Netflix's recent Indian drama, The Royals, is rapidly becoming one of the streaming service's most popular non-English titles. After debuting on May 9, 2025, the drama has now reached Netflix's Top 10 list in over 40 countries and ranked third globally as a non-English title, according to streaming tracker FlixPatrol.
Ishaan Khatter (Prince Aviraaj Singh) and Bhumi Pednekar (Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a determined businesswoman) star in the drama that chronicles their unlikely relationship — she seeks to convert the royal palace into a profitable luxury business venture while he aims to protect the legacy of his family. Their professional relationship eventually grows to become a complex romantic partnership.
While the critics were split on the show, audiences seem much more lenient in their evaluation. While numerous fans have taken note of the two leads' chemistry and the haziness of the visuals, the show has found particular success in India and Pakistan, as it consistently topped Netflix's streaming charts, and is continuing to grow in other areas, including multiple nations across Asia, Europe, and various parts of the Middle East.
In fact, Netflix announced that a season two is already in the works after the show did so well from the moment it was released.
The Royals features royal traditions while modernizing minor details. Prince Aviraaj is a young royal who is unable to maintain his family's estate, while Sophia vanquishes modernity and ambition by attempting to develop the palace to be the foundation of her new business. \
The plot contains romantic moments & qualities that can be playful but ties everything together within the context of family dynamics. The veteran ensemble has also produced supporting performances that only add to the well-established story lines, this includes Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, and Milind Soman. The viewer's can complain about pacing and simplicity of the plot, along with their critiques, the fan base has built up a wealth of discussion about the production quality and colorful setting.
A fundamental part of the series' charm is its light and digestible story appeal. People looking for something entertaining, dramatic, and pretty to look at are finding The Royals to be very watchable. The show being set up presumably to binge-watch, has undoubtedly helped its continued success.
The mix of old and new — royal engagement meets modern business — is appealing to a significant number of viewers. While some critics felt the writing could be better, apparently many others are embracing The Royals for romance, charm, and drama.
Image Source: Netflix
