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The Serpent Queen

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Overview

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.

Media

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The Serpent Queen | Official Trailer | STARZ

Cast

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Samantha Morton

Amrita Acharia

Barry Atsma

Enzo Cilenti

Creator:

Justin Haythe

Fist Air Date:

2022-09-11

Episode Runtime:

49m

Production Companies:

Lionsgate Television, 3 Arts Entertainment

Genres:

Drama

Keywords:

16th century catherine de' medici court intrigue french history marguerite de valois medici period drama political intrigue

More Show Details

Vote Average: 7.4/10

Vote Count: 141 Votes

Show Popularity: 10.0795

Show Status: Canceled

Show Type: Scripted

Spoken Languages: English

Review

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Insomniacs Reviews
- 24 April 2026 at 3:37 pm

8 Based on 1 Votes

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⭐ Insomniacs Rating: 8/10 THE SUMMARY A sharp, mischievous historical drama that turns royal politics into something far more entertaining than it has any right to be. The Serpent Queen follows Catherine de’ Medici as she claws her way from an unwanted teenage bride to one of the most powerful and feared women in France. Told with a knowing wink, it mixes ruthless ambition with dark humour and a modern edge. THE PROS Samantha Morton is phenomenal, breaking the fourth wall with a calm, almost playful menace that pulls you right in. The writing is witty and self-aware without feeling gimmicky, making centuries old politics feel weirdly fresh. It moves quickly too, skipping the usual slow historical drama pacing and getting straight to the power plays, betrayals, and scheming. THE CONS The tone will not work for everyone. That modern style and fourth wall breaking can feel a bit jarring if you are expecting something more traditional. Some side characters do not get enough depth, and a few plot points move so quickly they lose a bit of impact. THE VERDICT An 8/10. Bold, clever, and full of personality. It takes a familiar genre and gives it a sharp twist, even if it occasionally sacrifices depth for pace. If you like your history with attitude, this is a very easy watch. INSOMNIAC TRIVIA * The series is based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, which explores her rise to power in detail. * Samantha Morton chose to play Catherine with a mix of humour and menace, making her feel less like a distant historical figure and more like someone you would not want to cross. * The show was filmed in France, using real castles and historic locations to keep the setting authentic despite its modern tone. * The fourth wall breaking style was inspired by modern storytelling trends, giving the show a unique voice compared to other period dramas. * Catherine de’ Medici ruled as Queen of France and later as regent, becoming one of the most influential figures of the French Renaissance. * The costumes were designed to reflect the wealth and excess of the French court while still allowing the actors to move naturally in scenes. THE VIBE Like being invited into a royal court where everyone is smiling at you while quietly planning your downfall.

TV Show Poster

Season 1

8 Episodes

Air Date: 2022-09-11

Catherine de' Medici marries into the French court as an orphaned teenager and is expected to bring in a fortune in dowry and produce heirs only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman and that she cannot conceive children.

TV Show Poster

Season 2

8 Episodes

Air Date: 2024-07-12

In the second season of "The Serpent Queen," Catherine's rule faces power struggles, conflicts, and betrayals as she seeks unity in France. Her grip on power is tested.

Videos

The Serpent Queen | Official Trailer | STARZ

MPC - The Serpent Queen VFX Breakdown

Cast

Samantha Morton

Amrita Acharia

Barry Atsma

Enzo Cilenti

Nicholas Burns

Danny Kirrane

Bill Milner

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The Serpent Queen

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The Serpent Queen

Comment (1)

Insomniacs Reviews
- 24 April 2026 at 4:37 PM

⭐ Insomniacs Rating: 8/10

THE SUMMARY

A sharp, mischievous historical drama that turns royal politics into something far more entertaining than it has any right to be. The Serpent Queen follows Catherine de’ Medici as she claws her way from an unwanted teenage bride to one of the most powerful and feared women in France. Told with a knowing wink, it mixes ruthless ambition with dark humour and a modern edge.

THE PROS

Samantha Morton is phenomenal, breaking the fourth wall with a calm, almost playful menace that pulls you right in. The writing is witty and self-aware without feeling gimmicky, making centuries old politics feel weirdly fresh. It moves quickly too, skipping the usual slow historical drama pacing and getting straight to the power plays, betrayals, and scheming.

THE CONS

The tone will not work for everyone. That modern style and fourth wall breaking can feel a bit jarring if you are expecting something more traditional. Some side characters do not get enough depth, and a few plot points move so quickly they lose a bit of impact.

THE VERDICT

An 8/10. Bold, clever, and full of personality. It takes a familiar genre and gives it a sharp twist, even if it occasionally sacrifices depth for pace. If you like your history with attitude, this is a very easy watch.

INSOMNIAC TRIVIA

* The series is based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, which explores her rise to power in detail.

* Samantha Morton chose to play Catherine with a mix of humour and menace, making her feel less like a distant historical figure and more like someone you would not want to cross.

* The show was filmed in France, using real castles and historic locations to keep the setting authentic despite its modern tone.

* The fourth wall breaking style was inspired by modern storytelling trends, giving the show a unique voice compared to other period dramas.

* Catherine de’ Medici ruled as Queen of France and later as regent, becoming one of the most influential figures of the French Renaissance.

* The costumes were designed to reflect the wealth and excess of the French court while still allowing the actors to move naturally in scenes.

THE VIBE

Like being invited into a royal court where everyone is smiling at you while quietly planning your downfall.

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