The Empress is a German historical romantic drama series created by Katharina Eyssen. Based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Netflix series follows Elisabeth of Bavaria as she falls for and marries the Emperor Franz of Austria. This marriage pushes Elisabeth into the stressful life of an Empress. What started as a love story becomes so much more as time goes on, and the duties of the Emperor and Empress begin to create distance between Elisabeth and Franz. We see Elisabeth fall in love, deal with the consequences of being an Empress, and put Royal duties first to become a beloved Royal figure among her subjects. The Empress stars Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, and Elisa Schlott. So, if you loved the royal intrigue, historical drama, and compelling characters in The Empress, here are some similar shows you should check out next.
The Great (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video)
The Great is a historical absurdist satirical dark comedy-drama series created by Tony McNamara. The Hulu series follows a young Catherine the Great as she arrives in Russia to get married to Peter III of Russia. She soon finds herself caught in a world of dogmatic beliefs and customs that she doesn’t believe in. The Great stars Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Sacha Dhawan, Charity Wakefield, and Gwilym Lee.
Victoria (Rent on Prime Video)
Victoria is a British historical drama series created by Daisy Goodwin. The ITV series follows Princess Alexandrina, whose life is completely changed in an instant when she ascends to the British throne and becomes Queen Victoria at the age of 18. She must balance the responsibilities of being a mother and wife while also justly ruling over England. Victoria stars Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Peter Bowles, Catherine Flemming, Daniela Holtz, and Nell Hudson.
The Spanish Princess (Starz & Rent on Prime Video)
The Spanish Princess is a historical drama series created by Emma Frost and Matthew Graham. Based on the novels The Constant Princess and The King’s Curse by Philippa Gregory, the Starz series follows a teenage princess, Catherine of Aragon, who arrives in England to get married to Arthur, Prince of Wales, but when Arthur suddenly dies. She must rise to power to bring peace between Spain and England. The Spanish Princess stars Sai Bennett, Alicia Borrachero, Andrew Buchan, Laura Carmichael, Daniel Cerqueira, and Aaron Cobham.
The White Queen (Starz & Rent on Prime Video)
The White Queen is a British historical drama series created by Emma Frost, Lisa McGee, Malcolm Campbell, and Nicole Taylor. Based on the historical novel series by Philippa Gregory, the BBC series is set in the 15th century, and it revolves around a power struggle between three women who scheme, manipulate, and seduce to get to the top. The White Queen stars Rebecca Ferguson, Amanda Hale, Faye Marsay, Juliet Aubrey, and Veerle Baetens.
Becoming Elizabeth (Rent on Prime Video)
Becoming Elizabeth is a historical drama series created by Anya Reiss. The Starz series follows an orphaned young Elizabeth Tudor who becomes embroiled in the politics of the English court, which sets in motion her rise to power after the death of King Henry VIII. Becoming Elizabeth stars Alicia von Rittberg, Romola Garai, Jessica Raine, Tom Cullen, Bella Ramsey, Oliver Zetterström, and John Heffernan.
The Serpent Queen (Starz & Prime Video Add-On)
The Serpent Queen is a historical drama series created by Justin Haythe. Based on the 2004 nonfiction book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda, the Starz series follows the life story of Catherine de Medici, from her marriage into the French Valois court as a 14-year-old to her ruling France for 30 years. The Serpent Queen stars Samantha Morton, Amrita Acharia, Barry Atsma, Enzo Cilenti, Sennia Nanua, and Kiruna Stamell.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Netflix)
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a historical romantic drama series created by Shonda Rhimes. The Bridgerton prequel series is set in 1761, and it follows a young Queen Charlotte, who meets and marries King George of England. The story explores their love for each other and King George’s mental illness. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story stars India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley, Ruth Gemmell, Corey Mylchreest, and Arsema Thomas.