Series synopsis
The Empress, also known as Die Kaiserin is a German drama television series that premiered on Netflix on September 29, 2022. It was created by Katharina Eyssen. It stars Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan and Johannes Nussbaum.
Based on events in 7th and 8th-century Tang dynasty and starring producer Fan Bingbing as the titular character Wu Zetian, The Empress of China is the story of the only woman in Chinese history to rule as an emperor.
Premise
Based on events in 7th and 8th-century Tang dynasty and starring producer Fan Bingbing as the titular character Wu Zetian, The Empress of China is the story of the only woman in Chinese history to rule as an emperor.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Devrim Lingnau as Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' von Wittelsbach
- Philip Froissant as Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary
- Melika Foroutan as Princess Sophie of Bavaria
- Johannes Nussbaum as Archduke Maximilian
- Elisa Schlott as Duchess Helene of Bavaria
- Jördis Triebel as Princess Ludovika of Bavaria
- Almila Bağrıaçık as Leontine von Apafi
- Wiebke Puls as Countess Sophie Esterházy
Supporting cast
- Alexander Finkenwirth as Baron Alexander von Bach
- Raymond Tarabay as Ambassadeur De Bourqueney
- Tereza Dušková as Emma
- Hanna Hilsdorf as Amalia
- Laeni Geiseler as Mimi
- Runa Greiner as Charlotte von Stubenberg
Guest cast
- Hanna Hilsdorf as Amalia
- Laeni Geiseler as Mimi
- Runa Greiner as Charlotte von Stubenberg
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 12 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | September 29, 2022 | September 29, 2022 |
| Season 2 | 6 | November 22, 2024 | November 22, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
One's Place in the World Helene and Elisabeth travel to meet Emperor Franz, who is expected to ask for Helene's hand. At the party, he stuns everyone with a surprise decision. |
September 29, 2022 |
| 2 |
The Arrival Elisabeth arrives in Vienna for her wedding. Soon enough she faces palace intrigue while Franz attempts to protect his country from going to war. |
September 29, 2022 |
| 3 |
The Wedding Elisabeth marries Franz, and the royal family gets a taste of her rising popularity. Sophie's former lover attends the wedding and discovers a secret. |
September 29, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
An Heir to the Throne Pregnant with her second child, Elisabeth is under pressure to provide a male heir to the throne. An incident occurs during a state visit. |
November 22, 2024 |
| 2 |
The Dream Franz sends Maximilian on a diplomatic mission to make an ally of Napoleon III. Sophie schemes to sideline Elisabeth and take charge of her children. |
November 22, 2024 |
| 3 |
A Letter from the Empress Elisabeth embarks on a charm offensive across Lombardy-Venetia. Franz gives Maximilian an opportunity to prove his loyalty. |
November 22, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Netflix |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 29, 2022 |
| Last aired | November 22, 2024 |
| Runtime | 45 minutes |
| Status | continue |