The Empress

 (German: Die Kaiserin) is a German series about a forbidden love between the Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary and the rebellious Empress Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria.

The script of this show was adapted into a stand-alone novel written by Gigi Griffis.

Summary
"In 1800s Austria, passionate and rebellious Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph face love under duress, intrigues and power struggles at the Viennese court."

- Official Netflix synopsis

"When the rebellious Elisabeth ("SISI") meets Franz, the Emperor of Austria, the young couple's intoxicating love completely upsets the power structure at the Viennese court. After the wedding, the young empress must assert herself not only against her mother-in-law, the sovereign, power-hungry Sophie, but also against Franz's brother Maxi, who himself longs for the throne (and for Sisi). As enemy troops form up on the borders of the Habsburg Empire, people in Vienna rise up in protest against the emperor. Elisabeth must find out who she can trust and how high the price is to be a true empress and a figure of hope for the people."

- Official Netflix logline

"For now almost 200 years, fans and audiences across the globe have been fascinated by Elisabeth; by her passion, her beauty and her non-conformist lifestyle. In this six-part series, Netflix gives us a glimpse into the inner turmoil of a young woman far ahead of her time, battling tradition and state conventions and fighting for her individuality and freedom. The royal love story of Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau) and young ruler Franz (Philip Froissant) is unique. It’s a story of two young people, battling with their own personal doubts, desires and inner conflicts as the weight of an entire empire rests on their shoulders."

- Official Netflix Press Release

Cast and Characters

 * Devrim Lingnau as Empress Elisabeth von Wittelsbach
 * Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary
 * Melika Foroutan as Archduchess Sophie
 * Johannes Nussbaum as Archduke Maximilian
 * Elisa Schlott as Duchess Helene
 * Jördis Triebel as Princess Ludovika
 * Almila Bagriacik as Leontine von Apafi
 * Wiebke Puls as Countess Esterházy

Episodes

 * Season One

 One's Place in the World The Arrival The Wedding The Hunt The Shoes The God Who Us Has Freedom Sent