Why This 18-Part Crown Meets Bridgerton Series Is Hands Down Netflix’s Best Historical Drama
A blend of royal dramas
The Crown examines the British royal family, while Bridgerton pairs Regency-era romance with an alternate-history setting. The Empress draws on elements associated with both, centering its story on a royal life and romantic relationships.
The Netflix German original dramatizes the life of Empress Elisabeth in the 19th century. Its story combines royal drama with a focus on romance, though it is less steamy than Bridgerton.
Elisabeth changes over time
In the first season, Elisabeth is portrayed as a naive young woman who believes marriage to Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph will bring her a happy ending. By the second season, Austria is at war, and the demands of her duties weigh heavily on her.
In the third and final season, Elisabeth is grown and weary, but remains fiercely independent. Her marriage to Franz is strained at times, while their love endures and they bring out the best in each other.
A series that builds
The Empress earned an 85% Rotten Tomatoes audience score for its first season. Its second season reached 92%, a near-perfect rating that suggested the show was gaining ground with viewers.
The final season is now streaming on Netflix. Alongside its royal and romantic drama, the series takes on mental health, women’s rights and autonomy.
Key points
- The Empress follows Empress Elisabeth through three seasons of royal and romantic drama.
- The series’ Rotten Tomatoes audience score rose from 85% in season one to 92% in season two.
- Its final season is now streaming on Netflix.
- The show addresses mental health, women’s rights and autonomy.