Common Sense Media Review
By Weiting Liu
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dramatization of prince's sex abuse scandal has heart, grit.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Very Royal Scandal
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A VERY ROYAL SCANDAL revolves around BBC journalist Emily Maitlis' (Ruth Wilson) 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew (Michael Sheen) about his friendship with Jefferey Epstein (John Hopkins) and his alleged involvement in Epstein's sex trafficking and sexual abuse of underage girls. It follows the buildup, execution, and fallout of the interview. Maitlis works diligently with her cutthroat colleague Esme Wren (Lydia Leonard) to disarm Prince Andrew and his secretary Amanda Thirsk (Joanna Scanlan), leading him toward what would be one of the worst moments of his life.
Is It Any Good?
Based on the high-profile true story of Maitlis's influential BBC interview with Prince Andrew, this series dramatizes the press event's unfolding with a strong cast led by Wilson and Sheen. With Maitlis herself in the writers' room, A Very Royal Scandal retells the event with authenticity and treats survivors (particularly Virginia Giuffre) of Epstein's sex trafficking with empathy and respect.
Wilson delivers a sharp yet sincere performance of Maitlis going through immense pressure to stand up for what's right. And Sheen's nuanced portrayal of the arrogant yet fragile Prince Andrew adds to the show's successful character design. Even though its storytelling feels formulaic at times, the three-part series' gradually accelerating pace to its climax draws the audience in. It also teaches a meaningful lesson about the rewards of sticking to professional integrity in spite of powerful oppressions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the real story A Very Royal Scandal is based on. Are you familiar with this particular scandal in the British royal family? What role do you think the royal family should have in today's international society? Can you think of any aspects that they can improve and change to influence the public in more positive ways?
What can you learn from Emily Maitlis to develop professional goals and ambitions of your own? What can you learn from her to develop professional integrity?
Does the show teach you anything about how to treat survivors of sexual abuse? What can we do to make them feel more comfortable with telling their truth?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 19, 2024
- Cast : Ruth Wilson , Michael Sheen , Lydia Leonard
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 14, 2024
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