Matthew Weiner, the creator of the monumental series Mad Men, has prepared a new period drama titled The Romanoffs for Prime Video with a budget of $50 million. Released in 2018, this series presents the stories of people claiming to be descendants of the Russian royal family. After a three-year hiatus following Mad Men, Weiner returned to the screen with this project, featuring a star-studded cast.
The Romanoffs tells the stories of various characters claiming to be descendants of Nicholas II in its single season consisting of eight episodes. The series includes well-known names such as Aaron Eckhart, Corey Stoll, and Isabelle Huppert. Each episode offers an independent narrative, showcasing how people from different social strata in contemporary society experience a sense of royalty. The characters range from hotel owners to angry workers living in the suburbs.
The release of the series during a time when the popularity of royal-themed productions like The Crown is on the rise allows for a reevaluation in the eyes of viewers. The freedom and creativity Weiner presents in this project, combined with Amazon's entry into the film and television industry, has the potential to offer audiences a different experience. However, it can be said that The Romanoffs is less impressive when compared to the depth and scope offered by Mad Men.