‘Marie Antoinette’ future confirmed: Will there be a Season 2?
The BBC has revealed if Marie Antoinette will be back for another season!
From the makers of Versailles, the historical drama launched in the UK last December, following its debut on Canal+ in France, then aired in the US this spring on PBS.
Marie Antoinette follows the tumultuous early years of the Austrian princess as she rises to become queen of a repressive French royal court while struggling to reshape attitudes.
Created and written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Deborah Davis, who co-wrote The Favourite, the series was well received by audiences and critics alike.
We’re very pleased to report that it’s been officially confirmed by the BBC today that Marie Antoinette has been renewed for a second season.
“Following the great success of series one, we are delighted to return to Versailles for the next entertaining chapter in the eventful life of the charismatic and captivating Marie Antoinette,” commented the BBC’s Head of Programme Acquisitions, Sue Deeks.
Filming is already underway on eight brand new one-hour episodes.
Season 2’s writing team will be led by Louise Ironside (Grantchester, Call the Midwife), alongside Charlotte Wolf (Medici, The Last Kingdom), Francesca Forristal (Blood, Sex & Royalty), and Andrew Bampfield (Versailles, Das Boot).
An official synopsis for the second season provides some hints about what to expect when Marie Antoinette returns:
“At the height of their power, while Marie Antoinette and Louis face an unprecedented financial crisis, the incessant attacks of Provence and Chartres against the royal couple stir up the hatred of the nobles while disastrous consequences are looming with infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace incident. From Versailles to the Palais-Royal, the revolt rumbles…”
German actress Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63) will reprise her role as the avant-garde young queen, with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) returning too as the king of France, Louis XVI.
The first season also starred Jack Archer (The Bay) as Provence, Jasmine Blackborow (Shadow and Bone) as Lamballe, Crystal Shepherd-Cross (Versailles) as Adelaide, Caroline Piette as Victoire, Nathan Willcocks (Versailles) as Mercy, and Roxane Duran (Riviera) as Josephine.
Season 2 is expected to premiere on BBC Two and streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK in 2024, shortly after it airs on Canal+ in France.
There’s no news yet on whether PBS Masterpiece will be the US broadcaster for Marie Antoinette again, but we’d think this is likely.
The first season of Marie Antoinette is available to watch on the PBS Masterpiece channel with this free 7-day trial.