In the span of two months, Netflix has released two shows that portray the lives of the rich—Nadaaniyan and The Royals. Judging by audience reactions, it’s safe to say that neither resonated with viewers, regardless of their social status.
This raises two important questions. One, why is Netflix so obsessed with portraying the elite on screen? And second, why is the representation so terrible?
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Looking at Netflix’s recent content, Class, Call Me Bae, and even Indian Matchmaking, it’s clear that the platform is heavily catering to the upper levels of society.
Compared to other OTT platforms, Netflix seems to have the highest number of shows or films centered around wealthy lifestyles.
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When Netflix first entered the Indian market, it was perceived as an “American” thing, something only the rich in India aspired to. Until a few years ago, even the subscription price made it accessible mainly to the affluent. So, it made sense for the platform to cater to that demographic with content beyond just American or British shows.
On the other hand, content featuring the rich does appeal to some viewers as a form of escapism, a way to forget their day-to-day problems.
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These “rich people” shows offer a fantasy many like to indulge in.
But if that’s the case, shouldn’t the platform at least make the representation a little more relatable or believable? Apparently not.
Those who watched Nadaaniyan found the portrayal of Delhi’s elite completely inauthentic. Ibrahim Ali Khan’s character, supposedly from a middle-class background, still seemed far too wealthy to be believable.
In The Royals, royal life was portrayed as one endless fashion show, where the characters’ wardrobes were more developed than their emotional range.
Netflix either isn’t putting in the effort to portray the ultra-rich with emotional depth and proper character arcs, or it simply hasn’t done its research.
In the end, the portrayal of rich people on Netflix often feels shallow and unrealistic. Their personalities seem to revolve entirely around their wealth, not who they are. Emotional complexity is replaced by superficiality, focusing only on luxury cars, designer clothes, and horses, while ignoring the human experience beneath the gloss.
