An acclaimed historical drama with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Serpent Queen is quietly becoming one of Starz's must-watch shows. Centering around the historical figure of Catherin de' Medici, The Serpent Queen does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of its protagonist's life, showcasing her ruthless ambition and cunning tactics. Reviews have praised Catherine's complexity and the show's ability to present her as a compelling and multifaceted character – explaining the series' universally positive reception and growing reputation.

After a successful debut in 2022, The Serpent Queen was quietly released in July 2024. However, while it slipped under some audience's radars, the show undoubtedly deserves broader recognition. It will certainly appeal to viewers who enjoy historical dramas – plus, its sardonic comedy and fourth-wall-breaking style make it a throwback to irreverent series like Fleabag. Its convention-defying approach and engaging narrative ensure The Serpent Queen is worthy of consideration.

What The Serpent Queen Is About

The Serpent Queen Follows A Captivating Historical Figure

Catherine de' Medici defied expectations to become one of the most powerful women in French history. The Serpent Queen chronicles her rise to power, from her humble beginnings to her reign as the de facto ruler of . The show begins with her telling her new servant girl, Rahima, her story. Despite being deemed unattractive, Catherine de' Medici skillfully navigates the political landscape to secure her marriage. She is infatuated with Henri and believes her feelings are mutual. However, after their wedding night, Henri's cold demeanor makes it clear that their marriage is far from idyllic, creating tension right from the off.

This was just the beginning of Catherine's tumultuous journey. As she navigates the treacherous world of 16th-century French politics, she faces countless challenges, from the intrigues of the royal court to the religious turmoil that plagued the nation. Through it all, Catherine proves to be a woman of exceptional intelligence, determination, and cunning, using her wits to outmaneuver her rivals and secure her place in history. Catherine de’ Medici is named “the serpent queen” because she was portrayed as a poisoner, likely fuelled by stereotypes of Italian people in general. The show corrects and complicates this image, weaving a rich narrative tapestry in the process.

Why The Serpent Queen Has 100% On Rotten Tomatoes (& Why It's Worth Watching)

The Serpent Queen's Character-Centered Approach Is Key

The Serpent Queen has hitherto been a critical triumph. Reviews of The Serpent Queen refer to Catherine’s complexity and the ambivalent affection this inspires among viewers. Some critics have compared her and the series to characters in The Borgias, with a review in The Mary Sue stating, “You can root for them, but you don’t have to agree with their actions.” Along the same lines, others refer specifically to Catherine’s femininity and the “pleasure of seeing a woman win but without having to put her on a pedestal” (El Universal). Indeed, the message that comes through is not straightforward, girl-boss feminism.

The show does a brilliant job of showing how many of Catherine’s skills are rooted in survivalism.

Catherine, from the beginning, is doing what she must for the survival of herself and her family. The show does a brilliant job of showing how many of Catherine’s skills are rooted in survivalism, while also presenting her as naturally intelligent and outspoken in her own right. It strikes a balance of representing the imbalance of power while showcasing what Catherine does to make the best of her situation and thrive. The viewer is sometimes lulled into a false sense of security and this is turned on its head, reminding the audience of the difficult position she is in. All this makes the show extremely compelling and addictive.

What TV Shows The Serpent Queen Is Similar To

The Show Draws Comparisons To More Than Just Period Pieces

The Serpent Queen is not the only TV series that has explored the Medici family, with the well-known show Medici centering on the family. The family’s true story is ripe with dramatic material – The Serpent Queen would certainly appeal to fans of Medici, but the storytelling is arguably of higher quality, since Medici has only 50% on Rotten Tomatoes. Similarly, The Tudors has only 69%, being more known for its sordidness than accuracy. For these reasons, The Serpent Queen could be the perfect show for audiences who love a historical series but want to watch more of a prestige drama.

Perhaps a more unexpected comparison is the British sensation Fleabag. The Serpent Queen often breaks the fourth wall, with young Catherine glancing at the camera at certain points, such as when she has to kiss her papal uncle’s ring, and when she breaks away to narrate. The humor of the show is also sardonic, like Phoebe Waller-Bridge's celebrated comedy. Audiences whose humor is on the drier side would enjoy it, whereas other recent historical series such as The Decameron are more enjoyable for their silliness. Fans of The Borgias will also enjoy The Serpent Queen for its decadence and political intrigue.

Will The Serpent Queen Season 3 Happen?

Season 3 Is Unconfirmed But There Is More To Explore Yet

A period drama series of this caliber is hard to come by, and a third season would certainly be welcome. A series that is such a The Serpent Queen calls for more of her story to be told. However, the fate of the series hangs in the balance. Starz has not decided about a third season, but Samantha Morton, who plays Catherine, has expressed her desire to continue the series if the storyline remains engaging. Morton went on to say:

“I think when shows go on too long, it’s because, “Oh, the fans love it so much. We want to give them more.” But if the writer doesn’t have anything to write, if history runs out, I mean, these are based on real people.”

via Decider

Queen Elizabeth I. There is still plenty of historical material to dramatize, making further development a hopeful prospect. Season 3 could explore Catherine's plans for Anjou's reign after Charles' death. With Louis and Antoine still alive, the political landscape may become even more complex. Catherine's relationship with Anjou, her power dynamics within the court, and the ongoing religious tensions could be central themes. Additionally, the long-term consequences of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre and the survival of Louis and Antoine could significantly impact 's future in The Serpent Queen.

Source: Decider, The Mary Sue, El Universal, Rotten Tomatoes