Plot Synopsis

In this eight-episode historical drama series, Marie Antoinette is just a teenager when she leaves Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. When she arrives at Versailles, she must obey the numerous and complex rules of the French court -- while attempting to charm her reluctant king-to-be, Louis XVI. The princess quickly suffers from not being able to live her life the way she wants, while her mother, the Empress of Austria, 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. Transforming into the Queen of Style and a true fashion icon, Marie Antoinette tries to recreate Versailles in her image: free, independent, and feminist. But defamatory pamphlets and persistent rumors about her private life undermine her status, and her opponents within the Royal Family will do everything they can to bring her down. Created and written by Deborah Davis, MARIE ANTOINETTE made is U.S. debut on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 10pm on PBS (check local listings). Episodes include:

"The Slap" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, March 19, 2023): Marie Antoinetee is just a teenager when she's forced to leave Austria to marry the dauphin. She must produce a Bourbon heir to secure the alliance between France and Austria. But she's as unprepared for her job as her awkward teenage husband. How will this free spirit react to Versailles with its ridiculous rules of etiquette?

"Rival Queens" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, March 26, 2023): When Louis refuses to share his bed with her, Marie Antoinette realizes that producing an heir will not be straightforward. She turns to Madame du Barry for support. But the favorite begins to see the dauphine as a rival for the king's affections. There can't be two queens at Versailles, and du Barry isn't about to disappear.

"Pick a Princess" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, April 2, 2023): The royal family goes on holiday at Fontainebleau to escape stifling Versailles. Marie Antointette discovers du Barry's plan to welcome Provence's betrothed. Will the spare to the French throne deliver a son before she and Louis perform their duty? Marie Antoinette's escalating hostilities with du Barry threaten her relationship with the king.

"Queen of France" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, April 9, 2023): Marie Antoinette and Louis are about to make their first official visit to Paris. But when the king becomes seriously ill, the succession suddenly becomes a reality. Du Barry knows that if she doesn't protect herself from the future queen of France, her time at Versailles will be over.

"Rebel Queen" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, April 16, 2023): Louis may now be king, but Marie Antoinette is determined to launch her reign as the queen of France. First steps: organize a glittering Inauguration Ball and convince Louis to choose her pro-Austrian candidate as his new prime minister. But their marriage hits the rocks when Louis isn't prepared to let his Austrian wife dabble in French politics.

"Deus Ex Machina" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, April 23, 2023): Surprisingly, the person who comes to Versailles to save the royal marriage is Marie Antoinette's brother, Joseph, who realizes he will have his work cut out if he's going to unite this estranged couple. Time is running out to save the Franco-Austrian alliance.

"The Ostrich Bitch" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, April 30, 2023): Marie Antoinette is pregnant at last! But her reputation is attacked when pornographic pamphlets challenging the legitimacy of her unborn child appear at Versailles. Louis locks down the chateau and demands a full-blown investigation to nail the seditious traitors.

"Queen of Hearts" (U.S. premiere on Sunday, May 7, 2023): Louis becomes increasingly confident in his position as king as he throws himself into supporting the American War of Independence. Meanwhile, Marie Antoinette embraces life at the Petit Trianon where she becomes enamored by a familiar face -- Count Axel von Fersen.