Netflix’s smash hit show “Young Royals” has returned with a second season. This show focuses on Prince Wilhelm of Sweden’s story of self-discovery and finding love with one of his schoolmates, Simon. “Young Royals” quickly gained popularity among queer teens around the globe as its portrayal of combating family expectations with love resonated with the queer community. 

Season one of “Young Royals” was wonderfully balanced between a developed plot and the intense drama that young adults crave. The first season left the audience on the edge of their seat as Wilhem decides to keep his relationship with Simon a secret and conform to the expectations of his family.

However, the high expectations for the second season were not met.  While the new season does demonstrate the immaturity and poor decisions that are often displayed by teens, the characters constantly fall back into self-destructive habits that seemed to be concluded in the first season. One example is demonstrated by Simon’s sister Sara, who starts a relationship with Wilhem’s selfish and jealous cousin, August. The relationship is especially troubling because August’s actions led to Wilhem’s ultimate decision to choose his family over Simon. The second season also tries to excuse August for his horrible behavior in the first season by blaming his actions on dysfunctional family life and mental health issues.

Much like his sister, Simon also finds himself in a toxic relationship with the school’s stable hand, Marcus. This awkward relationship is Simon’s pathetic attempt to move on from his relationship with Wilhelm. Throughout the season, Simon continuously displays little regard for Marcus’s feelings and agrees to be in a relationship with him even though it is very clear that he has no romantic feelings for him. Wilhelm also makes many strange attempts to get over Simon that leave the audience shaking their heads. 

The constant debate about whether Wilhem and Simon will reestablish their relationship  has not evolved since the end of the first season; when one confesses their feelings, the other denies their feelings. Simon refuses to engage in a relationship with Wilhem if it involves keeping their feelings secret and Wilhem is not ready to come out to the world and strain his relationship with his family. While both of these characters’ needs are acceptable, it is clear neither will provide the other with what they need.  

The last end credits of “Young Royals” season two was by far the highlight of the season as it signified that this horrible second season was finally at its end. Watching a group of sex-driven teens constantly make the same mistakes and engage in the same drama. Instead of a heartfelt queer story, “Young Royals” has turned into a repetitive soap opera, which perfectly displays young people who should not be engaging in romantic relationships.