Netflix’s The Crown has been no stranger to controversy throughout its five seasons, but the upcoming sixth season could prove the most contentious one in the show’s run yet. The Crown is a historical drama that depicts the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her ascension to the throne through some of the biggest events of her lengthy rule. It has been confirmed that The Crown season 6, which covers the late 1990s through the 2000s, will be the final season for the Netflix show, but rather than going out with a bang, the installment might drum up more controversy than the show has seen previously.
As The Crown has gone on, its seasons have become increasingly controversial and criticized as it draws nearer to modern events that viewers have opinions on. However, given the sensitive events that are undoubtedly in store for The Crown season 6, the upcoming and final season will undoubtedly be even more contentious. Between the show’s storylines and its head-scratching production choices, The Crown season 6 might prove to be its most divisive yet, bringing a controversial end to the Netflix show.
9 The Crown Season 6 Depicts Princess Diana’s Death
The most divisive storyline that will be depicted in The Crown season 6 is easily Princess Diana’s death. Netflix’s royal drama has already gotten into some hot water with its depictions of Diana in The Crown season 5. Given the nature of Diana’s tragic and premature death in 1997, The Crown could face even more controversy depending on its handling of the situation, considering how beloved Diana was and still is. Though the production of the Netflix show has stated that they aim to depict this event respectfully, the heightened anticipation surrounding the event could make that difficult to pull off.
The Crown season 6’s depiction of Diana’s death is unlikely to have a middling reception and will likely either be hated or lauded. If well done, Diana’s death in The Crown would be a moving scene that delves into the true emotions of the Royal family in a new way. However, The Crown’s depiction of such an emotionally-charged event could just as easily be seen as exploitative and in poor taste, especially given its recency. Diana’s death has the chance to be one of the show’s best storylines, but if it isn’t handled with complete care, it could divide audiences in a major way.
8 The Crown Season 6 Will Include Modern Events
Netflix’s The Crown has provided a unique opportunity to show history through the perspective of the British monarchy, but as it nears closer to the present day, the reception might not be as positive. During the first four seasons, the Netflix show depicted remote history, giving it an informative tone and authority. However, since The Crown season 6 picks up in 1997, many viewers will have lived through these events, meaning they will be comparing the storylines to their memories. The Crown has made story changes in the past, but if the show fudges facts when depicting modern events in season 6, it will undoubtedly draw criticism.
7 The Crown Season 6 Is Bringing Back Former Queen Actors
Another reason The Crown season 6 could prove divisive is its intention to bring back previous actors who have portrayed Queen Elizabeth II. While some might enjoy getting to see new scenes with beloved Queen actors like Claire Foy and Olivia Coleman, bringing them back is a strange choice considering this isn’t a storytelling method the show has used in the past. This is certainly a spectacle befitting of The Crown’s final season, but it could make it more difficult for season 6 to stand on its own, which could weaken it as a result.
6 Rumors Suggest The Crown Season 6 Ends With A Dreamlike Sequence
Other than an inevitable depiction of Princess Diana’s death, one of the more divisive elements of The Crown season 6 is its rumored ending. As a result of Queen Elizabeth II’s unexpected death in 2022, The Crown undoubtedly had to pivot its plans for the series’ ending. While questions have been swirling about how The Crown would conclude its six season run, it’s unlikely that anyone could have anticipated the series’ alleged conclusion. Rumors have surfaced that The Crown season 6 might end with a dreamlike flashforward sequence that sees Imelda Staunton’s Queen Elizabeth watching King Charles’ coronation, which would be a bizarre conclusion, to say the least.
The idea of ending The Crown season 6 with this alleged flashforward would undoubtedly have a mixed reception from audiences. Not only does it negate The Crown’s status as a historical drama by pulling it away from history and reality, but it also contradicts its creator’s statement that the show would only adapt events as recent as 20 years ago. Additionally, choosing to end with King Charles’ coronation might stir up negative sentiments surrounding the British monarchy in real life. The Crown hasn’t shied away from controversial stories in the past, but the King Charles coronation flashforward could be one of its most controversial yet.
Related: The Crown Season 6’s Flashforward Ending Would Be Awful
5 The Crown Was Already On A Critical Decline
Expectations are always high for new seasons of The Crown, but after the show’s recent critical decline, reactions to season 6 could be even more divisive if the season doesn’t deliver the level of quality desired. Though early seasons of Netflix’s The Crown are lauded for their high quality, later seasons haven’t had as warm a reception. The Crown season 5 has been considered by many to be the weakest yet. This negative criticism will undoubtedly haunt The Crown season 6 and could make it both less anticipated and harder for the show to meet lofty expectations, especially since the season has to conclude the series.
4 Real-World Royal Family Issues Make The Crown Less Relevant
Netflix’s The Crown has been so successful because of its showcasing of the inner workings and emotions of the Royal family, but current events surrounding the Royal family make this show element less important. The Crown has constantly reinforced the idea that the Royal family has to put aside their personal lives and feelings in support of maintaining “the Institution.” This has been one of the elements of the show that makes it feel unique and entertaining, but recent real-life issues with the Royal family that have come to light make it feel less relevant.
The Royal family tends to be private until they can’t be anymore, but this has shifted dramatically in recent years after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have left their royal duties behind. Between their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, their Netflix documentary, and Harry’s book Spare, the Royal couple have revealed many fascinating details about the Royal family. With so many primary sources on the subject now available, the need for The Crown to provide said personal glimpses at the Windsors seem less important than it once was, which might make season 6 have a less enthusiastic reception than earlier seasons.
3 The Crown’s Storytelling Has Garnered Criticism
While previous seasons of The Crown have been lauded for their storytelling, this acclaim, unfortunately, has not followed the rest of the show’s run, which could prove to be a problem for The Crown season 6. The Crown’s blend of historical facts and embellishment has been successful, but The Crown season 5 flew too close to the sun with the ratio of these elements, garnering criticism for being too sensational. This resulted in Netflix adding a disclaimer about the show’s fictionalized elements. Given this recent criticism, eyes will be on The Crown’s depictions of season 6’s controversial storylines, and if they aren’t successful, it might attract similar backlash.
2 The Crown Season 6’s Plot Could Be Traumatic For The Real-Life Figures Involved
The Crown hasn’t shied away from the highly personal experiences of the Royal family, but the sensitive events that will be covered in season 6 might have a devastating effect on the real-life figures involved. Members of the Royal family have seen/watched The Crown, so depending on how Princess Diana’s death and/or the 2000s are depicted in the show, it could dig up past traumas for those involved in the stories (particularly William and Harry). Regardless of criticisms of the British monarchy, the Royal family are real people with real emotions, so if the death of a beloved family member is sensationalized, it could draw backlash for the show.
1 The Crown Season 6’s Politics Reflect Ongoing Issues
One of the special aspects of The Crown is its ability to educate about history and politics while still entertaining, but as the show draws nearer to the modern era, depicting these events comes with added considerations. Given the relative recency of The Crown season 6’s timeframe, some of the events it will depict, particularly the Iraq War, have ramifications that still affect people and society at large today. Should the show take a stance on these issues and/or depict them inaccurately, it could stir up both criticism and conversations that transcend the Netflix show and drag it into a political minefield, which would undoubtedly eclipse its final season.
