Audiences can't seem to get enough of the 'masterpiece' period drama on Netflix. A lesser-known German-language series, The Empress, has completely mesmerized viewers, with many comparing it to major hits like The Crown and Bridgerton—and claiming it surpasses them both.
Fans are clamoring for additional episodes, unable to get their fill of the show. Originally titled Die Kaiserin, The Empress is loosely inspired by the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Devrim Lingnau takes the titular role, with Philip Froissant playing Franz Joseph I of Austria alongside her. Developed for television by Katharina Eyssen, the series has been co-directed by Katrin Gebbe and Florian Cossen. It currently comprises two seasons, each containing six episodes of approximately one hour in length. A third and concluding season is anticipated to launch on Netflix during the second half of 2026.
The series made its streaming debut in September 2022 and swiftly became Netflix's second-most viewed program worldwide for a fortnight. It was subsequently renewed for a second season, which arrived in November 2024. The streaming service also commissioned a companion novel for the series, The Empress: A Novel, written by Gigi Griffis.
The Empress was originally shot in German and has been dubbed into 14 languages, including English, with viewers heaping praise upon the dubbing quality. The show's official synopsis reads: '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 garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers. 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 continue to heap praise upon the series. One IMDB user said: '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 called 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 believes it far exceeds 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.' While another IMDB user review says: '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 viewer heaped effusive praise on the series: '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.
