Netflix viewers devastated after 'intense' period drama announces final season

Fans of hit Netflix show The Empress have been left devastated to know it won’t be returning after its third season. The German historical drama, based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of

Austria, stars Devrim Lingnau in the title role and Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph. It first aired in 2022, becoming Netflix’s second-most watched series globally for two weeks,

and reaching more than 150,000,000 hours streamed. The second season premiered in 2024, but in January this year, it was announced that The Empress’ third instalment would be the final. The

period drama, set in 10th-century Austria, follows the life of Elisabeth, nicknamed Sisi, when she meets and falls in love with Franz. Their passionate relationship leads to turbulence in

the dynasty, and the young Empress has to navigate her new position of power while also battling against her mother-in-law. When the threat of revolution hits, Elisabeth has to learn who she

can trust and the cost of her new role. Following it being renewed for the third and final season, showrunner Katharina Eyssen said: “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.” Executive producer Robert Eyssen added: “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!” Fans of the series were gutted to hear the news of it ending, with one writing on X: “Why final?!?! There is so much history left to cover.” “No not a last season,” another

echoed. Several others praised the series, with The Empress scoring an impressive 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One review read: “What can I say! I love great historical love drama

shows!!! Great acting and marvellous set ups! The intensity of emotions are well captured, and I could almost feel the love and pain myself! Love it!” Another said: “The Empress is an

opulent feast for romantics and armchair time travellers, best viewed in its original German — with subtitles if necessary — for a more transportive experience.” THE EMPRESS IS AVAILABLE TO

WATCH ON NETFLIX.