Young Royals Season 2 Spoiler Free Review

Netflix’s far-too-bingeable drama series Young Royals has returned for a second season. Did the highly anticipated sequel series match up to the unique heart that made its predecessor so loved?

The short answer is... Yes. The Swedish drama thrives on authentic character writing and passionate performances, and the story’s recent continuation only seems to expand upon these aspects. Following on from the 2021 series, which saw young Prince Wilhelm grapple with his role in the Swedish royal family whilst confronting his sudden and confusing feelings for classmate Simon, the show pulls focus on self-discovery, loyalty and how our differences can unify us rather than drive us apart.

‘Loyalty’ in particular seems to be the keyword of this season, and not just in the case of the main two characters. Set in the prestigious fictional school of Hillerska, the show introduces a vast array of characters navigating problems in relationships, substance abuse, class discrimination and identity. Each teen seems to harbor a secret at some point, risking friendships and family as the intense storylines unravel.

The heart of the drama remains the blossoming romance between Wilhelm and Simon, though, as they must tackle head-on the many hurdles that seek to keep them apart. Class bias, LGBTQ+ discrimination and traditional values plague their love for each other, sparking revolutionary undertones that play a key role in how every character interacts. Increasingly questioning the logic of tradition and the priorities of the generations before him, Wilhelm’s journey is fascinating to watch play out. The internal struggle of working-class student Simon is also integral, as he faces a choice between a lonely, but self-respectful freedom or a restricted, secret life of companionship. The star-crossed lover storyline may be centuries old, but this series manages to reinvent it for a 21st century format, and it works wonders.