The White Princess

:

Season 1
  • Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 16, 2017
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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Critic Reviews

  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Apr 13, 2017
    50
    This all sounds more exciting than it actually turns out to be. ... The costumes and set design of [The White Princess] are an improvement over its predecessor. But the dialogue remains nearly as constrained and unexciting, even though once again an accomplished cast makes heroic efforts to breathe fire into their lines.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Apr 13, 2017
    50
    The sets and costumes look a tad more realistic than what Disney might whip up, but only a tad. The performances are decent, although often bordering on melodramatic excess, which is to be expected, really. Watching Davis and Fairley compete to see who can masticate more scenery makes Princess worth a look.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best TV Season of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 8 out of 27
  1. CarterReviews
    May 9, 2017
    4
    If you found the White Queen -- for which the White Princess serves as a prequel to -- a dull drag through a time period and setting in whichIf you found the White Queen -- for which the White Princess serves as a prequel to -- a dull drag through a time period and setting in which corrupt people rape those under them (figuratively and literally), then you will find that lightning does strike twice (and burn your crops).

    The White Princess is a stale show, devoid of smiles, humor, or any in-show characters enjoying themselves. It is an hour of even-toned, emotionless actors either dominating someone by means of their high status, or someone being dominated because of their lack of status. The relationships in play here are neither engaging nor entertaining, seemingly everyone has a rain cloud over their head. Even shows such as Game of Thrones -- which is largely criticized for its sexual violence (among other vices) -- break up the satanism with a cast of unique characters and doses of humor or points of interest.

    It is good to see Vincent Regan (300, Snow White & the Huntsman) in the mix, as he is regrettably under utilized in film and television in general, and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Resurrection) tends to bring a sense of gravitas to a production, but even she is present to do nothing more than glare and personify the uninteresting archetype of "royal-mother-who-would-do-anything-to-make-sure-her-son-is-king."

    As for the star of the show, one Jodie Comer, there is nothing to grasp onto. Everything occurring is entirely 'been there seen that'. We already know rape is wrong. We already know women were mistreated in the Renaissance Era (and beyond). To show a young girl struggling in dire situations could be impactful, if only we actually knew something about her. A line she speaks, "All I have ever wanted, all my life, is to marry a man for love", it does not instill feelings of sadness or sympathy, but rather feels cliche. You can show a dog being run over by a car to make people feel something, that does not make it art.

    Set pieces, costuming, and the sort are not astounding, nor do they stand in the way. By my account the budget seems to not hinder the show's potential in the least, but that is where the quality ends. The minutes feel long in this story, and what exactly the viewer is supposed to be entertained by or looking forward to is beyond me. The opening theme is nearly identical to that of the aforementioned White Queen, which is a pleasant sounding theme, but like the show it is attached to, it does not flourish, it merely remains in a single place, not attempting to be refreshing. The rest of the show's soundtrack is entirely forgettable.

    There is nothing new here, but that is not what makes this show lumber like a wet giant, as nothing in entertainment is new to begin with. The fact of the matter is that I am one who seeks shows such as this, hoping to find something to be engaged in. I want to make predictions, feel emotions, and think about the show after I finish watching it. But throughout the 60 minute run of the first episode, I was as boring as this show, just sitting on my couch, soullessly, as I watch tears fall from a girl's face whilst a king rapes her for approximately 30 seconds, both of them sitting upright and hardly moving, awkwardly (not that there was a way to make it appealing). This is a show devoid of life, character, and any motivation other than screwing people over or trying to not get screwed over. It is a plain piece of white bread, a blank sheet of white paper, sterile, colorless and uninspired, a model house with white walls, white appliances, and white furnishings. It would seem the White Princess is a fitting title.    … Full Review »
  2. asmanraj
    May 7, 2017
    10
    This is a great period drama series that is every bit as entertaining as The White Queen. It should appeal to fans of Outlander. All of theThis is a great period drama series that is every bit as entertaining as The White Queen. It should appeal to fans of Outlander. All of the performances are competent, but Essie Davis and Michelle Fairley steal the show.… Full Review »
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