Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engaging, vivid historical drama has violence, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Empress
What's the Story?
THE EMPRESS is an episodic historical drama about the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Princess Ludovika of Bavaria (Jördis Triebel), with the support of her sister, Archduchess Sophie (Melika Foroutan), had planned for her eldest daughter, Helene von Wittelsbach (Elisa Schlott), to marry the Archduchess' son, Emperor Franz Joseph I (Philip Froissant). But when the time comes, the young emperor chooses Helene's younger sister, 15-year old Princess Elisabeth or "Sissi" (Devrim Lingnau), a headstrong, independent young woman who speaks her mind. As Empress Elisabeth learns to navigate her new role in the Habsburg court, she must deal with the schemes of her domineering aunt/mother-in-law, and her brother-in-law, Archduke Maximilian (Johannes Nussbaum). There are many who want to bring the young emperor and empress down, but the couple is determined to rise above and maintain their power.
Is It Any Good?
The German drama series (available both dubbed and subtitled in English) offers a vibrant narrative about Princess Elisabeth von Wittelsbach of Bavaria's transformation from a spirited teenager to the trendsetting empress of Austria and queen of Hungary. While there are lots of stylized moments intended to entertain viewers, it's an overall accurate account of what led to her marriage, and the politics in and outside of court that followed. Much of the historical adaptation also centers on the underlying systems that define royal life, which leads to plot lines featuring Elisabeth and her husband attempting to renegotiate them within their private and public circles. There aren't many lighthearted moments, but The Empress offers a compelling, engaging story world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of the Habsburg Empire. How did it grow so powerful? Did women like Empress Elisabeth have a role in maintaining its dominance or its dissolution?
How much of The Empress is based on Empress Elisabeth's real life? How far should the producers of a historical drama change facts or create fictional stories in order to make the narrative more entertaining?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 29, 2022
- Cast : Devrim Lingnau , Philip Froissan , Melika Foroutan
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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