‘The Empress’ Season 3 Sets Release Date Window on Netflix

Queen Elizabeth’s reign is coming to an end. Netflix confirms hit German historical drama Maharani (Die Kaiserin) will return for a third and final season this year with a series scheduled for late 2026.

The announcement was made today on Netflix’s What’s Next? 2026 showcase in Berlin, where the streamer unveiled a slate of new German productions to be released throughout the year. While fans will be relieved to know that the story is continuing, the news remains bittersweet, as it confirms that the upcoming six-episode batch will serve as the series finale.

Historically, Netflix has released big costume dramas during the holiday season. Given the “Fall/Winter” timeline outlined in the Berlin event, a communiqué was issued November or December 2026 Seems like the most likely target.

Since its beginning, Maharani has been one of Netflix’s most successful German-language series, captivating audiences with its gorgeous costumes and the intense chemistry between David Lingnau (Elisabeth) and Philippe Froissant (Franz). Season 2, which launches in November 2024, spent five weeks in the global top 10. Covering viewership from 2023, and through 2025, seasons 1 and 2 have amassed 424 million hours of viewing on Netflix, garnering over 76 million views.

In case you missed it, Netflix renewed the series for a third and final season in January 2025. Filming takes place in the second half of 2025 and we even got some early shots of production in Spain.

Here are some small updates about what we know about the final chapter.

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what will happen in Maharani Season 3?

If the first two seasons were about romance and the struggle for control at court, the final season appears to be about the empire and the disintegration of the couple.

According to the official synopsis released today by Netflix, the story takes place after the Sardinian War. Emperor Franz returns from the front lines a broken man, described as “traumatized” and “burdened with the guilt of losing thousands of youth.”

As Elizabeth attempts to save both her marriage and the kingdom, she faces formidable resistance at court. Complicating matters is his declining health – a historical detail well known to Sisi scholars. These pressures eventually force her to leave Vienna, leading to the restless journeys for which she would become famous in later life.

Netflix made a dramatic conclusion, saying, “In the six-part finale of this thrilling series, Elisabeth will meet a fateful acquaintance that will change her life and the future of Europe forever.”

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Cast and Crew: Who’s Behind Season 3?

Katharina Eisen Returning as showrunner and head writer, ensuring that the creative vision remains consistent through the finale. She is engaged to the author Elena von Sauken.

devarim lingnau And Philippe Froissant Will reprise their roles as the royal couple. The confirmed cast also includes Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Josephine Thiessen, Runa Greiner, Dejan Bussin, Marlene Burrows, Christophe Favre and Alexander Finkenwirth.

Behind the camera, the final season will be directed by florian kosen And Julia Langhoff.

full production credit

• production company: Sommerhaus Serion GmbH
• Service Production: mia movie
• Executive Producer: Jochen Laube, Fabian Maubach, Robert Eysen, Katharina Eysen, Scarlett Lacey
• Co-Executive Producer: Lars Gamehling
• Cinematography: Katharina Buhler, Rick Zang
• Dress Design: gabriella reumer
• Set Design: Theresia Anna Ficus
• Hair & Makeup: janes bartram

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Are you sad to see? Maharani Ending with season 3? Let us know in the comments.