Who was Franz originally supposed to marry? Exploring what happened before The Empress Season 2

The Empress Season 2 will be available to stream on Netflix from November 22, 2024, after a wait of about two years. The period drama was an instant hit, chronicling the chance love story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

While fans loved the chemistry and love between Elisabeth and Franz Joseph, the Emperor of Austria, Elisabeth, fondly called Sisi, was not meant to marry the Emperor. Franz was initially supposed to marry Elisabeth's older sister, Duchess Helene.

While Sisi and Franz's mothers were siblings, they believed it was in the best interest of their states to marry their children to one another.

There are many period dramas on Netflix, some based on reality, like The Crown, and some fiction, like Bridgerton. The Empress created a special place because it explored a realm of history that had never been touched before.

The Empress Season 2 will continue this chapter in German history after the cliffhanger of season 1. Although the show was intended to be a miniseries, it was renewed for season 2 in November 2022.

Exploring Sisi's love story with Franz before The Empress Season 2

Ludovika, Duchess of Bavaria, and Sophie, Archduchess of Austria, are sisters who mutually agree to marry their children to ensure the stability of the Habsburg dynasty.

The season opens with political unrest in the Austrian Empire, to which the Archduchess wishes her son Franz to take a wife and strengthen their empire. Initially, Franz is supposed to marry Elisabeth's older sister Helene. Helene is disciplined and demure, unlike her sister, which makes her a perfect choice as future Empress.

But while the Bavarian family is out on a weekend with Franz's family, where the couple is also supposed to meet for the first time, Franz immediately fancies the bold and confident Elisabeth.

They both steal glances throughout the lavish family dinners, and their attraction quickly accelerates to love. Franz announces his wedding to Sisi, leaving Helene heartbroken.

What to expect from The Empress Season 2? How did the first season end?

The couple's honeymoon period was short-lived and Elisabeth was quickly expected to fill her role as the Empress. Conforming to her maiden role, she is confident and assertive in her decisions. She stands for the poorly treated workers, and her reputation is destroyed by partying with Franz's brother Maximilian.

Season 1 ends with her discovering that she is pregnant. While she is happy with the news and wants to share it with Franz, the Archduchess asks her to leave Vienna for her home and annul her marriage.

While Elisabeth wants to tell Franz about her pregnancy, she discovers that he agrees with her mother and wants her to leave. She decides to leave for Bavaria and not tell Franz about their baby.

The Empress Season 1 finale ends with Elisabeth trying to leave the palace when a massive crowd of protestors against the Emperor block the gates. While the guards try to close the gates, she addresses the crowd.

The Empress Season 2 will likely seal the fate of Franz and Elisabeth's marriage and that of their child. Will they part ways with Elisabeth leaving the palace or will they reconcile?

Apart from this, the new season will also bring new obstacles to the Austrian Empire, with protestors leading up to the palace.

Tune in to Netflix to stream The Empress Season 2 on November 22, 2024.