The Serpent Queen - Saison 1 Apr 2026

is a darkly satirical historical drama on Starz that reimagines the life of Catherine de' Medici , one of the most powerful and controversial women in French history. Based on Leonie Frieda’s 2004 biography, the series strips away the "wicked queen" caricature to present a gritty, survivalist account of her rise from a penniless orphan to the architect of a dynasty. Plot Overview Season 1 follows two parallel timelines:

: A young, teenage Catherine ( Liv Hill ) is sent to the 16th-century French court to marry Prince Henri. She quickly discovers that her husband is in love with an older mistress, Diane de Poitiers , her dowry is unpaid, and she is unable to conceive—placing her life in immediate danger. The Serpent Queen - Saison 1

: Years later, an older, steely Catherine ( Samantha Morton ) narrates her life story to her new servant, Rahima . She uses her past traumas to teach Rahima how to navigate the "bloodsport" of the monarchy through manipulation, patience, and lethal strategy. Main Cast The Serpent Queen: Season 1 is a darkly satirical historical drama on Starz