Network: E!
Episodes: 40 (hour)
Seasons: Four

TV show dates: March 15, 2015 — May 13, 2018
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Vincent Regan, Elizabeth Hurley, William Moseley, Alexandra Park, Merritt Patterson, Oliver Milburn, Jake Maskall, Tom Austen, Lydia Rose Bewley, Hatty Preston, Joan Collins, Noah Huntley, and Andrew Bicknell.

TV show description:
This nighttime soap opera drama series — a loose adaptation Michelle Ray’s novel, Falling for Hamlet — features the lives of a fictional British royal family, behind closed doors and in the public eye.

At the series premiere, Simon Henstridge (Vincent Regan) is King. He is married to Helena (Elizabeth Hurley), Queen Consort. When eldest son Prince Robert dies a mysterious death, said to be a military accident, Prince Liam (William Moseley) becomes next in line for the throne.

Prior to Robert’s death, Liam and his twin sister, Princess Eleanor (Alexandra Park) were accustomed to living the high life, with few responsibilities. Being the heir apparent complicates Liam’s relationship with American, Ophelia Pryce (Merritt Patterson), daughter of the royal chief of security, Ted Pryce (Oliver Milburn).

Self-destructive party girl Eleanor, sleeps with bodyguard Jasper (Tom Austen). When Eleanor tries to fire him, Jasper threatens to leak a supposed sex video. He eventually admits it does not exist. Jasper also sleeps with Helena.

Distraught over Robert’s death, King Simon considers asking Parliament for a referendum to abolish the monarchy. This upsets the family, particularly Simon’s cunning and ambitious brother, Prince Cyrus (Jake Maskall), and his vapid daughters, Princess Penelope (Lydia Rose Bewley) and Princess Maribel (Hatty Preston).

When Simon is hospitalized after being stabbed, Liam is supposed to serve as acting King. While he is being sworn in, Cyrus reveals that Liam and Eleanor are not Simon’s children, but rather the product of an affair. When Simon dies, Cyrus — with whom Helena has forged an alliance — ascends to the throne.

Helena has been in love with Captain Alistair Lacey (Noah Huntley) since before she married Simon, and has an affair with him. When Simon is dying, Cyrus has Lacey killed. He dies without knowing if Liam and Eleanor are his biological children.

Series Finale:
Episode #40 — With Mirth in Funeral and With Dirge in Marriage
Events change the family and the nation forever; a burgeoning uprising has Robert suspicious of everyone, as the rest of the family unites to combat a formidable foe.
First aired: May 13, 2018.

What do you think? Do you like The Royals TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a fifth season?