Netflix’s May 2025 Releases: The Four Seasons and The Royals Shine

Netflix’s May 2025 lineup is a vibrant mix of comedy, drama, and romance, showcasing the platform’s commitment to diverse storytelling. Among the standout releases are The Four Seasons, a star-studded comedy series featuring Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Colman Domingo, and The Royals, a Bollywood-inspired romantic comedy from Netflix India starring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter. These titles, released on May 1 and May 9 respectively, cater to global audiences with their universal themes and culturally rich narratives. Let’s dive into what makes these releases special and their broader cultural impact.

The Four Seasons: A Heartfelt Comedy with Universal Appeal

The Four Seasons, adapted from Alan Alda’s 1981 film, is a comedy miniseries that premiered on May 1, 2025. It follows three married couples whose quarterly weekend getaways are disrupted when one couple announces their divorce, shaking the group’s decades-long friendship. With a powerhouse cast including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Erika Henningsen, the series blends sharp humor with emotional depth.

The show’s strength lies in its relatable exploration of friendship, marriage, and change. By focusing on the ripple effects of a single divorce, it taps into universal experiences of love, loss, and evolving relationships, resonating with viewers across generations. The ensemble cast ensures broad appeal, with Fey and Carell’s comedic chemistry drawing in fans of mainstream American humor, while Domingo and Forte add nuanced performances that appeal to audiences seeking deeper emotional narratives. The series’ debut at No. 1 on Netflix’s charts underscores its immediate popularity, particularly among those craving escapist yet heartfelt content.

Culturally, The Four Seasons reflects a growing appetite for stories about mature relationships, moving beyond youthful romance to explore the complexities of long-term bonds. Its diverse cast and inclusive storytelling—featuring varied perspectives on love and friendship—make it a microcosm of modern American life, appealing to audiences globally who see their own relationships reflected on screen. The show’s lighthearted yet poignant tone also aligns with Netflix’s strategy to offer “warmhearted and affecting” comedies that balance entertainment with emotional resonance.

The Royals: Bollywood Glamour Meets Global Romance

On May 9, 2025, Netflix India introduced The Royals, a Hindi-language romantic comedy series that blends Bollywood flair with a modern fairy-tale aesthetic. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, and created by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, the series follows Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), a charming but financially strained prince, and Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a driven CEO, as they team up to transform his crumbling palace in the fictional city of Morpur into a luxury bed-and-breakfast. Their clash of worlds—royal tradition versus corporate ambition—sparks a slow-burn romance amidst family drama and cultural tensions. The ensemble cast, including Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, and Nora Fatehi, adds star power and depth.

The Royals caters to diverse audiences by merging Bollywood’s vibrant storytelling with global rom-com sensibilities, drawing comparisons to Bridgerton and Emily in Paris. Its unapologetically Indian setting, filmed in stunning locations like Jaipur’s City Palace and Goa’s St. Regis Resort, offers a fresh perspective on Indian royalty, a topic rarely explored in modern global media. The series’ opulent visuals, from frescoed palaces to tropical resorts, immerse viewers in India’s cultural heritage, while its modern narrative of ambition and romance appeals to younger, global audiences.

The show’s cultural impact is significant. By centering a strong female lead like Sophia, who navigates corporate challenges and personal growth, it challenges traditional gender roles within an Indian context, resonating with viewers who value progressive storytelling. However, reviews are mixed: while Hindustan Times praised its “fun rom-com” vibe and lead chemistry (3/5 stars), critics like Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com (2/5 stars) noted a lack of narrative depth, suggesting an over-reliance on aesthetics. Despite this, The Royals topped Netflix charts in seven countries and entered the top 10 in 37 others, proving its global appeal.

Catering to Diverse Audiences

Both The Four Seasons and The Royals exemplify Netflix’s strategy to appeal to varied demographics. The Four Seasons targets Western audiences with its familiar comedic style and relatable themes of friendship, while its diverse cast ensures inclusivity for viewers of different backgrounds. The Royals, meanwhile, bridges Eastern and Western sensibilities, offering Bollywood fans a culturally rich romance while introducing global audiences to Indian settings and modern narratives. The inclusion of multilingual audio options (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu) for The Royals further broadens its reach, making it accessible to India’s linguistically diverse population and international viewers.

These releases also reflect Netflix’s focus on “all-star casts” and stories that balance escapism with relatability. The Four Seasons appeals to those seeking comfort in familiar comedic voices, while The Royals attracts viewers craving exotic settings and cross-cultural romance. Together, they showcase Netflix’s ability to cater to niche and mainstream audiences alike, from American comedy fans to Indian drama enthusiasts and beyond.

Cultural Impact and Why It Matters

The cultural significance of these releases lies in their ability to bridge cultural gaps. The Four Seasons normalizes diverse representations of friendship and marriage, reflecting a globalized world where personal stories transcend borders. The Royals introduces Indian royal heritage to a global audience, reimagining royalty in a modern, accessible way. As creator Rangita Pritish Nandy noted, the series taps into “the world of palaces… exciting and exotic for the rest of the world,” filling a gap in Indian storytelling that often looks abroad for inspiration.

Moreover, both shows contribute to Netflix’s growing influence in shaping global pop culture. The Royals’ success, despite mixed reviews, highlights the demand for non-Western narratives, while The Four Seasons reinforces the enduring appeal of ensemble comedies. Their strong streaming numbers—The Royals trending in India and globally, The Four Seasons hitting No. 1—signal Netflix’s knack for delivering content that resonates across cultures.

Final Thoughts

Netflix’s May 2025 releases, The Four Seasons and The Royals, are more than just binge-worthy entertainment—they’re cultural touchstones that celebrate diverse stories. Whether you’re drawn to the heartfelt laughs of Tina Fey’s crew or the sizzling chemistry of Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, these shows offer something for everyone. As Netflix continues to blend global and local narratives, these releases prove that great storytelling knows no boundaries. So, grab your popcorn and dive into these worlds of laughter, love, and legacy.