Netflix’s German historical drama, The Empress, took the streaming platform by storm, emerging as one of the top non-English language shows. Shedding light on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, this romantic drama series masterfully captures her intriguing story against a backdrop of intricate palace politics and profound personal struggles.
Unpacking the Show’s Foundation
The Empress is a German Netflix Original crafted by Katharina Eyssen, taking inspiration from the early life and romance of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. With an ensemble team of writers including Bernd Lange, Janna Maria Nandzik, and Lena Stahl, the series unfolds with precision and passion. Entrusted with bringing the plot to life, co-directors Florian Cossen and Katrin Gebbe craft each episode meticulously.
Diving into the show, viewers journey with sixteen-year-old Elisabeth Wittlebach as she steps into the grandeur and challenges of being the Empress. Marrying Franz Joseph, the Emperor of Austria, she grapples with palace intrigues, especially her turbulent relationship with her mother-in-law.
The Empress’ Swift Journey to Renewal
It didn’t take long for Netflix to recognize the gem they had. Just over six weeks post its premiere, the streaming giant greenlit The Empress for a sophomore season. This decision came on the heels of overwhelming viewer statistics – a whopping 159.8 million hours clocked across five weeks!
Highlighting her gratitude and excitement, showrunner Katharina Eyssen shared on Instagram, “The story of Elisabeth’s life is a story of the power of love, but also the courage to be different and the hope for a better future. And that’s what we need right now. We’re thrilled to further this narrative.”
Peering into The Empress’ Future
Elisabeth’s life was anything but ordinary. The upcoming season promises a deeper exploration into her personal and political dynamics. Viewers will witness Elisabeth’s foray into motherhood with her firstborn, Archduchess Sophie of Austria. However, the happiness is short-lived. Amid her travels in Hungary, tragedy strikes as Archduchess Sophie succumbs to a fatal fever.
The show’s actors are just as eager as the fans. Philip Froissant , portraying Emperor Franz, hints at his character’s evolution, emphasizing his emancipation from his overbearing mother and the potential impact of impending wars on his reign and relationship. Melika Foroutan, who brings Archduchess Sophie to life, anticipates continued friction between her character and the young Empress.
Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki being depicted as Emperor and Empress in the official Naruto & Boruto illustrations pic.twitter.com/vr84BpHvtr
— NaruHina Gallery (@GalleryNaruhina) October 19, 2023
Counting Days for Season 2
Eager fans will have to exercise some patience. Production for the much-anticipated season began in Fall 2023, hinting at a potential 2024 release. And with Netflix DE signaling that cameras were in action as of September 27th, expectations are soaring.
The Ensemble Cast
Season 2 will see the return of familiar faces, ensuring continuity and depth in the narrative. Key cast members include Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, and several others, each contributing to the tapestry of this intricate tale.
The Empress vs. The Crown
Drawing parallels with Netflix’s monumental hit, The Crown, The Empress stands as a formidable non-English contender. With vast stretches of Elisabeth’s life yet to be chronicled, the series holds the promise of multiple captivating seasons in the pipeline. Only time will tell if it ascends the throne as Netflix’s international period drama queen.
