Netflix’s period drama,The Empress,is the perfect show for fans ofBridgertonto watch before its fourth season is released. WhenBridgertonseason 1 premiered, it was an instant success with both audiences and critics. According to Netflix, 82 million households watchedBridgertonseason 1in the first 28 days after it was added to its library.Bridgertonwas also in the top 10 of 83 countries (viaNetflix). This extraordinary popularity proves that there is a serious appetite forBridgerton’s style of period drama – something thatThe Empressemulates.
Briderton’s success paved the way for period dramas with a focus on romance, with theupcoming fourth season ofBridgertonseeing Benedict and Sophie fall in love. The show’s popularity proved that there was an audience that craved the kind of escapism and romance thatBridgertonprovided andThe Empresscontinued. LikeBridgerton, the series’ first season had an impressive viewership number that prompted Netflix to greenlightThe Empressfor a second season, which is set to be released on July 01, 2025. This ongoing story makes it perfect forBridgertonfans looking for more of the same.
Netflix’s The Empress Season 2 Is Great To Watch Before Bridgerton Season 4
The Empress And Bridgerton Both Have Romantic Stories At The Center Of Their Plot
The Empressis a great show for anyone waiting forBridgertonto return for its fourth season. The show sees Elisabeth,a young woman who is swept up in a fairytale-like romance and marries Franz Joseph I, the emperor of Austria. Even though Franz and Elisabeth’s love story is at the center ofThe Empress, the series also delves into other themes including political instability, a love triangle, and internal conflict.
15 Best TV Shows Like Netflix’s The Empress
Fans of The Empress can satisfy their need for more historical dramas with TV shows like Bridgerton and Call the Midwife.
WhileThe EmpressandBridgertonhave different tones and are set in a different time and place, they have a lot in common. Both shows focus on an aristocratic family and the main characters' resolve to marry for love instead of convenience.The Empressalso features passionate scenes thatBridgertonfans can appreciate. The combination of history, romance, and palace drama utilized inThe Empressis something that those who loveBridgerton’s style of storytelling can enjoy.
The Empress Has A Major Difference From Bridgerton’s Period Drama Story
The Empress Is Based On A True Story
Despite having several similarities, there is one significant difference betweenThe EmpressandBridgerton.The Empressis a fictionalized portrayal of a true story.The Empress' primary protagonist,Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, was based on the actual Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who was assassinated in 1898. On the other hand,Bridgertonhas no basis in real life (except forreal figures like Queen Charlotte and King George) but was simply created by Julia Quinn. The fact thatThe Empresshas its basis in reality makes it an even more intriguing series because it has a level of awe and believability thatBridgertonlacks.
The Empress
Cast
Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria’s life changes dramatically when she weds Emperor Franz Joseph and becomes Empress of Austria. Navigating the treacherous waters of the Viennese court, Sisi encounters both grand romance and fierce political maneuvering. As she adapts to her new position, she must assert her individuality and strength to protect her family and her empire.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton, released on June 19, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
