Netflix’s wildly-popular historical drama series The Empress finally returned for its second season in 2024, but will the German-language hit get renewed for season 3? Based loosely on the real historical figure of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the show captures the rebellious spirit of the unorthodox monarch as she challenges the strict social norms of her repressive royal life, and all the challenges she faced as a ruler and as a person. The series was a surprise smash for the streamer, and is still one of Netflix’s biggest hits in a language other than English.

Like many streaming originals, there was a big gap between seasons 1 and 2, but that hasn’t seemed to diminish the impact of the period drama’s return. Sticking closer to the historical record than shows like Bridgerton, The Empress nevertheless has all the trappings of an eye-catching costume drama. These unique assets elevate the German show above the usual anachronistic historical fiction that is being pumped out by the major streamers, and makes a season 3 all the more plausible for The Empress. With many more events in Elisabeth’s life to explore, Netflix may order another set of episodes soon.

The Empress Season 3 Is Not Confirmed

Netflix Hasn’t Renewed The Empress Yet

Custom Image By Yailin Chacon 

Because the sophomore season is still so new, it comes as no surprise that Netflix hasn’t sent any word regarding a third season of The Empress yet. Since the show is a German co-production, there is likely more that goes into renewing the series than a simple request from Netflix. If the lengthy delays between seasons 1 and 2 are any indication, it’s clear that The Empress doesn’t follow the same structure of production as many American programs which are rushed to the screen as quickly as possible.

Costume period dramas are costly, and they represent a large investment that needs to have a big payoff.

It’s unclear exactly when Netflix will make their decision about renewing or canceling the show. It took the better part of two months for the streamer to order season 2, and that came after season 1 was a smash-hit. If The Empress season 2 doesn’t do the same business as its predecessor, there’s little hope that the streamer will order more episodes, or at the very least, Netflix won’t be moving particularly quickly when it comes to giving it the green light. Costume period dramas are costly, and they represent a large investment that needs to have a big payoff.

The Empress Season 3 Cast Details

Who Will Return In Season 3?

Though nothing has been announced about the cast of The Empress season 3 yet, the historical record provides a bit of a guide map of who will be reprising their roles. First, there’s no doubt that Devrim Lingnau will return to reprise her role as the rebellious and beloved Empress Elisabeth, and her emotional arc has only gotten stronger across season 2. Meanwhile, Emperor Franz Joseph(Philip Froissant) will also likely return, and the historical record confirms that he survived his trip to the frontlines as seen in season 2’s finale.

Other returns are less certain, and really depend on what direction the story of season 3 opts to follow. Archduke Maximilian’s (Johannes Nussbaum) storyline took a dramatic turn in season 2, with his stripping of title by his older brother. Opting to leave Austria following his ouster, it’s uncertain if the estranged Archduke will factor into season 3, though the writers would be remiss if they didn’t tell the tale of his fascinating (and ultimately tragic time) in Mexico.

The Empress Season 3 Story Details

The War Continues In The Next Season

While The Empress is very much about the experience of Empress Elisabeth at a personal level, many world-shaping events happened around her that make up the interesting periphery of the tale. Brewing throughout season 2 was the Lombardy-Venetia rebellion which eventually fomented into war. Feeling inadequate, Franz Joseph opted to head to the front lines in order to support his troops, and his fate was left in limbo by the season 2 finale. The historical record reveals that Franz will survive the encounter.

On the home front, Elisabeth struggles with motherhood and the unrealistic pressure to produce a male heir for the empire. Her mental health is one of the historical drama’s most interesting aspects, and it adds a layer of dimension to the historical figure that is quite modern. Expect that to continue in season 3 of The Empress as things only get more pressed between Sisi and Franz Joseph as they find themselves caught in the maelstrom of history.