Netflix Ending Popular Historical Series After Three Seasons

Just like the imperial Habsburg dynasty it portrays, the reign of The Empress will soon come to an end at Netflix.

The Empress (Die Kaiserin) follows the rebellious Elisabeth "Sisi" von Wittelsbach and her real-life love story with Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. The series details their boundary-crossing marriage and the world of familial and political tension the Empress Elisabeth finds herself in upon her coronation.

The German-language series was once one of the most popular shows on the streamer upon its release, sitting just behind Ryan Murphy's Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story as the #2 highest-streamed show on Netflix upon its premiere in September 2022, earning 106.6 million hours watched in its first week. However, despite the impressive numbers, especially for a series not in the English language, the streamer has announced it will end later this year, after three seasons.

"In the six-part finale of this thrilling series, Elisabeth will make a fateful acquaintance that will forever alter her life and the future of Europe," Netflix announced in a press release. The platform also unveiled the synopsis of the new season.

"Following the devastating Sardinian War, Emperor Franz returns a traumatized man, burdened by the guilt of losing thousands of young men on the battlefield," Netflix announced. "Elisabeth strives to help him, fighting passionately for her marriage while also championing what she believes is right for the empire—but to no avail. Resistance at court and her own declining health compel her to leave Vienna and embark on an unexpected adventure."

Netflix’s What Next? 2026 showcase in Berlin reportedly confirmed that the final six episodes of the series will debut on the streamer's “Fall/Winter” timeline. The finale is most likely to drop around November or December, in keeping with previous release dates for the show and other costume dramas on the platform, per What's On Netflix.