince Andrew's controversial Newsnight interview, spotlighting the intersection of media scrutiny and royal identity.

In addition to these historical explorations, modern takes on aristocracy also thrive in series like Bridgerton, which reimagines Regency-era England through a diverse lens. The show, based on Julia Quinn's novels, infuses the traditional elements of high society with themes of racial equality, creating a fresh narrative that both pays homage to the past and challenges conventions. Its success highlights a broader trend in television where the past is reinterpreted to reflect contemporary values and aesthetics, allowing royal narratives to resonate with today’s audience.

Lastly, Becoming Elizabeth offers a unique perspective on the life of Queen Elizabeth I during her formative years, showcasing her personal growth amidst the political upheaval following her father's death. This series focuses on the intricate relationships and the pressures of royalty, providing a backdrop to the struggles that shaped one of England's most iconic monarchs.

Ultimately, the enduring appeal of royal dramas lies in their capacity to explore complex emotional landscapes against the backdrop of captivating history. Whether offering lavish portrayals of fictional dynasties or grounded representations of historical figures, these shows capture the intricacies of power, love, and duty, ensuring that audiences remain engrossed in the royal narrative long after the credits roll.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.ranker.com/list/shows-like-the-royals/amelia-brooks - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crown_%28TV_series%29 - 'The Crown' is a historical drama series on Netflix that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning in 1947. The show has been praised for its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production value, though it has faced criticism for historical inaccuracies. It has won numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series-Drama. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crown_%28TV_series%29?utm_source=openai))
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reign_%28TV_series%29 - 'Reign' is a historical romantic drama series that aired on The CW from 2013 to 2017. The show focuses on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her rise to power in the French court. It was produced by Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Joyful Girl Productions, Take 5 Productions, and Toronto-based Whizbang Films. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reign_%28TV_series%29?utm_source=openai))
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_British_Scandal - 'A Very British Scandal' is a 2021 British three-part historical drama series starring Claire Foy as Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, and Paul Bettany as Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll. The series premiered on BBC One on December 26, 2021, and on Amazon Prime Video on April 22, 2022. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_British_Scandal?utm_source=openai))
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_Royal_Scandal - 'A Very Royal Scandal' is an upcoming Amazon series based on Prince Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis. Michael Sheen and Ruth Wilson are set to star as Prince Andrew and Emily Maitlis, respectively. The series is produced by Blueprint Pictures and is a spiritual successor to 'A Very English Scandal' (2018) and 'A Very British Scandal' (2021). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_Royal_Scandal?utm_source=openai))
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgerton - 'Bridgerton' is an American alternative history Regency romance television series created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix. Based on Julia Quinn's book series, it follows the Bridgerton family navigating London's high society during the early 19th century. The series is set in an alternative Regency era where racial equality is established, and many people of African descent hold aristocratic titles due to Queen Charlotte's heritage. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgerton?utm_source=openai))
https://time.com/6188888/becoming-elizabeth-true-story/ - 'Becoming Elizabeth' is a Starz series that delves into Queen Elizabeth I's teenage years, focusing on her development following her father's death and her brother's succession to the throne. The show portrays Elizabeth's relationship with Thomas Seymour and her struggle to honor her mother, Anne Boleyn. ([time.com](https://time.com/6188888/becoming-elizabeth-true-story/?utm_source=openai))

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative was updated on May 24, 2025, indicating recent content. However, the list includes shows that have been available for several years, such as 'The Crown' (2016) and 'Reign' (2013-2017), which may affect the overall freshness. The presence of older shows suggests a mix of new and recycled content. Additionally, the article is hosted on Ranker, a user-generated content platform, which may impact the reliability of the information. The inclusion of older shows may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The article does not contain direct quotes, relying instead on general descriptions and summaries of the shows. This absence of direct quotations suggests a lower likelihood of reused content. However, the reliance on general descriptions may indicate a lack of original analysis or commentary.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The narrative originates from Ranker, a user-generated content platform. While Ranker aggregates user opinions and rankings, the content may lack editorial oversight, leading to potential inaccuracies or biases. The absence of direct quotes and reliance on general descriptions further suggests a lack of original analysis or commentary.

Plausability check

Score: 6

Notes: The list includes shows that are well-known and have been available for several years, such as 'The Crown' (2016) and 'Reign' (2013-2017). The inclusion of these older shows may affect the overall freshness of the content. The absence of direct quotes and reliance on general descriptions suggest a lack of original analysis or commentary. The reliance on user-generated content may lead to potential inaccuracies or biases.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a list of shows similar to 'The Royals', with the most recent update on May 24, 2025. However, the inclusion of older shows and the reliance on user-generated content from Ranker raise concerns about the freshness and reliability of the information. The absence of direct quotes and reliance on general descriptions suggest a lack of original analysis or commentary. These factors contribute to a lower overall assessment.

Royal families
TV drama
The Royals
The Crown
Bridgerton
Historical fiction