The second season of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix venture has landed with a thud, met by a chorus of brutal criticism from top UK television reviewers. The series, which follows the couple's activities and the lead-up to the Invictus Games, has been widely panned as inauthentic and poorly conceived.
Leading the charge, The Times' Carol Midgley did not hold back, awarding the show a dismal two stars. She skewered its "excruciatingly awkward" moments and labelled the overall production "contrived." The sentiment was echoed across the media landscape, with many questioning the show's purpose and execution.
A Parade of 'Nano-Celebrities'
A significant point of contention for critics was the show's reliance on what they termed 'nano-celebrities'. Rather than featuring A-list names or compelling personal stories, the series is criticised for filling its runtime with minor figures in a perceived attempt to generate buzz. This strategy, reviewers argue, backfired spectacularly, making the content feel desperate rather than organic.
Cringe-Worthy Moments Dominate
Multiple reviews highlighted specific scenes that descended into pure awkwardness. From stilted conversations to seemingly forced moments of camaraderie, the show failed to project the genuine, relatable image it seemingly aimed for. Critics pointed out that these moments often felt staged, breaking any illusion of authenticity and leaving viewers cringing.
The negative reception poses a significant challenge for the Sussexes' burgeoning media empire. With their lucrative Spotify deal already terminated, pressure is mounting for their Netflix partnership to deliver compelling, well-received content that justifies its high value. This season's critical mauling suggests they are struggling to find a winning formula that resonates with both audiences and commentators.
