An under-the-radar period drama on Netflix has left viewers utterly captivated, with audiences comparing the series to blockbuster hits like The Crown and Bridgerton, and declaring the show comes out on top. The series has fans begging for more episodes, and viewers just cannot seem to get enough.
The Empress: A Hidden Gem
The Empress, originally titled Die Kaiserin, is a German-language period drama streaming on Netflix that is loosely based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It stars Devrim Lingnau in the lead as the empress, with Philip Froissant portraying Franz Joseph I of Austria opposite her. Created for television by Katharina Eyssen, the series has been co-directed by Katrin Gebbe and Florian Cossen. Currently, it has two seasons with six episodes each, clocking in at roughly an hour per installment. A third and final season is expected to premiere on Netflix in the latter half of 2026.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The series first hit the streaming platform in September 2022 and quickly became Netflix's second-most watched series globally for two weeks. It was promptly renewed for a second season, which premiered in November 2024. A companion novel for the series, The Empress: A Novel authored by Gigi Griffis, was also commissioned by the streaming giant. The Empress was initially filmed in German and dubbed in 14 languages, including English, and viewers have showered praise on the dubbing efforts as well.
The show's official plot states: "Two young people meet. A fateful encounter — the proverbial love at first sight. He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, she is Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria and the sister of the woman Franz is to marry." Elisabeth then enters a world of tensions and intrigue at the Viennese court — and what follows is a period drama for the ages.
The series has received glowing praise from critics and audiences alike. One reviewer wrote: "When it comes down to it, not only does the series highlight modern themes, but The Empress does what only the very best movies and television series can do — transport you to another time and place." Another critic said: "Fans of historical dramas will want to make time for The Empress, as its first season is truly a magnificently crafted program." While one reviewer added: "Highly recommended if you enjoy binge-worthy shows about European royalty - like THE CROWN, VICTORIA, BRIDGERTON, and THE GREAT."
Viewers' Reactions
Audiences cannot stop praising the series. An IMDB user review stated: "An Absolute Must Watch! 10/10. The Empress is a beautifully filmed series that's simply magnificent. The whole series is a must watch." Another viewer declared it a must-watch: "A MUST WATCH FOR ALL PERIOD DRAMA FANS. Oh. My. God. This show is SPLENDID. The storyline, the plot twists, the cast, the costumes, the scenery!!! I can't find a single fault with the dark fairytale this TV series is unfolding before my very eyes! A perfect period drama. Bridgerton move over, while I would choose that show for a laugh any day, THIS show is so full of angst and ennui you can't help but hunger for more! A must watch."
One fan of the series feels it far surpasses Bridgerton: "Forget Bridgerton. Netflix has finally found its true crown. The Empress is beautifully acted, directed and filmed and without any of the stuffy pretense of other period dramas. Leave it to the Austrians to create something timeless, engaging and immersive. A true treat for the senses. Brilliant production with brilliant acting and directing. As a creator of scripted series myself, I take my hat off to this stylish, tantalizing well-toned dramatic tour de force. Bravo. Not to be missed."
Another IMDB user review reads: "I watched this series on Netflix today, and I think this show is great, if you like the Crown, you will surely like this series." One more viewer showered glowing praise: "Divine! The Empress is the greatest TV Show by Netflix. It stole my heart from the very first scene. It's just simply divine! To make the long story short, I think you already know that I'm obsessed with this show and just can't get enough, just go watch it and spread to the world this masterpiece of European TV series."
The Empress is available to stream on Netflix.
