Unlike Bridgerton which is energetic romantic comedy, this is straight drama that feels both constrained and bloated at the same time. There are moments of great poignance, especially in the young love story - and it soars when focusing on the mental struggles of the young King George.
Unfortunately those moments feel buried amid overlong, repetitive fantasy scenes about racially integrating the British monarchy and nobility, and the trials of young Lady Danbury.
This is a shame since a great love story based on a faithful depiction of real history could have been more powerful. The streaming mandate that no story can be told in less than six hours also gets in the way and tries the viewer's patience.
Although it's a female-empowerment show with solid performances all around, the true standouts are Corey Mylchreest in a star-making turn as the loving but tortured young King George, and Sam Clemmett as the Queen's loyal servant, whose every glance and moment demands as much attention as the king's ransom worth of elaborate costumes and wigs.
Unfortunately those moments feel buried amid overlong, repetitive fantasy scenes about racially integrating the British monarchy and nobility, and the trials of young Lady Danbury.
This is a shame since a great love story based on a faithful depiction of real history could have been more powerful. The streaming mandate that no story can be told in less than six hours also gets in the way and tries the viewer's patience.
Although it's a female-empowerment show with solid performances all around, the true standouts are Corey Mylchreest in a star-making turn as the loving but tortured young King George, and Sam Clemmett as the Queen's loyal servant, whose every glance and moment demands as much attention as the king's ransom worth of elaborate costumes and wigs.