This Netflix show is a cross between Anyone But You and The Crown.

If there's one thing Netflix knows how to do, it's serve up a delicious rom-com with extra cheese — and their latest Indian offering, The Royals, delivers this in royal proportions. This eight-episode series brings together palaces, power struggles, and abs that simply refuse to stay covered by shirts.

What more could we ask for, really?

The Royals follows Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a polo-playing prince of the fictional kingdom of Morpur, whose family palace is literally crumbling around them. Enter Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a savvy, self-made CEO with a plan to transform the palace into a luxury bed-and-breakfast. Cue the class clash, cultural tensions, and — you guessed it — simmering romance. It's giving enemies to lovers. It's giving royal romance.

Watch the trailer for The Royals. Article continues after video.

Let me start by saying the chemistry between Khatter and Pednekar is nothing short of electric. There are moments between them that had me literally squealing into a cushion. The tension is palpable, and when they finally get together? Phwoar. Grab a fan, ladies.

The sibling dynamics between Aviraaj and his brother and sister are brilliantly done. Their banter, rivalries, and ultimately their support for each other feels genuinely familial — squabbles and all.

Speaking of the siblings, it's safe to say my favourite character in the entire show is Aviraaj's younger brother, Digvijay. He's an aspiring chef who has spent years picking up the slack his older brother had left behind while galavanting in New York. He's responsible, he's gentle, he's LOGICAL. A cinnamon roll, really. Everything Aviraaj is not. I would watch an entire spin-off about this man. Make it happen, Netflix.

Image: Netflix

What surprised me most was how well The Royals balances comedy with genuine emotion. Yes, it's silly and over-the-top (in the best possible way), but there are scenes that genuinely move you. The touching moment when the previous Maharaja's lover gives up his inheritance to the family? I wasn't prepared for the lump in my throat. And the conversation between Digvijay and Aviraaj about their father? Tissues required.

The performances elevate what could have been just another fluffy rom-com.

Khatter, who you might recognise from The Perfect Couple, brings a wounded vulnerability to his entitled prince, while Pednekar is a force of nature as the determined Sophia.

Now, let's talk about the drama. Oh, the drama! While I love a good melodramatic moment as much as the next person, The Royals sometimes feels like it's throwing obstacles at our couple simply because it can. Just as we get a moment of peace — BAM! — another ex appears, or a family secret is revealed, or someone's been hiding something AGAIN. It's exhausting.

The misunderstandings pile up so fast it's hard not to get whiplash. At certain points, you'll find yourself screaming "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER" at your screen.

Image: Netflix

And Aviraaj? For all his charm and impressive abdominal definition (this man is so beautiful), he can be INSUFFERABLY entitled. Every little inconvenience sends him running away which — I get it, I, too, do not like conflict or crisis management — but for a man who is in charge of running a palace, he really needs to learn some emotional regulation. There's a glorious moment when his younger brother slaps some sense into him, and I nearly stood up and applauded. We were all thinking it.

Despite its flaws, The Royals is exactly the kind of escapist romance we need right now — glamorous, steamy, and not taking itself too seriously. From 'impromptu', clearly-very-choreographed dance routines to chaotic family drama, the show feels incredibly grounded in culture and universal at the same time. It's the perfect weekend binge-watch that will have you googling "Indian palace hotels" before the credits roll on the final episode.

Is it Shakespeare? Hardly. Is it a deliciously addictive way to spend eight hours? Absolutely. Pour yourself something cold, prepare to swoon, and enjoy this royal romp.

Feature Image: Netflix.