Season one of “The Empress” has landed in the top 10 trending shows on Netflix only days after its release on Sept. 29. The drama stars Devrim Lingnau in the leading role of Elisabeth von Wittelsbach and Philip Froissant as the Emperor Franz Joseph. The six-episode series is based on historical events centering around the Empress of Austria, who marries her sister’s intended fiancé and moves to Vienna where she struggles to carefully weave herself through the politics of court life — all while the shadow of revolution looms large over the nobility. 

From the first episode, Elisabeth’s passion for riding horses, writing poetry, avoiding planned proposals and not wearing shoes makes it abundantly clear that she is full of passion and will only marry for love. She captures the heart of the Emperor, who her older sister was intended to marry, and from there the show takes off. Elisabeth does indeed marry for love — Emperor Franz Joseph falls in love with her free spirit — but she wants more from life than just producing heirs. The show sheds new light on one of the greatest love stories in history and is powerful and dramatic from beginning to end. As with most period dramas, it mixes historical fact with fiction, resulting in a compelling story rather than a history lesson. 

“The Empress” documents Elisabeth’s struggle to acclimate to life in the palace where everyone attempts to control her choices and tame her character. Franz Joseph also struggles to stay out of the war and instead build a railroad despite the efforts of his conniving younger brother who is determined to undermine his reign (and who is in love with Elisabeth himself). The music remains true to the 19th century. Franz Lizst and Johann Strauss make an appearance where they both dedicate songs to Elisabeth and her marriage to Franz Joseph. The cinematography is stunning with the most refined and visually aesthetic color palette. Directors Katrin Gebbe and Florian Cossen are able to focus the show around Elisabeth, yet also include other important stories which unravel around her in masterful sub-plots. The moment the audience senses the chemistry between Elisabeth and Franz Joseph and grows invested in the drama of the life surrounding them; one is compelled to binge all six episodes without remorse. 

“The Empress’” first season ends on a bit of a cliffhanger when Elisabeth is prepared to leave for Bavaria after having had a heated discussion with both her husband and mother-in-law. The relationship between Elisabeth and her mother-in-law, Sophie, slowly spirals down as the show progresses. This is due to the latter believing Elisabeth to be too wild to provide a proper upbringing for heirs and too free spirited to serve as a strong wife to the Emperor. However, Elisabeth fails to divulge to both her husband and mother-in-law that she is, in fact, already with child. Although season two has not yet been confirmed, if audiences are lucky enough to further view the show then the history of Elisabeth and Franz Joseph’s life will undoubtedly provide rich source material for more seasons to follow.