“The Serpent Queen” isn’t going off our screens anytime soon: The Starz period drama about the ruthless Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton) grabbed an early Season 2 renewal for eight episodes before the Season 1 finale which will air on October. 30.
The critically acclaimed series currently holds a rating of 100% critics rotten Tomatoes, in addition to the 87% audience score. Starring two-time Oscar nominee Morton, “The Serpent Queen” is billed as a historical drama with an edge, offering a modern tale of de Medici who, against all odds, is the most powerful force in French history. and became one of the longest reigning rulers. The story begins with a 14-year-old, orphaned Catherine, who marries at a 16th-century French court and finds her loyalty and trust, overtaking anyone who undermines her determination to survive at any cost. Must learn the ropes quickly.
Katherine Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz, said in a statement, “‘The Serpent Queen’ is distinctly modern, dark comedic, and completely unexpected. “Catherine de Medici’s story is the perfect complement to our female-forward slate, and Samantha Morton’s stunning portrayal of this ruthless, charming and understated queen anchors the entire production. We look forward to unveiling more of her incredible life and… Thrilled to have Reigns in season two, which promises to be even more evocative and sublime.”
Based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, the play is by writer and executive producer Justin Heth (“Red Sparrow”). Executive producers are Francis Lawrence (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”) and Irwin Stoff (“The Matrix”). Katherine Tyce-Adair, Original Programming SVP, is executive overseeing “The Serpent Queen” for Starz along with Lionsgate Television’s Courtney Mock. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and 3Arts Entertainment for Starz.
Amrita Acharya, Enzo Silenti, Barry Atsama, Nicholas Burns and Danny Kieran are regulars, while Charles Dance, Ludivin Sagnier, Liv Hill, Kiruna Stammel and Colm Meaney are the recitals.
In a previous interview with TheWrap, Heth outlined the compelling and inherently progressive nature of Medici: “Katherine was a unique character because she was not born royal, was not considered attractive, was not considered wealthy. And he was thrown into this royal court, and against all odds played the game better than anyone else. And the word is ‘game’. And I think it made it contemporary, it modernized it, as well It was trying to respect what really mattered to the people of the day because otherwise, it’s hard to understand.”
The last episode of “The Serpent Queen” Season 1 arrives at midnight across all regions on the Starz app, all Starz streaming and on-demand platforms, and internationally on premium streaming platform Lionsgate+. It will debut on the liner in the US and Canada at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
