PBS confirms US premiere date for new ‘Marie Antoinette’ series
It’s been announced when American viewers can see Marie Antoinette!
Created by the Oscar-winning co-writer of The Favourite, the new eight-part historical drama comes from the makers of Versailles.
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.
Watch the trailer here:
The show premiered on Canal+ in France last year and debuted in the UK on BBC Two over the Christmas period.
In its 4-star review, The Guardian wrote: “If you loved The Favourite, you’ll adore this fun period drama … Strange, funny, grotesque in places, this drama from the writer of the Olivia Colman movie portrays the French queen as a naive and playful teenager – and it’s hugely entertaining.”
All eight episodes are currently streaming on BBC iPlayer for British fans.
When does the series start in the US?
PBS has confirmed a release date this spring.
Marie Antoinette will air in the US on Sunday nights from 19th March at 10pm ET, with the finale airing on Sunday 7th May.
The official synopsis reads: “Marie Antoinette (Emilia Schüle) is just a teenager when she leaves Austria to marry the Dauphin of France (Louis Cunningham).
“When she arrives at Versailles, she must obey the numerous and complex rules of the French court.
“The princess quickly suffers from not being able to live her life the way she wants, while her mother, the Empress of Austria, (Marthe Keller) keeps pushing her to continue the Bourbon line and thus secure the alliance between the two countries.
“However, faced with Louis’ avoidant and solitary character, the mission turns out to be more complicated than expected.”
Accompanying the announcement, Maria Bruno Ruiz, Vice President Program Scheduling at PBS, commented: “PBS continues to bring dramas that appeal to the entire family, from mysteries like Miss Scarlet and the Duke on Masterpiece and Vienna Blood to coming-of-age stories like Sanditon on Masterpiece and La Otra Mirada.
“This season’s lineup of period dramas is our most extensive to date, with hours of captivating storytelling from January to May.
“Not only do we have returning seasons of our most anticipated dramas, but we also have two new premieres that audiences are sure to fall in love with: Tom Jones on Masterpiece and Marie Antoinette. Both bring incredible new talent to PBS. I can’t wait for audiences to watch!”
PBS has also just revealed the release dates for the new season of Call the Midwife and the final season of Sanditon.
Versailles is available on DVD on Amazon.