Netflix's German Period Drama 'The Empress' Returns for Season 2 in November
Devrim Lingnau and Philip Froissant in "The Empress" Season 2
(Photo: Netflix)
Netflix's German period drama The Empress was a surprise hit for the streamer when it premiered in late 2022. It won an International Emmy for Best Drama series the following year, and anticipation for its second season has been steadily growing ever since. Luckily, we won't have to wait much longer for The Empress's story to continue; Netflix has confirmed a November release date for Season 2.
The series follows the story of Elisabeth of Bavaria --- known almost universally as Sisi ---- a German princess who marries an Austrian emperor for love and must subsequently navigate a difficult world of intrigue and tension at the Habsburg court.
Sisi's fairytale romance with Emperor Franz Joseph captivated a nation. It catapulted her to instant celebrity and public acclaim, though life in the restrictive world of the public eye was never something she particularly wanted or was prepared for.
In The Empress's first season, Sisi struggles to conform to the rigid system of life at court, clashing frequently with her icy mother-in-law and drifting apart from her husband. But as troops gather on the border of her new empire, the threat of revolution grows in the streets and the royal marriage is on rockier ground than ever, it is Sisi who offers a way forward, facing a mob of protesters outside the palace to announce her pregnancy and assure the people that she sees them and their suffering.
Where will things go from here? Season 2 will reportedly pick up immediately where its predecessor left off. Sisi and Franz have seemingly survived their first crisis, but that doesn't mean everything is smooth sailing for them. Franz must deal with a new adversary rising in Europe and Elisabeth faces increasing pressure to produce a male heir to secure the future of the empire.
Here's the Season 2 synopsis.
The second season begins as the young couple’s first crisis is barely over. They’re hoping to enjoy their newlywed bliss when dark clouds gather over Schönbrunn Palace: Franz unexpectedly faces a powerful adversary in Europe. And Elisabeth comes under great pressure, because an heir to the throne is to secure the future of the empire as quickly as possible. When fate strikes with all its power, the couple’s love threatens to finally break apart. Elisabeth must fight not only for her family, but also for the integrity of her soul.
Alongside Lingnau and Froissant, the series' returning cast includes Melika Foroutan as Archdues Sophie of Austria, Johannes Nussbaum as Archduke Maximilian, Almila Bagriacik as Countess Leontine von Apafi, and Runa Greiner as Countess Charlotte von Stubenberg. New faces arriving at court for Season 2 include Josephine Thiesen as Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium, and Christophe Favre as Napoleon III.
“I’m incredibly grateful that we were able to touch so many different people in Germany and all over the world with our series,” showrunner Katharina Eyssen said in a statement when the Season 2 renewal was announced. “The story of Elisabeth’s life is a story of the power of love, but also of the courage to be different and of hope for a better future. And that’s what we need at this time. And that’s why we’re very happy to be able to continue telling this exciting story.”
Eyssen is back as showrunner for the series' second outing, splitting creative duties with Robert Eyssen. Barbara Ott.Maximillian Erienwein direct. Executive producers include Jochen Laube, Fabian Maubach, Scarlett Lacy, and Lars Gmehling.
The Empress Season 2 will premiere globally on Netflix on November 22.
