Netflix’s The Empress is a slow-burning, costume-heavy drama about a young Bavarian princess who becomes the wife of the emperor of Austria-Hungary. Devrim Lingnau plays Elisabeth “Sisi” von Wittelsbach, while Philip Froissant plays Franz Joseph I. The show premiered in 2022 and ran for two seasons, ending in November 2024.
Trailer, via Netflix.
Sisi and Franz
The core relationship works. Lingnau plays Sisi as a teenager caught between duty and desire, and Froissant plays Franz as a man who is both captivated by her and trapped by his station. Their scenes together are the show’s emotional center. The problem is everything around them.
Court Life
The Viennese court is a web of schemers. Johannes Nussbaum’s Archduke Maximilian wants power and tries to outshine his brother. Wiebke Puls plays Countess Sophie Esterházy, the empress’s maid-service matron and mother-in-law’s confidante. The show leans on family tension for conflict, and it mostly delivers.
Supporting Cast
Melika Foroutan plays Princess Sophie of Bavaria, Franz’s mother and Sisi’s aunt. Elisa Schlott plays Duchess Helene, Sisi’s older sister. Almila Bağrıaçık plays Leontine von Apafi, a revolutionary posing as a countess. The cast is large and often confusing to follow, especially early in the first season.
Production Values
The costumes are lavish. The sets are grand. The show looks expensive, and that effort shows. It is not subtle, but it is visually striking.
Slow Pace
The show takes its time. Early episodes spend long stretches on introductions and small dramas that feel less urgent than the central romance. Some viewers will find the pacing frustrating.
Renewal
Netflix renewed the show for a second season on 8 November 2022. It premiered on 22 November 2024. The company also commissioned a companion novel, The Empress: A Novel, by Gigi Griffis, which was published two days before the series premiered. On 27 January 2025, the series was renewed for a third and final season, which is set to premiere on 12 November 2026.
Verdict
The Empress is a solid historical drama with a strong lead performance and a rich visual style. Its slow pace and sprawling cast keep it from greatness, but the central story holds attention. It is worth watching for fans of period pieces, even if the show drags through some of its quieter stretches.
| Season | Episode Count | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | 29 September 2022 |
| Season 2 | 6 | 22 November 2024 |
| Season 3 | To come | 12 November 2026 |
“When rebellious Elisabeth falls for Emperor Franz and becomes his unlikely bride, she enters a world of tension and intrigue at the Viennese court.”
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