Prime Video has kicked off the end of February with its latest sitcom offering, "Su Majestad," which presents viewers with the comedic yet poignant tale of Princess Pilar, portrayed by Anna Castillo. This series debuted on February 27, 2025, and consists of seven episodes, each around 30 minutes long, immersing audiences in the absurdities of contemporary Spanish royalty.
"Su Majestad" marks the return of the creative duo Borja Cobeaga and Diego San José, known for their successful film "Ocho Apellidos Vascos." The series sets itself apart by combining irreverent humor with what some critics describe as incisive reality-checks, contextualizing the monarchy within pressing societal issues. The story revolves around Pilar, who must unexpectedly take the throne when her father, King Alfonso XIV, is forced to flee due to corruption scandals, leaving her to navigate the intricacies of royal duties.
The premise offers more than just royal escapades; it serves as sharp social commentary. Viewers witness Pilar’s character evolution from a spoiled and carefree princess to one who grapples with the expectations of the monarchy. Critics highlight how this transformation is central to the show, as audiences see her maturity reflect the realities of her upbringing.
Critics were quick to note how the series cleverly uses satire to explore contemporary dilemmas. "Pilar is empathetic yet flawed," noted The Vanguardia, praising Castillo's performance as successfully balancing the character's charm and shortcomings. This dynamic allows for humor to coexist with the heavier themes of power and accountability. From the outset, Castillo’s characterization resonates as she merges the arrogant traits of her character with moments of vulnerability.
The series also doesn’t shy away from poking fun at judicial and media institutions, painting them as complicit and hypocritical. Moments like Pilar downplaying the severity of her father’s scandals—"Well, we’ll just stop it," she quips about her father’s media scrutiny—demonstrate the almost casual absurdity ingrained within these personas. Such lines reinforce the playful nature of the series without losing sight of its critique.
The modern setting and relatable challenges faced by Princess Pilar serve also to dismantle the conventional portrayal of monarchies. "Su Majestad" aligns itself with contemporary societal discourse and mirrors real-life monarchy debates, thereby engaging viewers on several levels. While its characters inhabit fictional scenarios, there’s no denying the parallels drawn to actual incidents of corruption and privilege seen within royalty today.
What adds depth to the show is how it captures the essence of this dysfunctional royal family, contrasting the frivolities of Pilar's lifestyle with the gravitas of her new role. The show emphasizes her learning curve as she navigates the demands of the crown, assisted by her pragmatic secretary Guillermo, played by Ernesto Alterio. His character acts as the voice of reason, providing the necessary grounding as Pilar learns the ropes.
Given its audacious approach, "Su Majestad" stands alongside other works aimed at deconstructing the institution of monarchy, like Movistar Plus+'s "La Vida Breve." Critics have remarked on how both series, albeit set hundreds of years apart, seek to explore the absurdity behind the lineage of Spanish kings through humor. The paradox lies, critics have argued, not only within playful jabs at the characters' personal failings but also at how these failings reflect broader societal issues.
The show has garnered mixed reviews concerning its execution. While some critics applaud its comedic writing and social critique, others suggest there are moments where the pace falters. For example, "Extradigital" mentioned how the show drops intensity around the third episode—though it still remains watchable and entertaining. Some reviews note potential missed opportunities to push the satire even harder against the monarchy's excesses.
Visually, "Su Majestad" benefits from real locations around Madrid, lending authenticity to the royal backdrop as it incorporates recognizable historical sites, albeit with creative intervention to fit the modern narrative. Filming took place across various iconic venues, from palaces to humble eateries, grounding the series within the cultural fabric of Spain.
Critics also highlight how the show captures the essence of Spanish humor, blending light-hearted wit with occasional biting sarcasm. This allows it to both resonate with the audience and elicit laughter, inviting viewers to reflect on the realities of power dynamics and privilege embedded within the institution it seeks to satirize.
"Su Majestad" aims to entertain its audience through humor and relatability without detracting from the pressing societal issues at hand. Although it doesn’t claim to revolutionize television or societal norms, it deftly provides comic relief through the lens of royal absurdity and youthful recklessness—a timely reminder of the discussions surrounding contemporary monarchy.
Post-debut, expectations remain high on how the series will connect with audiences amid their own struggles with authority and representation. Will Princess Pilar transition seamlessly from reluctant heir to competent leader? Only time will tell as viewers come to meet the characters beyond their initial impressions and explore the antics of Spain's most unconventional princess.