Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid and she’s unable to concieve. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 08, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Queen Catherine begins to tell the story of her life to Rahima, a servant girl, revealing how she came to enter the French Royal Court at the age of 14.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 408 votes.
Young Catherine begins to learn how to outwit the royal household in order to secure her future.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 328 votes.
Catherine has a dream that predicts that her husband will be wounded while jousting. Catherine and Henri decide that their son Francis should delay his wedding to Mary.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 259 votes.
King Henri departs to lead an army to defend France and places Catherine in charge as Regent, allowing her to test her powers further. Catherine asks Rahima to search Mary's room for a letter.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 264 votes.
Mary visits Rahima and recounts her side of the story of life at the Royal Court. Catherine and Mary have conflicting views when it comes to freedom of religion in France.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 249 votes.
Catherine has become a mother. King Francis suffers a fall from his horse while hunting with Henri and Catherine.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 290 votes.
Prince Henri returns from war with a new mistress, Filippa, and a baby. Catherine resorts to extreme measures to produce an heir.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 311 votes.
The planned kidnapping of King Francis goes awry but Catherine devises a new plan to allow her control of the country.
The episode was rated 8.04 from 241 votes.
