A somewhat overlooked period drama on Netflix has left audiences completely enthralled, with viewers drawing comparisons to blockbuster successes such as The Crown and Bridgerton — and insisting this series surpasses them both. The show has fans desperately clamouring for additional episodes, with viewers seemingly unable to get their fill.
The Empress, originally titled Die Kaiserin, is a German-language period drama available on Netflix that draws loosely upon the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It features Devrim Lingnau in 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, and presently comprises two seasons containing six episodes apiece, each running approximately one hour in length. A third and final season is anticipated to arrive on Netflix during the second half of 2026, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The series initially launched on the streaming service in September 2022 and swiftly became Netflix's second-most viewed series worldwide for a fortnight. It was subsequently renewed for a second season, which debuted in November 2024. A companion novel for the series, The Empress: A Novel penned by Gigi Griffis, was additionally commissioned by the streaming platform.
The Empress was originally filmed in German and dubbed into 14 languages, including English, with viewers heaping praise upon the dubbing quality 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 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.' A third reviewer added: 'Highly recommended if you enjoy binge-worthy shows about European royalty — like The Crown, Victoria, Bridgerton, and The Great.'
Audiences cannot stop singing the series' praises. 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 commented: '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 fan added: '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 viewer believes it leaves Bridgerton firmly in the shade: '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.'
Another review read: '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.' One IMDB review stated: '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.' Finally, a viewer heaped lavish 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.
