
The Serpent Queen gives a thrilling, fictionalized view of Catherine de’ Medici, the powerful “Serpent Queen of France” from the 16th century. Created by Justin Haythe and based on Leonie Frieda’s 2004 book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France, the series brings a darkly humorous take to her life, much like The Favourite and The Great. The first season offered a sharp look at her story, and The Serpent Queen season 2 promises even more drama and excitement as it dives deeper into Catherine’s world.
Let’s dive into the reviews of The Serpent Queen with this detailed guide, where we explore what critics and audiences have to say about the series! If you want to know more about the show The Serpent Queen click here.
Catherine de Medici’s Dramatic Rise in The Serpent Queen

As per the The Guardian, The series starts with a dramatic story about Catherine needing a new maid for her son’s coronation, leading us into her dramatic rise and the dangerous world of court politics. Morton’s portrayal of Catherine is intense and captivating, showing her as both a shrewd leader and a lonely figure.
The show mixes modern elements with its historical setting, featuring a contemporary soundtrack and witty dialogue. While this gives the series a fresh and fun twist, it sometimes takes away from the emotional depth of Catherine’s story. Despite this, the show does a great job of showing the intricate politics and relationships in Catherine’s world. A memorable scene shows young Catherine learning about her arranged marriage in a darkly humorous way, highlighting the show’s unique style. Ludivine Sagnier also shines as Diane de Poitiers, adding strong performances to the mix.
Catherine de Medici’s Story with a Modern Edge

According to the review from Variety, The Serpent Queen blends drama and modern flair, with Samantha Morton as Catherine de Medici. Early episodes focus more on a younger Catherine, portrayed by Liv Hill, as she recounts her rise from Italy to the French court. Liv Hill shines as young Catherine, capturing her struggles and ambitions, while Morton takes center stage as the series progresses.
The supporting cast, including Ludivine Sagnier and Colm Meaney, adds depth to the story. Combining traditional historical drama with modern elements like contemporary music and breaking the fourth wall, the series offers a fresh take on the genre. Overall, The Serpent Queen is an engaging watch, highlighted by strong performances and an intriguing portrayal of Catherine de Medici.
Critics Review for The Serpent Queen on Rotten Tomatoes

According to the Critics on Rotten Tomatoes:
Catherine de Medici, a often misunderstood figure of the 16th century, is brought to life in The Serpent Queen. This captivating series stars Samantha Morton as Catherine, depicting her rise from a member of the French aristocracy to become the Queen.
Bottom Line
The Serpent Queen reviews show it has a bold and fresh take on Catherine de Medici’s life. The show combines dark humor, sharp storytelling, and strong performances from Samantha Morton and Liv Hill. While some modern twists might feel unusual, the series keeps viewers interested with its unique look at a famous historical figure. We hope these reviews will assist you in determining whether it’s worth watching. Also, check We Hunt Together Reviews here before watching the show.