The Serpent Queen (2022)

Based on the 2004 novel Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda, the 2022 Starz series The Serpent Queen stars Samantha Morton in the title role. In 1533 at age fourteen, Catherine was brought to France by her uncle, Pope Clement VII (Charles Dance) where she was married to Henri (Alex Heath), the second son of King Francis I and Queen Claude of France. However, Henri treats her terribly and keeps her away from royal matters, preferring his mistress Diane de Poitiers (Ludivine Sagnier). However, when Henri dies in 1559, followed by their first born son Francis II the following year, Catherine is made regent on behalf of her 10-year-old son King Charles IX, and uses this power to enact sweeping change in the country. The show's debut episode was sadly devoid of any nudity, though we come close when we see Ludivine Sagnier topless but strategically covered by her collapsed lover! Hopefully we'll get some content soon that's worthy of whipping out our Serpents!