Netflix Summary:
The early reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is portrayed.
FYA Summary:
It’s good to be Queen–or is it? Lilibet has been the heir presumptive since her father became king, but the realities of leading a country in 1947 are a lot more complex than fabulous outfits and giant crowns. (Although there are those, too.) Married to a man who has great difficulty accepting her rank, status, and growing independence, she has to navigate being a wife, daughter, and sister as well as reigning monarch.
Familiar Faces:
Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II
Matt Smith as Phillip
Jeremy Northam as Anthony Eden
Jared Harris as King George VI
John Lithgow as Winston Churchill
Couch-Sharing Capability: Medium
Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer to watch shows like these alone, so I can better absorb them. (Or, let’s be real, so I can gently drift off to sleep on the fluffiest cloud of the prettiest diamonds and accents, without anyone mocking me.) However, if you’re not geriatric like me, this is a great show and would provide plenty of discussion fodder.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams
I don’t want the responsibility of being queen, but I certainly would accept the fabulous clothes, tiaras, and free-flowing champagne. (Margaret’s a little pissed that she plays second fiddle to her sister, but I think she’s got it made: fewer responsibilities, less scrutiny, same fabuous clothes, more freedom! Pass the bubbly.) Not only are you going to want to pop a bottle of giggle water, you’ll want to grab a tiara and your best leftover prom dress, too.
Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Genuinely Good Option To Hold You Over Until The Royal We
Do you think QEII is watching this on the Royal Netflix account? Do you think they have a Netflix account, or is that too common? There’s something about this image that pleases me immensely, much like I imagine good ol’ William, Kate, and Harry reading The Royal We on vacation, then discussing it over cocktails while supervising cherubic toddlers. If you loved The Royal We and don’t mind meeting its more serious, but seriously engaging 1940s cousin, you’re going to love The Crown.
