HBO‘s “Game Of Thrones” and Netflix‘s “Medici” had its fair share of royal court drama. But George R.R. Martin and Cosimi de Medici have nothing on France’s nefarious Queen Catherine. A Medici herself, stories of Catherine’s ruthless politics live on from the 16th century to today: so much so, that Starz has a new show all about her.
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In “The Serpent Queen,” Samanta Morton stars as Catherine who, against all odds, becomes one of the most powerful and longest-serving rules in French history. And how does she gain and hold onto her power? Through courtier intrigue and outmaneuvering her political opponents. Based on Leonie Frieda‘s book, “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen Of France,” Starz’s new show dramatizes how conniving Catherine was to survive the French royal court.
Here’s the show’s official synopsis:
A historical drama with an edge, “The Serpent Queen” puts a contemporary spin on conventional storytelling to tell the tale of Catherine de Medici’s rise to power. In the series premiere, “Medici Bitch,” Catherine’s tale unfolds through flashbacks as she defends her actions and imparts the lessons she’s learned to her new servant confident, Rahima. At 14, the young, orphaned Catherine marries into the 16th-century French court. Despite her commoner status, her uncle Pope Clement, has negotiated a large dowry and a geopolitical alliance in return for the union, and with it comes the expectation of many heirs. However, on her wedding night, Catherine learns that her new husband is in love with Diane de Poitiers, a beautiful lady-in-waiting twice his age.
With her future suddenly uncertain and with little hope of conceiving, Catherine must quickly learn who she can trust – both within her personal entourage of courtiers and the members of the royal court – while outmaneuvering anyone who underestimates her determination to survive at any cost.
Alongside Morton, “The Serpent Queen” also stars Sennia Nanua, Liv Hill, Charles Dance, and Ludivine Sagnier. Colm Meaney, Kiruna Stamell, Barry Heath, Enzo Cilenti, and Antonia Clarke also star. Adam Garcia, Beth Goddard, Raza Jaffrey, and Rupert Everett round out the main cast.
So, will Catherine de Medici’s exploits translate well onto TV? Find out when “The Serpent Queen” premieres only on Starz on September 11. Watch the trailer below.