Finding a Middle Ground: The Ethics Behind the Sensationalism of Netflix's "The Crown"

CHAPTER 10 – When it comes to TV shows that often dramatize real-life events and peoples, we often assume they portray the truth. By doing this, TV show directors, screenplay writers, and executives have been able to alter the lives people have actually lived - causing a whirlwind of ethical conflict between the TV show creators and the people the show is based on.

For the Netflix TV show The Crown, this conflict between the Royal family and the actors that play their lives - or rather the executives that decide on the show’s discourse - is quite real. When it comes to the show's spin on the real lives of the Royal family, it’s plausible to question how much of the show portrays the truth.

Recognizing the facts is essential. From understanding the realities of the Royal family’s history and lives to understanding the Royal family’s thoughts on the show, it’s crucial to make sure the audience is aware of it all - the facts and falsehood. This avoids the possibility for viewers, who don’t know much about the Royals’ realities, to know that The Crown may not always portray the complete truth. If viewers, who watch the show, are not aware of this, they may make false assumptions of the Royals - stirring up an ethical questioning of the use of aesthetics in the TV/film industry.

In this case, with The Crown and many other TV shows that do the same, we can consider a few ethical principles that have us question: Does The Crown find a middle ground between a complete fabrication and an absolute truth - creating a balance between two extremes? What if one were to make a TV show that places a spin on your life? How would this make you feel?

An advocate of Aristotle’s Golden Means would argue that the show’s ability to flourish lies within the TV show creators’ ability to make virtuous choices while writing the plot’s outline. In this case of The Crown, we can ask ourselves if the content they produce is ethically done based on considering the two extremes - completely fabricating the lives of the Royals or creating a fact-based and unbiased documentary. It can be argued that the show’s writers developed an ethically sound plot line because they found a moderate position between these two extremes - sensationalizing the facts but not stepping into the world of lies.

While I, personally, find this TV show amusing and informative - providing an emotional side to a family that is often hidden in the shadows - I also recount that much of the information isn’t always 100 percent true. When sensationalism occurs, I also find myself thinking: What does the real Queen Elizabeth II think? Prince Charles? How do they feel?

Considering that some Royals have explicitly stated that they detest the TV show, one can go on to question the ethics behind the show’s sensationalization. In fact, some of Prince Charles’s friends even claim it runs down the reputation of the Royals. With this in mind, Kant would have us call to mind his Categorical Imperative, which focuses on the idea of the “Do unto others” concept. Considering Prince Charles’ feelings, we must reflect and ask ourselves, “What if one were to sensationalize some of my life’s most private moments?” Would I want a TV show to shape me to be a person I know I wholeheartedly not am? Would I want to feel the way the Royals possibly do about the show?

Next time you watch a TV show that states it is based on real people’s lives and/or events, be sure to be a responsible viewer and check the facts. As a viewer, we hope and expect TV shows to emphasize the sensationalism of fact - expecting the writers to be accountable for the public eyes. However, we, too, as viewers, must be aware and vigilant about the art that is out in the world. As TV commentator Bill Moyers once said, “[Television] has put me in touch with the larger world. [It] can be a for dignifying life, not debasing it” (330). While many disagree with this statement, an audience must understand that the ethical responsibility of aesthetics lies within the hands of the TV show’s creators - knowing that media has the potential to act as a force that dignifies humanity and/or debases it.

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Have you watched The Crown? Have you ever wondered the ethics behind the show's sensationalism? What are your thoughts on the show? Do they meet up to historical standards? Let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts!