Netflix has finally weighed in on whether or notThe Crownshould get a label or disclaimer marking it as fiction. The debate first began when UK culture secretaryOliver Dowdensuggested the Netflix drama centered around the lives of the royal family should get a “health warning” marking it as fiction. Shortly after Dowden went on record with his remarks,Helena Bonham Carter, one ofThe CrownSeasons 3 and 4 stars, seeminglybacked up Dowden’s assertion. During an interview for an official podcast aboutThe Crown, Bonham Carter remarked, “It is dramatized. I do feel very strongly, because I think we have a moral responsibility to say, ‘Hang on guys, this is not… it’s not a drama-doc, we’re making a drama.’ So they are two different entities.”
Over the weekend, Netflix shared an official statement on whether they would ever labelThe Crownas fiction to help clue in viewers. A spokesperson for the streamer (viaThe Hollywood Reporter) stated:
“We have always presentedThe Crownas a drama - and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events. As a result, we have no plans - and see no need - to add a disclaimer.”
Netflix’s reply seems in line with its marketing of past seasons as based on historical events rather than outright retellings of how the history actually played out.The Crown’s dive into the lives of the British royal family throughout the 20th century means we get both a public and private view of these otherwise enigmatic figures. This is especially true with Charles' (Josh O’Connor) and Diana’s (Emma Corrin) storyline in Season 4, which has gained attention for its depiction of their relationship and rapidly declining marriage — a storyline which sparked this fiction disclaimer conversation in the first place.The CrownSeason 4 features some emotional and raw scenes between the fictional versions of Charles and Diana as it tries to provide narrative connective tissue to the public perceptions of their marriage we know from history.
At the end of the day, there is no reason to believeThe CrowncreatorPeter Morganwas ever given access to private conversations or behind-the-scenes encounters depicted on the show, so why assume it is anything other than fiction?
The CrownSeasons 1 through 4 are now available to stream on Netflix. For more, catch up onThe CrownSeason 5 casting newsand find out what’scoming to Netflixin December.
