The Netflix series “The Empress” was a complete success in 2022 and was streamed diligently by audiences worldwide. So it’s no wonder that a second season was quickly announced. Starting today, it’s available to stream on Netflix.
Whether “Suddenly Princess”, “The Crown” or countless fairy tale films: stories about royals have an unbroken fascination for “normal” people. Especially in German-speaking countries, a historical figure has a very special place in the hearts of viewers: Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi.
The popularity of the monarch is reflected not only in the annual tradition of watching the romantic “Sissi” trilogy with Romy Schneider from the 1950s at Christmas time, but also in modern adaptations. In 2021, RTL celebrated great success with its series “Sisi”: According to the broadcaster, it was the most successful fiction reboot of an RTL+ original to date.
Just a year later, Netflix also jumped on the bandwagon and presented “The Empress”. The German series made it to number 7 of the most watched non-English-language Netflix series in 2022, making it the most successful German series of the year. Just two months after its launch, it was renewed for a second season. And that’s exactly what you can now finally stream. As of today, November 22nd, 2024, Season 2 of “The Empress” is now available on Netflix.
What happens next in the second season of “The Empress”?
The first season ended with a gripping cliffhanger: Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau), known as Sisi, rebelled against the rigid rules of the Habsburg court. Under the influence of her domineering mother-in-law Sophie (Melika Foroutan), she was supposed to return to Bavaria and annul her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph (Philip Froissant).
Sisi, feeling increasingly restricted, went so far as to hide her pregnancy from her husband. But when she left the palace, she was met by an angry mob of demonstrators – and surprised everyone by publicly announcing her pregnancy. This dramatic ending left many questions unanswered: How will the crowd react? Can and does Sisi really want to leave her Franz? Or will the couple find a way to save their love?
In the new season, the couple seems to have overcome their first major crisis. But dark clouds are gathering over Schönbrunn: Emperor Franz finds himself facing a powerful opponent in Europe, while Elisabeth is under enormous pressure as an heir to the throne is urgently needed to secure the future of the empire. But fate is merciless: Political intrigues, personal losses and growing tensions threaten the fragile harmony between Sisi and Franz. Will the Empress be able to overcome the challenges and at the same time protect her love, her family and herself?
By the way: Another historical series has also just been renewed for a second season. You can find out what that is in the following article.
History fans’ prayers have been answered! Disney’s big “Bridgerton” competition is getting a second season
* How might the popularity of “The Empress” influence public perception of Empress Elisabeth’s historical significance, and how could this impact future academic study of her life and reign?
## The Empress Returns: A Season 2 Discussion
**Welcome to World Today News! We’re thrilled to be joined by two esteemed guests today to discuss the highly anticipated release of “The Empress” Season 2 on Netflix.**
**Our guests are:**
* **Dr. Anna Schmidt**: A leading historian specializing in the Habsburg Dynasty and Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
* **Isabella Mendoza**: A television critic and pop-culture expert with a keen eye for historical dramas.
**Let’s jump right in!**
**Section 1: The Enduring Fascination with Sisi**
* **Dr. Schmidt**: Given your expertise, what do you believe accounts for the enduring fascination with Empress Elisabeth, both within German-speaking countries and internationally? Is it purely her tragic story, or are there deeper cultural factors at play?
* **Ms. Mendoza**: Isabella, from a contemporary storytelling perspective, why do you think shows like “The Empress” and “Sisi” are resonating with audiences today? What elements are they getting right that attract viewers who might not typically be drawn to historical dramas?
**Section 2: Season 2’s Cliffhanger and Thematic Developments**
* **Dr. Schmidt**: Season 1 ended on a dramatic note with Sisi defying convention and publicly revealing her pregnancy. From a historical standpoint, how accurate is this portrayal of Elisabeth’s character? What challenges might a woman of her position have faced in making such a bold declaration?
* **Ms. Mendoza**: Isabella, the Netflix series takes creative liberties with historical events. Do you think this approach detracts from the show’s credibility, or does it make it more engaging and accessible for a modern audience?
* **Dr.Schmidt**: Season 2 promises political intrigue and personal losses. How historically accurate are these storylines, and what do they reveal about the complexities of Elisabeth’s life beyond the romantic myth?
**Section 3: The Future of “The Empress” and Historical Dramas**
* **Ms. Mendoza**: Given the success of “The Empress” and the rise of historical dramas like “The Crown” and “Bridgerton,” do you think this trend will continue? What factors might contribute to
its longevity?
* **Dr. Schmidt**: Looking ahead, what further explorations of Empress Elisabeth’s life could “The Empress” potentially undertake in future seasons? What aspects of her
story deserve further attention?
**Concluding Thoughts**
* **To our viewers**: What are your thoughts on “The Empress” Season 2? What are you most looking forward to seeing?
**We thank Dr. Schmidt and Ms. Mendoza for their insightful perspectives on ”The Empress” and its place in the world of historical dramas. Tune in to Netflix today to catch Season 2!**
