The Empress, a period drama, managed to impress the audience and fans are eagerly for its third season to return on Netflix. The historical drama is set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Austrian Empire and shows the love story between Elisabeth von Wittelsbach and Emperor Franz Joseph. Here’s everything you need to know about The Empress Season 3, its expected plot and cast details.

The Empress season 3: Will the historical drama return on Netflix?

German show ‘The Empress’ is one period drama that has managed to capture the attention of the world. It premiered in 2022, and judging by the reactions after the release of its second season in November 2024, it’s starting to gain more traction. The series portrays a love affair between Elisabeth von Wittelsbach and Emperor Franz Joseph in 19th-century Austria, according to Radio Times.

Netflix’s wildly-popular historical drama series The Empress finally returned for its second season in 2024. But fans are curious to know whether the much-loved series get renewed for Season 3?

The story of ‘The Empress’ is 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.

‘The Empress’ Season 3 confirmed?

Netflix has not yet officially confirmed whether ‘The Empress’ will go ahead with a third season. 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. With fans having waited two years for new episodes, Netflix cannot determine whether it will renew the show yet. However, considering its growing popularity, the show could be renewed in a short time. According to Radio Times, fans may need to wait a few months for official confirmation.

When will ‘The Empress’ Season 3 premier?

If The Empress is renewed for a third season, viewers should brace themselves for a lengthy wait, as the show has a very long production timeline. Season 1 premiered in September 2022, while Season 2 released two years later in November 2024. Based on this pattern, Radio Times predicts that the third season will likely premiere toward the end of 2026.

Cast Expectations for Season 3

If the show returns for a third season, most of the leading cast members are expected to reprise their roles. First, there’s no doubt that 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.

Devrim Lingnau would return as Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, and hopefully, Philip Froissant will continue his role as Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Melika Foroutan may also return as Sophie, Archduchess of Austria; Johannes Nussbaum as Archduke Maximilian; and Almila Bagriacik as Countess Leontine von Apafi.

New characters introduced in Season 2 include Josephine Thiesen as Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium and Christophe Favre as Napoleon III, depending on the historical events the third season chooses to explore.

What to expect from ‘The Empress’ Season 3?

If The Empress continues with a third season, it will likely further explore the love story between Elisabeth and Franz Joseph. In Season 2, their relationship was tested by the pressures of royal life, including the birth of their first child and Franz’s increasing political challenges.

A potential third season would likely delve deeper into how their personal lives intersect with the political demands of the court and European affairs. Since The Empress is based on real historical events, the third season would probably feature key moments in history that could complicate the couple’s relationship and the dynamics at court. However, no official details about the storyline or focus of a third season have been released, leaving fans to speculate about what might come next for Elisabeth and Franz.

In Season 1, Elisabeth conceals her pregnancy from Franz until revealing it to everyone at the very end of the season. During that season, their wedding faces many challenges and emotional ups and downs, with the couple’s personal struggles taking center stage.