July 12, 2021 · By Chris Parkhurst
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Swedish gay teen drama Young Royals drops on Netflix
Add to your must watch list the new Swedish teen drama Young Royals which is pretty binge-worthy. Set at an elite boarding school in Sweden, Young Royals mostly follows Prince Wilhelm as he adjusts to life at the school.
The Young Prince Wilhelm (played by Edvin Ryding) has been sent to the prestigious Hillerska school after an unfortunate viral video, where he’s taken under the wing of his older brother’s friend (and their second cousin), August af Arnas (Malte Gårdinger). Wilhelm soon follows for a local non-boarding student, Simon Eriksson (Omar Rudberg), but when tragedy strikes, their relationship it put to the test.
Wilhelm has a lot expected of him as the second in line for the throne, which he struggles to accept. He doesn’t go to Hillerska by choice, but is willing to adapt quickly enough.
While Hillerska is an elite private boarding, this is Sweden, a country of 9 million people who tend not to be as elitist compared to other countries. And being Sweden, the school is kitted out in the latest from IKEA. Prince Wilhelm has a certain amount of freedom, but body guards are not too far away. A few of the other students might think themselves royalty or part of the aristocracy, but their egos are soon broken by reality.
The entire first season is only six episodes. They are in Swedish with subtitles, but it’s easy to manage (and a delight to listen to). Netflix has not confirmed if there will be a second season, but we certainly hope for one, or several more seasons.
