'The Serpent Queen' Is Canceled, Queen Elizabeth Spin-Off Is in Development
Lionsgate Television
TV

Starring Samantha Morton as Catherine de Medici, 'The Serpent Queen' has come to an end at Starz after two seasons, but the network is planning a spinoff focusing on Queen Elizabeth The First.

AceShowbiz - Starz has decided not to renew "The Serpent Queen" for a third season. The show, based on the book "Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France" by Leonie Frieda, starred Samantha Morton as Catherine de Medici, the 16th century Queen of France. In the second season, Catherine's hold on power was challenged as she navigated political struggles and betrayals.

Despite critical acclaim, the second season of "The Serpent Queen" experienced a decline in viewership, which may have contributed to the cancellation decision. However, Starz has confirmed that the cast's options have been picked up, ensuring that the actors will be compensated for the unproduced third season episodes.

On the positive side, Starz is developing a spin-off series centered on Queen Elizabeth The First. The show's writer/executive producer Justin Haythe and executive producer Erwin Stoff are behind the new project. Minnie Driver, who guest-starred as Elizabeth in the second season of The Serpent Queen, is expected to reprise her role.

The Serpent Queen fit into Starz's programming strategy of focusing on female agency and complex characters targeting adult female audiences. The show's cancellation aligns with the network's decision to shift from the term "premium female" to "female forward" to describe its programming.

Executive producers for "The Serpent Queen" included Francis Lawrence ("The Hunger Games") and Erwin Stoff ("The Matrix"). The show was produced in-house by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.

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