The Serpent Queen (2022)
Catherine de Medici transforms from a dismissed outsider into France's most formidable ruler in this razor-sharp STARZ period drama.
The Serpent Queen - Series Information
- Original Title: The Serpent Queen
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Justin Haythe
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 11, 2022 (United States - TV-MA), September 11, 2022 (United Kingdom - 15), September 11, 2022 (Germany - 18), September 11, 2022 (France - 18), September 11, 2022 (Brazil - 16), September 11, 2022 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: STARZ
- Alternative Titles: La reina serpiente (MX), A Rainha Serpente (BR), La reine serpent (CA)
- Production Companies: Lionsgate Television, 3 Arts Entertainment, about:blank
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Serpent Queen - Plot
Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid and she's unable to concieve. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.
The Serpent Queen - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Catherine de Medici's ruthless rise to power unfold.
It feels good to be bad.
Where to Watch The Serpent Queen
Looking for where to watch The Serpent Queen?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Serpent Queen - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Justin Haythe
Main Cast
- Samantha Morton
- Amrita Acharia
- Barry Atsma
- Enzo Cilenti
- Nicholas Burns
- Danny Kirrane
- Liv Hill
- Sennia Nanua
- Kiruna Stamell
- Beth Goddard
Writers
- Justin Haythe
- Elizabeth Chakkappan
Executive Producers
- Erwin Stoff
- Francis Lawrence
- Justin Haythe
The Serpent Queen - FAQs
Is The Serpent Queen based on a true story?
The Serpent Queen is inspired by the real life of Catherine de Medici, the Italian-born queen who married into the French royal court in the 16th century and went on to rule France for decades. While the series takes dramatic liberties, its central character and historical backdrop are firmly rooted in fact.
Who plays Catherine de Medici in The Serpent Queen?
Samantha Morton plays the adult Catherine de Medici, delivering a commanding, darkly witty performance that anchors the entire series. Liv Hill portrays the younger version of Catherine, capturing her vulnerability and cunning as she first navigates the treacherous French court.
Why was The Serpent Queen cancelled after two seasons?
STARZ cancelled The Serpent Queen in 2024 after two seasons, following a broader wave of content cuts across the network. Despite a loyal audience and strong critical notices for Samantha Morton's performance, the show did not survive the shifting priorities of the platform's programming strategy.
Where can you stream The Serpent Queen?
The Serpent Queen is available to stream on Starz and through the Starz Amazon Channel and Starz Roku Premium Channel. It can also be streamed on Philo and Spectrum On Demand. For purchase or rental, it is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
How many seasons and episodes does The Serpent Queen have?
The Serpent Queen ran for two seasons, with eight episodes each, totalling 16 episodes. Season 1 premiered on September 11, 2022, and Season 2 followed in 2024. STARZ cancelled the series after the second season concluded, leaving the story without a planned continuation.
Is The Serpent Queen worth watching?
For fans of sharp, character-driven period drama, absolutely. The series earned strong critical praise for Samantha Morton's electrifying lead performance and its witty, irreverent tone. It blends political intrigue with dark humour in a way that sets it apart from more conventional historical dramas.
What are shows similar to The Serpent Queen?
If you enjoyed The Serpent Queen, Versailles, The Borgias, and The Tudors offer similarly lavish court intrigue set in European history. Wolf Hall is another excellent choice for its sharp political drama. Rome and Magnificent Century are also worth exploring for their epic historical scope.
What is the content rating for The Serpent Queen?
The Serpent Queen is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains adult content including violence, sexual situations, and strong language, reflecting the brutal and morally complex world of 16th-century French court politics.
More About The Serpent Queen
Explore further details about The Serpent Queen on these authoritative resources.