Netflix subscribers have been lavishing praise on a 'magnificently crafted' period drama that viewers say 'fills the sexy TV series hole left by Bridgerton'. The German historical drama, titled The Empress, originally premiered on the streaming platform in 2022. Created and written by Katharina Eyssen, the series has so far delivered twelve episodes across two compelling seasons.
Renewal and Plot Details
Enthusiastic fans were delighted to learn that a third season was officially renewed in January 2025, ensuring more of the captivating storyline. Netflix's official synopsis describes the plot: 'When rebellious Elisabeth falls for Emperor Franz and becomes his unlikely bride, she enters a world of tension and intrigue at the Viennese court.' The show features a talented ensemble cast including Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Elisa Schlott, Jördis Triebel, Almila Bagriacik, and Hanna Hilsdorf.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
Many viewers have rushed to social media and review platforms to share their enthusiastic opinions. On IMDb, The Empress has earned an impressive rating of 7.8 stars out of 10. Additionally, it holds a solid score of 83% on the critic aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes. According to reports from The Mirror, one fan commented: 'The Empress tries to fill the sexy costume drama hole that Bridgerton has left between seasons.' Another described it as a 'great mix between The Crown and Bridgerton.'
Further fan reviews highlight the series' strengths:
- 'Beautiful series.'
- 'This is honestly really great and well done!'
- 'I loved the series. The cast is great, the costumes and setting are amazing.'
- 'What an absolutely stunning series. Everything about The Empress was top notch. From the sets, to the costuming and the acting. It was perfection.'
- 'Amazing sets, costumes and details! Good acting and casting. Sisi has the looks and sass of Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss. Loosely based on the history of Austria and Europe in ancient times.'
Some viewers noted its appeal despite historical inaccuracies, with one stating: 'I loved it, but it is not historically accurate.' Another emphatically declared: 'A MUST WATCH FOR ALL PERIOD DRAMA FANS.' International viewers also praised it, with one saying: 'Love love love this one. Get ready to binge. I don't usually watch foreign flicks but I'm so glad I did.'
Netflix's Latest Acquisition: Deadly Class
In related streaming news, Netflix has recently acquired 'Deadly Class', a series described by some as 'the most cinematic TV show ever made'. This action drama is touted as perfect for fans of popular series like Stranger Things and The Umbrella Academy. Based on the graphic novel by Rick Remender and Wesley Craig, Deadly Class first premiered on the American television channel Syfy in 2019.
The Netflix synopsis reads: 'In 1980s San Francisco, a homeless teen is recruited to a storied private school where kids from crime families learn to master "the deadly arts".' The show, created by Rick Remender and Miles Orion Feldsott, aired ten episodes over a single season. Now, seven years after its initial release, it has been added to Netflix's library for a broader audience to discover.
Cast and Reception of Deadly Class
The series stars a diverse cast including Benedict Wong, Benjamin Wadsworth, Lana Condor, María Gabriela de Faría, Luke Tennie, Liam James, and Michel Duval. Supporting roles feature Taylor Hickson, Siobhan Williams, Isaiah Lehtinen, Tom Stevens, Brian Posehn, Olivia Cheng, David Zayas, and Victor Andrés Trelles Turgeon.
On IMDb, Deadly Class holds a rating of 7.5 stars out of 10. Fans have been quick to share their positive reviews online:
- 'Thrilling, nonsensical fun!'
- 'Truly one of the most CINEMATIC shows I've ever seen, the writing, casting, direction, and cinematography are all top tier.'
- 'I keep waiting for some drop off in quality, but they've maintained this high level through each of the first three episodes.'
- 'Very Under Rated Series.'
- 'I was very surprised by just how good this show is. It sticks to the comic. And to the people saying it's unrealistic, of course it is. It's a comic.'
Another viewer elaborated: 'The premise is ridiculous, but that's one reason why it's so good. Comics show us a different, unrealistic world and that's why we love them. This is exactly what this show does.' Additional praise included: 'Loved it, it was very funny and very gory. The characters were amazing and different.' Some even hailed it as 'BEST TV SHOW OF 2019' and 'one of the great shows of 2019.!!!! Worth watching.!!!'
