Netflix sets release window for final season of its Bridgerton-like royal drama

With Bridgerton season 4 part 1 now out and dominating conversations, fans can’t stop talking about the romance, drama, and scandal of this latest season. But there’s another Netflix royal series that has viewers just as excited, and now fans finally have something to celebrate. The Empress, Netflix’s lavish, Bridgerton-like historical drama, is heading into its final season, and the streamer has officially revealed a release window!

This might not be exactly what the fans wanted, as an official release date would've been much better. However, it's something. It's been pretty much radio silence for a while now. The last major update we had on The Empress season 3 was in September 2025, when news broke that production had started in Prague. That's it. There's still no word on when the cameras will actually stop rolling.

Perhaps the cast and crew will shoot the third and final season for five months, like they did the first season. If so, that could put the wrap date sometime in February. But again, nothing has been confirmed. What we do know and are now happy to share is that The Empress season 3 will be released on Netflix later this year!

The Empress season 3 is coming to Netflix in late 2026

We're not joking! Netflix revealed this good news in its 2026 German content showcase, giving fans the first real glimpse of when the story of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph will come to a dramatic close. According to the streaming giant, The Empress season 3 will be released on the platform at the "end of 2026." While an exact premiere date is still under wraps, we can make predictions on when it might possibly drop.

The first season came out in September 2022, while the second installment dropped in November 2024. Perhaps the third season will be released in one of those months. They are at the end of the year. We just hope the streaming giant doesn't hold the season until December. Now, that would be a huge bummer! Once Netflix announces the official release date, you'll be the first to know.

Created by Katharina Eyssen, The Empress follows young, spirited Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, who goes from being a carefree Bavarian duchess to the Empress of Austria after unexpectedly catching the eye of Emperor Franz Joseph. The series chronicles her journey as she navigates the strict rules of the Viennese court while striving to assert her independence and identity within a rigid imperial system.

Devrim Lingnau stars in the leading role of Elisabeth. Alongside her, Philip Froissant portrays Emperor Franz Joseph. They both return for the third season. In addition, the season 3 cast is made up of Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Josephine Thiesen, Runa Greiner, Dejan Bućin, Marlene Burow, Christophe Favre, Alexander Finkenwirth, and many others.

Netflix unveiled the official synopsis for The Empress season 3, and we shared it right below!

"Following the devastating Sardinian War, Emperor Franz returns a traumatized man, burdened by the guilt of losing thousands of young men on the battlefield. 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. 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."

Besides the official release date, we're still waiting on the trailer as well. Like with the release date, we'll definitely make sure to return with the trailer as soon as Netflix drops it. That said, be sure to stay tuned to Netflix Life!