Period-Drama Series ‘The Empress’ Gets Trailer and Release Date on Netflix

Netflix has revealed a new trailer for the German-language series, ‘The Empress.’ The six-episode period-drama series ‘The Empress’ will release on September 29 on Netflix, worldwide.

The German original series is about the iconic Empress of Austria-Hungary and is led by Devrim Lingnau and Philip Froissant in the role of Elisabeth von Wittelsbach and Franz Joseph, respectively. The plot revolves around the epic love tale between Elisabeth and Franz. Elisabeth is portrayed as a young woman ahead of her time, defying the rigid standards of the nineteenth century and the court. She encounters Franz, a fractured multi-layered monarch who had a significant role in molding modern European history. The audience is taken into a dazzling illusory world in which young Sisi must fight for her place at court as well as the right not only to be the powerful figure of an ailing empire, but against the backdrop of jealousy, intrigue, and power struggles behind the scenes of the Habsburg court and the arising question of people's freedom.

In the series, two young people meet one day in August 1853. An unexpected encounter – the classic "love at first sight." He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, and she is Princess Elisabeth von Wittelsbach of Bavaria, the sister of the lady Franz is to marry... For years, audiences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have been fascinated by the thrilling life tale of Empress Elisabeth, also known as "Sisi."

When the rebellious Elisabeth ("SISI") meets the Emperor of Austria, their intoxicating love shakes up the power structure at the Viennese court. Following the wedding, the young empress must assert herself not just against her mother-in-law, the sovereign, power-hungry Sophie, but also against Franz's brother Maxi, who desires the throne as well (and for Sisi). People in Vienna rise in protest against the monarch as enemy troops form on the frontiers of the Habsburg Empire. Elisabeth must learn who she may trust and how much it costs to be a true empress and a symbol of hope for the people. 

The cast of the series also include Melika Foroutan, Jördis Triebel, Johannes Nussbaum, Elisa Schlott, Wiebke Puls. and Almila Bagriacik. This series was filmed entirely in Germany, utilizing historical settings and atmospheric castles. 

The series directed by Katrin Gebbe ("Pelican Blood") and Florian Cossen ("NSU German History X") focuses on the first months after Sisi arrives at the Viennese court. Katharina Eyssen is the showrunner and head author for The Empress. Jochen Laube and Fabian Maubach from Sommerhaus Serien GmbH are the producers. Costume design is by Gabriela Reumer.