'The Crown' in Hot Water? UK Royals Urge Netflix Show to Add THIS Amidst Queen's Death
The Netflix drama "The Crown" reportedly raises concern among the British royal family ahead of the upcoming fifth season.
"The Crown" is a historical drama Netflix series centered on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Created and written by Peter Morgan, the show debuted its first season in 2016 and aired its fourth season in November 2020.
However, with the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles taking over as the new king, sources reveal that the Netflix series has been a matter of concern within the palace.
Royals Call the Netflix Show 'Exploitative'
According to Telegraph UK, a "senior royal source" close to King Charles III reports that the Netflix series was "exploitative" and did not display any proper disclaimer that the show was a work of fiction. The source urges the showrunners to remind the audience that "The Crown" is a "drama, not a documentary".
"What people forget is that there are real human beings and real lives at the heart of this," said a source close to King Charles III.
"The Crown" has received numerous criticisms over the years, specifically, from British royals. The source went on to express their disapproval of the series' depictions.
"It is quite sinister the way that [writer Peter] Morgan is clearly using light entertainment to drive a very overt republican agenda and people just don't see it." The source explained. "They have been lured in over the first few series until they can't see how they are being manipulated. It is highly sophisticated propaganda."
Not the First Demand From British Government
In 2020, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had already made a similar demand to the showrunners for a disclaimer on the show. Dowden told the Daily Mail that some scenes and portrayals on "The Crown" were damaging to the reputation of the Royal family. According to Culture Secretary Dowden, the Netflix series was a "beautifully produced work of fiction, so as with other TV productions, Netflix should be very clear at the beginning it is just that."
Despite criticism for historical inaccuracies, "The Crown" has been praised by critics for its acting, directing, and overall cinematography, thus garnering several accolades. Most recently, the series won "Best drama" during the 2020 Writers Guild of America Awards.
Temporarily pausing production during the late Queen Elizabeth II's death out of respect, the fifth season is set to release on November 9, 2022.
