Watch The Empress

The Empress is a lavish historical drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2022. Set in the 18th century, it follows the tumultuous life and romance of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi. Sisi was born into Bavarian royalty but became the Empress of the Habsburg Empire through her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

The series opens with the beautiful and carefree Sisi living an idyllic life in the countryside of Bavaria. Though reluctant to leave her family and homeland, the teenage Sisi is betrothed to the Emperor of Austria to forge an alliance between the two royal families. Upon arriving in Vienna, Sisi struggles to adjust to the strict etiquette and lose sense of freedom within the imperial Hofburg Palace. She faces resistance and jealousy from her mother-in-law, the Archduchess Sophie, who wields great influence over her son Emperor Franz Joseph.

Despite a cold start to their arranged marriage, Sisi and Franz Joseph soon develop a deep and passionate love for one another. Franz showers Sisi with romance and affection outside of their official obligations. The chemistry between the two blossoms into a legendary romance that captivates the imperial court and the people.

As the new Empress of Austria, Sisi grows into her role and establishes herself as a fashion icon, known for her beauty and style. However, she struggles with loneliness, rigid routines, and expectations to produce an heir. The palace politics, family tensions, and pressure to conceive take a toll on Sisi's mental health, leading her to seek solace by escaping to ride horses and spend time outdoors.

Eventually Sisi gives birth to two daughters, though her firstborn Sophie passes away tragically at age two. Motherhood becomes Sisi's greatest joy amidst the challenges she faces as Empress. The second daughter Gisela survives, finally providing the needed heir to the throne.

The series portrays the iconic Sisi as a complex figure, an independent spirit entrapped by imperial duties and restrictions. She is a loving mother and wife, but also a defiant force unwilling to conform fully to the molds of 19th century European royalty.

Filmed on location in Hungary, Latvia, and Lithuania, The Empress captures the lavish wealth and grandeur as well as the stiff protocol and social dynamics of the Habsburg court. The storyline and costumes are historically accurate, transporting the viewer vividly into Sisi's world during the late 19th century.

The Empress stars Devrim Lingnau as the titular Sisi and Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph. The showrunners shed new light on Elisabeth's life beyond the fairytale princess image most associate with Sisi. This epic period drama offers romance, political intrigues, clashing cultures, and the challenges of the corseted life inside a gilded cage of immense power and influence.

The Empress is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on September 29, 2022.