‘Must-watch’ Netflix period drama hailed as perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey

Fans say the lavish royal drama is ‘perfection’ and even claim it rivals some of the biggest historical series on television

The series first hit the small screen in September 2022. (Image: Netflix)

Fans of lavish period dramas have found another royal saga to add to their watchlist, with Netflix viewers praising The Empress as a beautifully made historical drama packed with romance, political intrigue and palace drama.

The German-language series first premiered in 2022 and is loosely inspired by the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi. Played by Devrim Lingnau, the young royal finds herself thrust into the rigid world of the Austrian imperial court after marrying Emperor Franz Joseph I, portrayed by Philip Froissant.

But becoming empress is far from the fairy tale she might have imagined.

Elisabeth’s independent personality quickly clashes with the strict traditions of the imperial court, while her relationship with Franz Joseph is complicated by the influence of his powerful mother, Princess Sophie, played by Melika Foroutan.

The result is a period drama that combines royal glamour with family conflict, political tension and the suffocating expectations placed upon a young woman entering one of Europe’s most powerful families.

And for viewers who enjoy The Crown and Downton Abbey, many believe it deserves a place on the same watchlist.

The series currently has two seasons, with a third and final season announced in January. Although an exact release date has yet to be confirmed, the final chapter is expected to arrive on Netflix in 2026.

The comparisons with other major period dramas have been particularly strong among viewers.

One fan said they “simply cannot believe how amazing this series is”, claiming it could rival The Crown, Downton Abbey, Outlander, Poldark and Vikings.

Another viewer offered a simpler recommendation: if you like The Crown, you will probably enjoy The Empress.

They explained that despite initially expecting something heavily focused on romance, the series felt much closer to Downton Abbey or The Crown, where the drama and characters take centre stage.

Others were equally enthusiastic about the production itself.

One fan described the first season as “top notch”, praising everything from the sets and costumes to the performances and saying it was good enough to watch all over again immediately.

Another called every aspect of the show “top shelf”, singling out the acting, scenery, sets, costumes and story.

The lavish production is certainly one of its biggest attractions. Elaborate costumes, grand palaces and detailed period settings create the kind of visual spectacle viewers have come to expect from prestige historical dramas.

But the series isn’t simply about beautiful gowns and royal balls.

At its centre is Elisabeth’s struggle to maintain her independence while adapting to a world governed by tradition, hierarchy and political expectations. Her relationship with Franz Joseph is also tested by the demands of his position and the influence of those around him.

The real historical Elisabeth has long fascinated audiences, and her story has inspired countless books, films and television productions. The Empress takes that familiar figure and gives her a more contemporary dramatic treatment, particularly through its portrayal of her rebellious personality.

One viewer even advised audiences not to approach the series as a strict history lesson, arguing that its biggest strengths are its characters, story and atmosphere.

The show also features mature themes including sex, discrimination and violence, and carries a 15 certificate.

For viewers searching for a new royal drama after finishing The Crown or looking for something with the lavish atmosphere of Downton Abbey, The Empress could be an easy series to get hooked on.

And with its final season still to come, there is plenty more royal intrigue waiting beyond the first two chapters.

Series one and two of The Empress are streaming now on Netflix.