Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ Comparison Sparks Backlash Over ‘The Royals’

Netflix’s attempt to draw parallels between its latest Indian series, The Royals, and the globally popular Bridgerton has not gone down well with audiences. The streaming giant shared a post comparing scenes from both shows, but instead of sparking excitement, it triggered a wave of criticism online.  

 

The Controversial Comparison  

- Netflix’s Instagram post featured side-by-side images of Ishaan Khatter riding a horse next to Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton, ballroom dance sequences, and swimming pool scenes from both shows  

- The caption attempted to mimic Bridgerton’s dramatic tone, but fans were quick to call out the comparison as forced and misleading  

- Many viewers argued that The Royals lacked the depth, storytelling, and production quality of Bridgerton, making the comparison unwarranted  

 

Social Media Reactions  

- Fans expressed their frustration, with comments ranging from “How dare you compare them” to “Bollywood is the graveyard of copycats”  

- Some users mocked the attempt, calling The Royals a “Meesho version of Bridgerton” and questioning the logic behind the comparison  

- Others pointed out that Bridgerton is a well-established period drama with a strong fan base, while The Royals is still struggling to find its footing  

 

The Royals’ Mixed Reception  

- The show, starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, follows a financially struggling royal family in modern-day India  

- While some viewers appreciated the lavish setting and performances, others criticized the weak plot and lack of chemistry between the leads  

- The director, Priyanka Ghose, acknowledged the polarized feedback, stating that she would strive for better execution in future projects  

 

Future Outlook  

- Despite the backlash, The Royals continues to generate discussion, proving that comparisons—whether favorable or not—can drive engagement  

- Netflix’s marketing strategy may have misfired, but the controversy has put The Royals in the spotlight, potentially attracting curious viewers  

- Whether the show can overcome its initial criticism and carve out its own identity remains to be seen  

 

Sources: NDTV, Firstpost, News18, Hindustan Times.