Will 'The Royals' return for round two? And what should you expect?

Who knew blue blood came with this much baggage? The Royals on Netflix gives viewers a front-row seat to the chaos, charm, and carefully concealed secrets of the Morpur royal family. Set against the sun-soaked grandeur of Rajasthan’s Motibagh Palace, the eight-episode series follows the debt-ridden royals as they navigate the clash between age-old traditions and the harsh reality of survival in a post-Maharaja era. 

At the centre of it all is Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a modern-day, polo-playing prince who wants nothing to do with managing his family’s dwindling fortune. But everything changes after the sudden death of the Maharaja (played by Milind Soman), which uncovers a mountain of debt. Enter Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar), a hospitality entrepreneur who has a bold solution: turn the palace into a luxury boutique hotel.

But old grudges, new romances, and deep-seated family secrets soon derail any hope of a smooth transition. Does it have enough to have us hooked? Let’s break it down.

Meet the dysfunctional royals of Morpur

Leading the royal turmoil is Aviraaj Singh—equal parts princely charm and polo poster boy, but deeply conflicted about whether to uphold his legacy or leave it all behind. His electric dynamic with Sophia is marred by his emotional volatility and tendency to self-sabotage. Then there’s Diggy aka Digvijay (Vihaan Samat), who’d rather be a celebrity chef than a royal, and Jinnie aka Divyaranjini (Kavya Trehan), the overlooked sibling quietly preparing to claim her space in a household that has always ignored her.

The Queen Mother, portrayed with stoic grace by Sakshi Tanwar, tries to keep the family together, despite her own growing disillusionment. Draped in chiffon laden with secrets, her Padmaja is equal parts commanding and mysterious, bringing a touch of old-world gravitas to the show’s otherwise breezy tone. Her presence hints at the long-buried stories and scandals that span generations. Sadly, the writing gives her very little room to shine.

Still, it’s Zeenat Aman as the regal matriarch who commands every frame she appears in. That said, her scenes are brief and underwritten, and don’t do justice to an actor who remains timeless and relevant. If a second season is in the works, the writers owe her character more depth and screen presence.

A season that has style over substance

 

With its lavish sets, beautiful people, and top-tier costume design, The Royals is undeniably a visual treat. But beneath the sparkle, it struggles to find emotional depth. Ishaan Khatter’s shirtless polo sessions may dazzle, but his character’s inner conflict barely registers. Bhumi Pednekar’s Sophia begins with promise but quickly fades into a flat love interest. The supporting cast—particularly Vihaan Samat and Sakshi Tanwar—often outshine the leads, though they’re rarely given the screen time they deserve. The show does earn points for subtly exploring themes like queer identity and the weight of legacy, but it often feels like it’s ticking boxes rather than digging deeper.

So, what was that cliffhanger—and what could season 2 be all about?

The final episode drops a bombshell that shakes the royal foundation. A sensational book about the late Maharaja’s secret love life sparks a media frenzy, casting doubt on Fizzy’s legitimacy. It turns out he might be the illegitimate child of Queen Padmaja—a revelation that sends shockwaves through the family and ruins a major hotel launch. A heartbroken Aviraaj pulls away from Sophia just as they were about to start a new venture together. The once-tight family begins to unravel: Jinnie considers legal action (could she stake a claim to the throne now that Aviraaj’s bloodline is in question?), Diggy eyes international stardom as a chef, and Sophia retreats to her ex-partner Zubin, while Aviraaj disappears into royal solitude.

If there’s a second season, it has plenty to work with. Will Aviraaj confront his mother? Will Jinnie make a move for the crown? And what’s next for Motibagh Palace—will it become a luxury hotel or a crumbling relic of the past?

With broken relationships, buried secrets, and an uncertain future, the stage is set for a gripping second chapter. With sharper writing and more emotional nuance, the show could move beyond aesthetic indulgence into full-blown royal drama. Because after that ending, we need to know what Motibagh still has hidden beneath its marble floors.

Bring on the drama!

All images: Netflix

Also read: Bhumi Pednekar talks about her efforts in creating a sustainable ecosystem for animals

Also read: Wish you knew the indisputable secret to a good love life? Zeenat Aman dropped major relationship wisdom, no cap!