The popular show “Heated Rivalry” has captured fans with its story of competitive tension and complex relationships. For viewers looking for their next watch, the Swedish Netflix drama Young Royals offers a similarly gripping mix of personal conflict, high-stakes drama, and a central romance that must fight against the world. The series has earned outstanding reviews, including a perfect 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season.
This series moves beyond simple teen drama. It follows Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, who is sent to the prestigious Hillerska boarding school after a public scandal. There, he is expected to uphold royal duty but instead finds himself unexpectedly drawn to a fellow student, Simon Eriksson. Their growing connection sets off a chain of events involving family pressure, public scrutiny, and betrayal from within the school’s elite social circles.
What Makes Young Royals a Must-Watch
The core of Young Royals is the relationship between Wilhelm and Simon. Wilhelm, played by Edvin Ryding, is the reluctant prince struggling with grief and the massive expectations suddenly placed upon him. Simon, portrayed by Omar Rudberg, is a bright and grounded scholarship student from a working-class background. Their worlds are fundamentally different, creating a classic story of love versus duty. The show carefully builds their connection from tentative friendship into a deep romance, making the forces arrayed against them feel intensely personal and consequential.
The series skillfully uses its boarding school setting to explore themes of class, privilege, and identity. Hillerska is a microcosm where old-money families, modern nobility, and scholarship students clash. This environment creates constant pressure on Wilhelm and Simon, whose relationship is seen as a risk to the monarchy’s stability. The tension is amplified by a stellar supporting cast, including Malte Gårdinger as August, Wilhelm’s ambitious and troubled second cousin whose actions drive much of the series’ central conflict.
Central Conflicts and Rivalries
A major source of drama is the evolving rivalry between Wilhelm and his cousin, August Horn. August is a prefect and rowing team captain from a noble family that has lost its fortune. He is deeply jealous of Wilhelm’s position and resentful of his own family’s financial decline. This jealousy fuels a bitter rivalry that goes beyond simple teenage competition. August’s actions directly threaten Wilhelm’s chance at happiness and personal freedom, creating a sustained and personal antagonism that will feel familiar to fans of character-driven conflict.
The show also presents the broader conflict between individual desire and institutional tradition. The royal institution, represented by Queen Kristina (Pernilla August) and the royal court, demands that Wilhelm suppress his true self for the sake of the crown. His love for Simon is treated as a political problem to be managed or erased. This creates a powerful narrative where the central romance is a act of rebellion.
The series addresses homophobia, mental illness, eating disorders, infidelity, drug addiction, stalking, abuse, internalized racism, autism, the relationship between social classes, and constitutional monarchy.
Beyond the main love story, Young Royals builds a web of interconnected subplots. The friendship and romance between Wilhelm’s childhood friend Felice Ehrencrona (Nikita Uggla) and Simon’s sister Sara (Frida Argento) adds layers of loyalty and betrayal. Sara’s own journey of seeking acceptance within the elite social circles creates further complications for Simon and Wilhelm.
Season by Season Breakdown and Release Details
The complete story of Young Royals is told over three seasons, with all episodes available to stream globally on Netflix.
Season 1 (6 episodes) launched on July 1, 2021. It introduces Wilhelm to Hillerska and follows the beginning of his secret relationship with Simon. The season builds to a climax when a private moment between them is filmed and leaked online, causing a national scandal and forcing Wilhelm to choose between his heart and his duty.
Season 2 (6 episodes) arrived on November 1, 2022. It deals with the aftermath of the video leak. Wilhelm and Simon try to move on while navigating a changed social landscape at school. Wilhelm begins to challenge the royal court’s control over his life, setting the stage for a more direct confrontation.
Season 3, the final season, concluded the series in March 2024. The first five episodes were released on March 11, 2024, with the series finale and a behind-the-scenes documentary airing on March 18, 2024. This season brings the various personal and political conflicts to a head, offering a conclusion to Wilhelm and Simon’s hard-fought journey.
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Why It Resonates with Global Audiences
The appeal of Young Royals is universal, despite its specific Swedish setting. The feeling of being trapped by family expectations, the desire to live authentically, and the intensity of first love are relatable to viewers everywhere. The production treats its teenage characters and their emotions with seriousness and respect, avoiding melodrama for genuine, character-driven storytelling.
The performances are a major strength. Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg share a compelling and believable chemistry that grounds the entire series. Their performances capture the joy, anxiety, and pain of their characters’ situation. The supporting cast, including Malte Gårdinger and Frida Argento, deliver equally nuanced performances that make the world of Hillerska feel fully realized.
For viewers who enjoy stories where love is a battle against external forces, Young Royals delivers. It combines the tension of a royal scandal with the authenticity of a teen drama, resulting in a series that is both entertaining and emotionally impactful. Its perfect critical score reflects a show that executes its concept with intelligence and heart.
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