Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Americans claim Brit throne in royally tedious reality.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Suddenly Royal
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SUDDENLY ROYAL is a reality series that shows what happens when an average blue-collar American family takes on its responsibilities as members of the British monarchy. David "Drew" Howe was living a happy life in Maryland as an auto service manager along with his wife, Pam, and daughter, Grace. But some online genealogical research revealed a surprise: Not only is Howe a direct descendant of King Henry VIII, but he's the last descendant of the kings of the Isle of Man and has a claim to the British protectorate's throne under British law. Years after making his claim and saving some money, King Drew, Queen Pam, and Princess Grace are finally traveling to the Isle of Man, located between Great Britain and Ireland, for six weeks to see what may await. With the help of a royal secretary, Lord Kevin Couling, they learn more about their responsibilities and how to behave. But it isn't easy, especially when the locals are opposed to having a king.
Is It Any Good?
This tedious series attempts to offer a unique twist on a rags-to-riches story by showing how un-magical being a royal can be in today's times. The cast is genuinely likable, but most of their interaction seems completely orchestrated for the cameras.
Reality fans might find it fun, and you might capture a detail or two about the history and culture of the country they supposedly rule. But overall, the show's biggest accomplishment is making yet another U.S. citizen look silly in a foreign country.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Isle of Man. What is its history? Would having a king affect the country in any way?
What does it mean to have "royal blood"? How can someone who lives in the U.S. have it? Could you be related to a royal family somewhere in the world? How can you find out?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 9, 2015
- Cast : Drew Howe , Pam Howe , Grace Howe
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories , Royalty ( Kings , Princes , Princesses , Queens ) , Travel
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 5, 2025
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