Netflix’s wildly-popular historical drama seriesThe Empressfinally returned for its second season in 2024, and now the German-language hit has been renewed for a third and final season. Based loosely on the real historical figure of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the show captures the rebellious spirit of the unorthodox monarch as she challenges the strict social norms of her repressive royal life, and all the challenges she faced as a ruler and as a person. The series was a surprise smash for the streamer, and is still one of Netflix’s biggest hits in a language other than English.
Like many streaming originals, there was a big gap between seasons 1 and 2, but that hasn’t seemed to diminish the impact of the period drama’s return. Sticking closer to the historical record thanshows likeBridgerton,The Empressnevertheless has all the trappings of an eye-catching costume drama. These unique assets elevate the German show above the usual anachronistic historical fiction that is being pumped out by the major streamers, and makes a season 3 all the more necessary forThe Empress. With many more events in Elisabeth’s life to explore, Netflix’s renewal came quickly.
The Empress Season 3 Latest News
Netflix Renews The Empress For The Final Season
Several months after the show’s triumphant return in late 2024, the latest news confirms thatNetflix has renewedThe Empressfor season 3. The German-language program was a hit with audiences and critics alike, and Netflix quietly gave the historical series another go-around in January 2025. This news also came with the announcement thatThe Empressseason 3 would be the final installment of the show. It was also confirmed that series leads Devrim Lingnau (Empress Elisabeth) and Philip Froissant (Emperor Franz) will return, alongside Melika Foroutan (Archduchess Sophie) and Johannes Nussbaum (Archduke Maximilian)
The creative team behind the series responded to the renewal announcement, and creator Katharina Eyssen, executive producer Robert Eyssen, Netflix’s Katja Hofem, and producer Jochen Laube all chimed in, saying:
Katharina Elyssen: “It sometimes leaves me speechless to see how many people we have been able to reach and touch all over the world with The Empress. To be able to continue and conclude this story together with our team and the unique ensemble cast is nothing less than a gift.”
Robert Elyssen: “Our aim has always been to create a series on an international level, and that, of course, continues to be our aim for the third season!”
Hofem:“The audience has followed Empress Elisabeth’s life through happy, exciting and dramatic times in the last two seasons. How wonderful that we can continue telling this story in a third season, with the wonderful team in front of and behind the camera and with Sommerhaus as our production partner.”
Laube: “At Sommerhaus it fills us with great joy that we can work together with Katharina Eyssen and Robert Eyssen as well as with the wonderful team from Netflix DACH on our series for yet another two years! We owe this to the outstanding work of hundreds of passionate people in all trades. It is a great privilege to be able to go into this third season with the commitment and quality of such a great team.”
The Empress Season 3 Is Confirmed
The Empress Will Return One Last Time
The news came with the caveat that season 3 would also be the last, which at least gives the period drama a chance to go out on its own terms.
Though it was uncertain if the German-language series would get renewed,Netflix gaveThe Empressa season 3 order in January 2025. The news came with the caveat that season 3 would also be the last, which at least gives the period drama a chance to go out on its own terms. Little is known about season 3 for now, but the entire creative team behind season 2 will be on hand, as will the bulk of the show’s main cast.
The Empress Season 3 Cast Details
Who Will Return In Season 3?
Though the full scope of the cast ofThe Empressseason 3 isn’t known yet, several leading ensemble members have already been confirmed by Netflix. First,Devrim Lingnau will return to reprise her role as the rebellious and beloved Empress Elisabeth, and her emotional arc has only gotten stronger across season 2. Meanwhile, Emperor Franz Joseph(Philip Froissant) will also return, and the historical record confirms that he survived his trip to the frontlines as seen in season 2’s finale.
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Fans of The Empress can satisfy their need for more historical dramas with TV shows like Bridgerton and Call the Midwife.
Archduke Maximilian’s (Johannes Nussbaum) storyline took a dramatic turn in season 2, with his stripping of title by his older brother. Though he opted to leave Austria following his ouster, the Archduke will be back season 3, andthe writers would be remiss if they didn’t tell the tale of his fascinating (and ultimately tragic time) in Mexico. Finally, MelikaForoutan is confirmed to be back as the scheming Archduchess Sophie. Other returns are less certain, especially if season 3 hopes to wrap up Elisabeth’s life story.
The Empress Season 3 Story Details
The War Continues In The Next Season
WhileThe Empressis very much about the experience of Empress Elisabeth at a personal level, many world-shaping events happened around her that make up the interesting periphery of the tale. Brewing throughout season 2 was the Lombardy-Venetia rebellion which eventually fomented into war. Feeling inadequate, Franz Joseph opted to head to the front lines in order to support his troops, and his fate was left in limbo by the season 2 finale.The historical record reveals that Franz will survivethe encounter.
On the home front, Elisabeth struggles with motherhood and the unrealistic pressure to produce a male heir for the empire. Her mental health is one ofthe historical drama’s most interesting aspects, and it adds a layer of dimension to the historical figure that is quite modern. Expect that to continue in season 3 ofThe Empressas things only get more pressed between Sisi and Franz Joseph as they find themselves caught in the maelstrom of history. Furthermore, with season 3 being the last,The Empressmay jump ahead in time as well.
The Empress
Cast
Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria’s life changes dramatically when she weds Emperor Franz Joseph and becomes Empress of Austria. Navigating the treacherous waters of the Viennese court, Sisi encounters both grand romance and fierce political maneuvering. As she adapts to her new position, she must assert her individuality and strength to protect her family and her empire.
