Starz makes a disappointing decision about The Serpent Queen

Another period drama has come to an end. The Serpent Queen has been canceled after two seasons, but there could be something positive to come from it.

The Serpent Queen season 2 on Starz, episode 7
The Serpent Queen season 2 on Starz, episode 7

It’s bad news for The Serpent Queen fans. Starz has opted to cancel the series after two seasons.

The decision comes just over a month after the second season finale aired. It is certainly disappointing news, and it wasn’t an easy decision for Starz, according to TVLine.

Why is The Serpent Queen canceled?

Starz didn’t give a full explanation for the cancellation. It likely comes down to finances. Historical fiction shows are expensive to create, and it means a lot of eyes need to be on them. Starz doesn’t get the same traction as the likes of HBO or Netflix to bring these bigger budget shows.

That doesn’t stop Starz from trying, though. It knows that period dramas are what the fans tune in for. And the network was happy with the way the second season finale went for fans.

A Serpent Queen spin-off series may be in the works

There may be a light at the end of the tunnel, though. The Serpent Queen may get a spin-off, centered around Queen Elizabeth I played by Minnie Driver. There is no doubt that fans immediately connected to Elizabeth and wanted to see more of her—I feel like that’s the case with all shows set in this time period. Just look at Reign!

Elizabeth is the more well-known monarch of the time. She is the woman who made it clear that women could rule. She was also the one to bring an end to her family dynasty.

Not only is Driver expected to reprise her role, but the spin-off is also set to Justin Haythe and Erwin Stoff return as executive producers. There is no word on when this would arrive on Starz, but we’re probably looking at 2026 considering how long it takes for period dramas to get through filming and post-production.

The Serpent Queen is available to stream on Starz.

Stay up to date with the latest historical fiction news with Claire and Jamie.