The 8-episode first season will debut on Sunday, September 11 at 8/7c.
A historical drama with an edge, the series puts a contemporary spin on conventional storytelling to tell the tale of Catherine de Medici's (Morton) rise to power. At 14, the young, orphaned Catherine marries into the 16th-century French court. Despite her commoner status, her uncle Pope Clement has negotiated a large dowry and a geopolitical alliance in return for the union, and with it comes the expectation of many heirs. However, on her wedding night, Catherine learns that her new husband is in love with Diane de Poitiers, a beautiful lady-in-waiting twice his age. With her future suddenly uncertain and with little hope of conceiving, Catherine must quickly learn who she can trust - both within her personal entourage of courtiers and the members of the royal court - while outmaneuvering anyone who underestimates her determination to survive at any cost.
In addition to Morton, the drama stars Charles Dance, Ludivine Sagnier, Liv Hill, Sennia Nanua, Colm Meaney, Kiruna Stamell, Barry Atsma, Alex Heath, Amrita Acharia, Enzo Cilenti, Antonia Clarke, Adam Garcia, Beth Goddard, Raza Jaffrey, Ray Panthaki, Nicholas Burns, Danny Kirrane and Rupert Everett.
Justin Haythe developed the drama based on the novel Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda. He executive produces with Francis Lawrence, Erwin Stoff and director Stacie Passon. Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment produce.
