Watch Almost Royal

Almost Royal is a mockumentary-style show that follows the fictional aristocratic siblings Georgie and Poppy Carlton, portrayed by Ed Gamble and Amy Hoggart respectively, as they embark on a tour of the United States. The show premiered on BBC America in 2014 and had two seasons, with the last episode airing in 2016.

Throughout the show, Georgie and Poppy interact with real Americans in various locations across the country, from the Deep South to New York City. Their mission is to gain a better understanding of American culture and become more relatable to their subjects in preparation for their eventual inheritance of their family's fortune and title.

Although the premise of the show may seem straightforward, Almost Royal is anything but predictable. Georgie and Poppy's aristocratic quirks often bring them into awkward and hilarious situations, such as Georgie assuming he can enter a vegan restaurant while wearing his hunting attire or Poppy attempting to start a street dance battle in Harlem.

One of the show's most notable strengths is its humor. The writing is clever and the delivery by the two leads is spot-on. Georgie and Poppy's cluelessness leads to a lot of comedic gold, with a particular highlight being their complete lack of knowledge about American politics. The show also pokes fun at American culture itself, particularly the obsession with celebrity and reality TV.

In addition to the humor, Almost Royal does touch on some more serious topics. Throughout their travels, Georgie and Poppy encounter individuals from all walks of life, including the homeless and those struggling with addiction. The show handles these interactions with sensitivity while still maintaining its satirical edge.

Another standout feature of the show is its production value. The editing and cinematography are top-notch, as are the locations chosen for filming. From the swamplands of Louisiana to the bright lights of Las Vegas, each episode is visually stunning and adds to the overall experience.

One potential drawback of the show is its reliance on the same formula each episode. While the interactions and locations change, the basic concept of Georgie and Poppy getting themselves into awkward situations remains the same. This can make the show feel a bit repetitive at times, particularly towards the end of the second season.

Despite this, Almost Royal remains a highly entertaining and well-crafted mockumentary series. Ed Gamble and Amy Hoggart's performances are excellent, with both actors bringing nuance and depth to their respective characters. The humor is sharp, the locations are stunning, and the overall production value is top-notch. Although the show only had two seasons, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of British comedy or mockumentary-style television in general.

Almost Royal is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between June 21, 2014 and on BBC America