Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British royals-themed parody is more insulting than clever.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Prince
What's the Story?
Created by Gary Janetti, THE PRINCE is an animated series that offers a satirical look at the life of young Prince George, the seven-year-old heir apparent to the British monarchy. HRH Prince George (voiced by Janetti) is enjoying his time in primary school while spending his childhood in the palace along with younger siblings Princess Charlotte (Sophie Turner) and Prince Louis (Paul Anderson), and his butler Owen (Alan Cumming), Meanwhile, the rest of the royals, including Queen Elizabeth (Frances de la Tour), Prince Charles (Dan Stevens) and Camilla, along with Prince William (played by Game of Thrones' Ewan Rheon) and Kate Middleton (Lucy Punch) just live their everyday lives as royals. In California, Prince Harry (Orlando Bloom) and Meghan Markle (Condola Rashad) are building their lives as working commoners.
Is It Any Good?
The flat series attempts to deliver irreverent humor by poking fun at the royal family. The narratives present the royal family as obnoxious caricatures and their staff as devoted but tortured souls. The show also takes swipes at some of the monarchy's more recent problems, like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's choice to step down from their royal duties. But despite the all-star cast, and guest appearances from media celebs like Andy Cohen and Lisa Rinna,The Prince lacks the smart writing and comic timing a good parody requires. As a result, it goes too far, especially when it comes to its characterization of the late Prince Philip, and by including the young royal children in the fray. However, the biggest problem is that fails to offer any clear commentary about the British royals through the comedic devices it uses. The result is a TV show that is neither funny nor relevant.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between parodies and satires. Media parodies offer comic takes on things by imitating them, while satires are meant to critique the subject matter it is focused on. Does this series fall into at least one of these categories? Why?
There's no law in the U.K. that prevents the young children of the British royal family from being the targets of tabloids, comedies, or other media outlets. How do their parents protect them from the media spotlight? Is it appropriate for The Prince to poke fun at the British royal children for laughs? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 29, 2021
- Cast : Frances de la Tour , Orlando Bloom , Gary Janetti
- Network : Max
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 22, 2022
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