The Serpent Queen is a critically acclaimed historical drama series on Starz that follows the rise of Catherine de’ Medici from an orphaned Italian teenager to the powerful Queen of France, though it was officially cancelled in October 2024 after two seasons. Based on Leonie Frieda’s 2004 biography Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France, the show is famous for its “punk-rock” approach to history, featuring breaking of the fourth wall, a contemporary soundtrack, and a sardonic performance by Samantha Morton. As of March 2026, the series remains a high-performing title on the Starz app and Hulu (US), while production has shifted to a highly anticipated spinoff series centered on Queen Elizabeth I, with Minnie Driver expected to reprise her role as the English monarch.
The Rise of Catherine de’ Medici
The series portrays Catherine not as a villain, but as a survivor navigating a court that wants her dead.
The Orphan of Florence
Born into the wealthy but besieged Medici family, Catherine was orphaned within weeks of her birth and spent her childhood as a political pawn in various Italian convents. The series accurately depicts her 1533 marriage to Henry, Duke of Orléans, arranged by her uncle Pope Clement VII to secure a strategic alliance between the Papacy and France. Despite being considered “plain” and lacking a dowry after the Pope’s death, Catherine utilized her intelligence and the dark arts to secure her position in a foreign land.
The Power of the Dowager
By the second season, Catherine has transitioned from a vulnerable bride to the Queen Mother and Regent of France, ruling through her young sons following the death of King Henry II. This era of her life is defined by the struggle to maintain peace between the Catholic Guise family and the Protestant Bourbons. Samantha Morton’s portrayal emphasizes the cold pragmatism required to keep the Valois dynasty on the throne amidst the encroaching French Wars of Religion.
Season 2 and the Series Cancellation
Despite a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, the series’ journey at Starz came to an end following the Season 2 finale in August 2024.
The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
Season 2 focused heavily on the escalating religious tensions in France, culminating in the infamous St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. The finale saw Catherine making the ultimate, bloody choice to protect her family’s interests, a move that solidified her historical reputation as the “Serpent Queen.” The season also introduced Minnie Driver as Queen Elizabeth I, setting up a cross-channel rivalry that became the highlight of the show’s final episodes.
Why the Show Was Cancelled
In October 2024, Starz announced it would not renew the show for a third season, citing shifting programming strategies and a drop in viewership between the first and second seasons. Fans were left disappointed as several plotlines—including the fate of Catherine’s maid Rahima and the future of the Bourbon brothers—remained unresolved. However, the network immediately entered development on a spinoff focused on Elizabeth I, effectively shifting the “Serpent Queen” universe to the Tudor court.
Historical Accuracy vs. Creative Fiction
The Serpent Queen is known for blending meticulous historical detail with intentional, modern embellishments.
The Myth of the Poisoner
Historically, Catherine was rumored to have poisoned her rivals with gloves, letters, and even lipsticks, a “Black Legend” largely created by her political enemies. The show leans into this myth, featuring characters like the perfumer Angelica who acts as her personal poisoner. While the real Catherine was an expert in herbs and alchemy, modern historians find little evidence that she committed the specific murders frequently attributed to her, such as the death of Jeanne d’Albret.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
One of the series’ most distinctive features is Catherine’s habit of speaking directly to the audience, a technique used to bridge the 500-year gap between the 16th century and today. Showrunner Justin Haythe utilized this to showcase Catherine’s “modern” survival instincts, making her a relatable figure to contemporary viewers. This stylistic choice differentiates the show from more traditional, “stuffy” period dramas like The Crown.
Filming Locations and Production
The show’s visual splendor is rooted in the actual historical sites where the Medici family once lived and ruled.
The Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Much of the series was filmed on location in France, providing an authenticity that studio sets cannot replicate. Key 2026 tourist destinations featured in the show include:
Château de Chambord: Used for its iconic double-helix staircase and grand proportions.
Château de Chenonceau: Known as the “Ladies’ Château,” which the real Catherine de’ Medici famously took from her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers.
Château de Villandry: Famed for its intricate Renaissance gardens, which serve as the backdrop for many of the court’s secret conversations.
Costume and Set Design
The production design in 2026 is still cited for its “anachronistic elegance,” blending traditional 16th-century silhouettes with modern fabrics and textures. Catherine’s wardrobe evolves from the colorful, Italian-inspired dresses of her youth to the severe, black mourning attire of her widowhood. This visual shift represents her transition from a girl trying to please the court to a woman who has become the court.
Practical Information and Viewing Guide
For viewers looking to watch or re-watch the series in 2026, here is the essential guide.
Where to Watch in 2026
USA: Available on the Starz app, Starz cable channel, and through the Starz add-on on Hulu and Prime Video.
UK: Streamed via MGM+ (formerly Lionsgate+) and available for purchase on Apple TV.
Australia: Available on Stan.
The Elizabeth I Spinoff Update
As of early 2026, the spinoff series is in active development at Starz. Minnie Driver is expected to star, with Justin Haythe and Erwin Stoff returning as executive producers. The show will reportedly follow Elizabeth I’s early reign and her own “survivalist” tactics, maintaining the sardonic tone established in The Serpent Queen.
FAQs
Is The Serpent Queen returning for Season 3?
No, Starz officially cancelled the series in October 2024. The story will instead continue through a spinoff series focused on Queen Elizabeth I.
Who plays Catherine de’ Medici?
The adult Catherine is played by Samantha Morton, while the younger version of the character in Season 1 is portrayed by Liv Hill.
How many episodes of The Serpent Queen are there?
There are a total of 16 episodes across two seasons (8 episodes per season).
Is the show based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the life of Catherine de’ Medici, though it takes significant creative liberties and incorporates many historical myths for dramatic effect.
What happened to Rahima at the end of Season 2?
The Season 2 finale left Rahima’s fate somewhat ambiguous, though she had successfully navigated the court’s dangers and secured a powerful position alongside Catherine.
Who is the “Serpent Queen”?
The title refers to Catherine de’ Medici, a nickname given to her by detractors due to her perceived cunning, use of poison, and Italian heritage.
What is the song in the opening credits?
The show features a modern soundtrack, with the iconic theme song being “Hands” by Barns Courtney.
Did Catherine de’ Medici really use magic?
The real Catherine was highly interested in astrology and the occult, famously consulting the seer Nostradamus and the magician Cosimo Ruggeri.
Was Diane de Poitiers a real person?
Yes, Diane de Poitiers was the lifelong mistress of Catherine’s husband, King Henry II, and wielded immense power at the French court.
Where can I buy the book the show is based on?
Leonie Frieda’s Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France is widely available in bookstores and on Amazon in 2026.
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