Elisabeth is angry while the Emperor smiles in The Empress

The trailer for The Empress season 2 welcomes back Netflix’s award-winning historical series. From creator Katharina Eyssen, the six-episode German drama is based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, with Devrim Lingnau in the title role and Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph. The series follows the Bavarian princess turned Austrian who struggles to adjust to what she feels is a stifling life in the Habsburg royal court, after marrying the Emperor. It won the International Emmy Drama Series award in 2023, becoming one of Netflix’s most popular international titles during its year, so expectations are high for The Empress season 2

Netflix has released the trailer for The Empress season 2, confirming that new episodes will be released on November 22.



The trailer serves as a reintroduction to Elisabeth von Wittelsbach. Though the preview begins with the royal in bed, being nursed back to health, there are clearly other factors at play. Potential enemies loom, as well as romances, while Elisabeth pushes back against what is expected of her.

The Empress Season 2 Release Date Means There’s Still Time To Catch Up

The Show Is An Audience Favorite

Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau) looking away from Franz (Philip Froissant) in The Empress

The new episodes will follow the aftermath of the season 1 finale, where Elisabeth reveals her pregnancy to the common folk and the consequences of her not leaving court. The trailer indicates more trouble for the titular protagonist, given how the royals have tried to control her due to her unconventional behavior. However, it’s unclear how the series will tackle her relationship with the Emperor and if there will be any reconciliation. The previews also reveal her playing with her daughter, although it’s unclear if this implies a dream or that the series will cover a much larger timeline.

With the November release date still months away, curious subscribers still have time to catch up.

The Empress season 2 cast includes Melika Foroutan (Sophie), Johannes Nussbaum (Archduke Maximilian), Almila Bagriacik (Court Lady Leontine), Runa Greiner (Court Lady Charlotte) and Alexander Finkenwirth (Alexander von Bach). Josephine Thiesen and Christophe Favre Napoleon III are new additions, portraying Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium and Napoleon III, respectively.

Executive-produced by Katharina Eyssen and Robert Eyssen, the new installment comes after the positive audience response to the first six episodes. On Rotten Tomatoes, season 1 has a favorable rating of 83% based on more than 250 user reviews. With the November release date still months away, curious subscribers still have time to catch up.

Our Take On The Empress

It’s A More Serious Corset Drama Worth Watching

Devrim Lingnau in her wedding gown in The Empress

As someone who has watched the series, I am glad the hiatus is finally over. I’m curious what season 2 has in store for Elisabeth and Franz, as their romance remains the centerpiece of this series. For those looking for shows like The Empress, it’s not near the same tone as Netflix’s other period drama Bridgerton. The German series has a more striking and serious tone since Elisabeth’s journey provides some balance and variety. Still, it has some of the best elements of a historical Netflix series with the steamy romance, conflict, and the period setting.

Netflix has released the trailer for The Empress season 2, confirming that new episodes will be released on November 22.

The trailer serves as a reintroduction to Elisabeth von Wittelsbach. Though the preview begins with the royal in bed, being nursed back to health, there are clearly other factors at play. Potential enemies loom, as well as romances, while Elisabeth pushes back against what is expected of her.

The Empress Season 2 Release Date Means There’s Still Time To Catch Up

The Show Is An Audience Favorite