THE CROWN Refuses to Add A Disclaimer That Calls The Show Fiction

THE CROWN Refuses to Add A Disclaimer That Calls The Show Fiction

By Movieguide® Staff

Despite requests from British officials to label THE CROWN as a work of fiction, Netflix refused to budge, claiming a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode was unnecessary and that viewers understood that the show is fiction based on real-life events.

“We have always presented The Crown as a drama — and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events,” Netflix said in a statement.

“As a result we have no plans — and see no need — to add a disclaimer,” the statement read.

Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, was one who called on Netflix to add a disclaimer.

“I think it would help ‘The Crown’ an enormous amount if, at the beginning of each episode, it stated that, ‘This isn’t true but it is based around some real events,'” he told broadcaster ITV. “I worry people do think that this is gospel and that’s unfair.”

Movieguide® previously reported on the initial response from Britain’s culture minister:

Britain’s culture minister voiced her aversion to the royal drama THE CROWN’s fourth season and demanded that it be labeled as a work of fiction.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the Mail that the hit Netflix series could be misleading and claims the series takes too many historical liberties.

“It’s a beautifully produced work of fiction,” Dowden explained to the outlet. “So as with other TV productions, Netflix should be very clear at the beginning it is just that. Without this, I fear a generation of viewers who did not live through these events may mistake fiction for fact.”

THE CROWN, which first premiered in 2016, traces the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, 94, which began in 1952. While the show brought up a similar question of historical accuracy with the previous season, season 4 garnered the most attention.