In the OTT age, the bar for what’s “watchable” is lower than ever. Audiences are no longer chasing only quality—they’re chasing comfort, drama, escapism, and just enough plot to keep pressing “next episode.” That’s where Netflix’s The Royals slides in. With a mere 4.2-star IMDb rating and a 36% rotten tomatoes score, the show is “glitzy and painfully inert” and really far from critically praised. Yet, it’s trending. Not because it’s a standout rom-com or binge-worthy series on Netflix—but because it’s easy to consume.
Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana’s The Royals follows the tired but crowd-pleasing formula of will-they-won’t-they, set against an opulent but debt-ridden palace backdrop. It’s predictable, dry in parts, and barely lifts off emotionally. But it’s shiny, occasionally funny, and performs just well enough to ride the Netflix algorithm. There’s a reason it’s on people’s weekend watchlists—it’s fast, forgettable, and easy to binge on a tired Friday night. Netflix India didn’t make this for the critics. They made it for the audiences who want background drama while scrolling Instagram. Either way, the web series has quietly become one of those OTT shows that people are loving to hate-watch—and still press “Next Episode” every single time. It’s not good TV. But it’s the kind that trends—and Netflix knows it.
In this article, we explore why The Royals continues to trend on Netflix India despite lukewarm reviews, a weak script, and a poor IMDb rating—breaking down the cast, plot, filming locations, and what to expect from Season 2.
What Is ‘The Royals’ Streaming on Netflix About?
Set in the fictional town of Morpur, The Royals follows Prince Aviraaj Singh, who unexpectedly inherits a crumbling royal estate. Enter Sophia Shekhar, a smart and ambitious entrepreneur with a plan to turn the failing palace into a luxury bed-and-breakfast. Their partnership—marked by constant friction, flirtation, and unresolved tension—becomes the heart of this rom-com.
The series navigates familiar themes like tradition versus modernity, responsibility versus personal choice, and family ties clashing with romantic desires. While the setup is promising, the storytelling rarely pushes beyond the surface. Critics have noted the show’s reliance on tired tropes and flat character development, making it feel more like a formula than a fresh take. Still, for viewers seeking light, low-commitment binge content, The Royals delivers just enough drama to fill the gap.
Cast and Characters:
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Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Shekhar: Known for her roles in ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ and ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’, Pednekar brings her experience to the role of a determined entrepreneur.
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Ishaan Khatter as Prince Aviraaj Singh: Khatter, recognized for ‘Dhadak’ and ‘A Suitable Boy’, portrays the reluctant royal navigating newfound responsibilities.
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Sakshi Tanwar as Padmaja: A seasoned actress from ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’ and ‘Dangal’, Tanwar plays Aviraaj’s mother, adding depth to the family dynamics.
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Zeenat Aman as Aunty Marji: The veteran actress, known for classics like ‘Don’ and ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, returns to the screen in a regal role.
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Vihaan Samat as Digvijay Singh: Samat, from ‘Mismatched’, plays Aviraaj’s brother, adding layers to the sibling relationship.
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Kavya Trehan as Divyaranijini Singh: Trehan brings her unique presence to the role of Aviraaj’s sister.
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Nora Fatehi as Ayesha: The dancer and actress adds glamour to the series.
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Dino Morea as Salad: Morea, known for ‘Raaz’, plays a supporting role.
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Milind Soman as Yuvanath Singh: The model-turned-actor adds gravitas to the cast.
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Lisa Mishra as Niki: The singer makes her acting debut.
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Sumukhi Suresh as Keertana: The comedian brings humor to the series.
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Udit Arora as Kunal: Arora adds to the ensemble with his performance.
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Shweta Salve as Sameera: Salve, known for ‘Left Right Left’, plays a supporting role.
Where Was The Royals Filmed?
Though The Royals is set in the fictional town of Morpur, the series was filmed across several real heritage locations in India, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with some reports suggesting parts of Madhya Pradesh were also used. The show’s grand interiors appear to be shot in converted palaces and heritage hotels, featuring sprawling courtyards, vintage furniture, and colonial-era architecture that evoke the old-world charm of royal estates. These locations provide sunlit palace exteriors, lush gardens, and ornate halls filled with art and antiques, creating an atmosphere of faded grandeur.
This rich visual backdrop stands in stark contrast to the show’s modern storyline, where iPads, investment pitches, and contemporary business ideas clash with age-old traditions and crumbling family legacies. The production design leans heavily on this contrast—juxtaposing the physical decay of a once-glorious palace with the fresh, ambitious efforts of its new owners trying to keep the family name alive. Even when the script struggles to deliver depth, the use of these real heritage sites helps maintain the illusion of luxury and status, a key part of the show’s appeal.
About The Royals Season 2:
Following its debut on May 9, 2025, Netflix renewed The Royals for a second season by May 28, with production already underway and a tentative release planned for early 2026. The showrunners, Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, who created and led the first season, are set to return, aiming to build on the foundation established in the initial episodes. This quick renewal highlights Netflix’s focus on rom-com shows that perform well in watch-time and viewer engagement, even when critical reviews are mixed. By investing in The Royals Season 2, Netflix reinforces its strategy of backing binge-worthy content that attracts a loyal audience, showing that strong viewer retention often matters more than critical acclaim on its streaming platform.
What to Expect from Season 2?
Season 2 of The Royals is expected to pick up right where the first season left off, diving deeper into the complicated relationship between Aviraaj and Sophia. The show will explore the tension between their personal desires and royal duties, adding layers to their love-hate dynamic. Viewers can also look forward to new characters who will shake up the existing drama, along with more political intrigue and family conflicts within the Singh household.
While the upcoming season aims to address earlier criticisms by adding more depth to characters and introducing fresh plot twists, fans can still expect the familiar mix of palace drama, unresolved tension, and romantic push-and-pull. The series will likely maintain its binge-worthy formula, focusing on entertainment over substance. What won’t change are the slick production values, the slow-motion glances, and the carefully crafted illusion of emotional complexity.
