STARZ is putting up a lot of serious content lately. We already know the power of the ‘Power Universe’ in all of those ‘Power Book’ shows but with must-see content like ‘Shining Vale’ and ‘P-Valley,’ it’s safe to say there’s programming for everyone - especially with a unique spin on Catherine de Medici in its upcoming ‘The Serpent Queen.’

It’s not your standard period piece

Let’s keep it 100 - if you’ve loved shows like ‘American Gods,’ you know STARZ is going to come correct with a show based on subject matter you might be hesitant about but then become instantly sucked into based on immaculate directing, an excellent cast and presentation. The same is 100 percent true with ‘The Serpent Queen.’

The new series stars Golden Globe® winner, two-time Academy Award® and two-time BAFTA Award-nominated actress, Samantha Morton (Minority Report, "Harlots," "The Walking Dead"), as the nefarious Catherine de Medici, who, against all odds, became one of themost powerful and longest-serving rulers in French history.

“The Serpent Queen” premieres Sunday, September 11 at midnight on theSTARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and internationally on the STARZPLAY premium streaming platform across all territories. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.

It’s all about the contemporary approach

A bit throwback but if you remember the epic 90’s version of Romeo + Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, then you can appreciate the modern or contemporary twist on things. The same - once again - is true with ‘The Serpent Queen.’

A historical drama with an edge, “The Serpent Queen” puts a contemporary spin on conventional storytelling to tell the tale of Catherine de Medici’s (Morton) rise to power. In the series premiere, “Medici Bitch,” Catherine’s tale unfolds through flashbacks as she defends her actions and imparts the lessons she’s learned to her new servant confident, Rahima (Sennia Nanua, The Girl with All the Gifts, Frankie). At 14, the young, orphaned Catherine (Liv Hill, “Three Girls,” Jellyfish) marries into the 16th-century French court. Despite her commoner status, her uncle Pope Clement (Charles Dance, “Game of Thrones,” “The Crown”), 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 (Ludivine Sagnier, “Lupin,” “The Young Pope”), 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.

The ‘Serpent Queen’ cast is stacked

Of course the attention will remain on the amazing Samantha Morton but get excited about the full line-up slated to share on-screen time with the international star.

The series also stars Colm Meaney (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” Tolkien), Kiruna Stamell (“The New Pope,” Moulin Rouge!), Barry Atsma (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, “Bad Banks”), Alex Heath (“Suspicion,” Boiling Point), Amrita Acharia (“Game of Thrones,” “TheGood Karma Hospital”), Enzo Cilenti, (Free Fire, “The Last Tycoon”),Antonia Clarke (Anna, Magic in the Moonlight), Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly, Murder on the Orient Express), Beth Goddard (“Manhunt,” “Des”), Raza Jaffrey (“Homeland,” “Code Black”), Ray Panthaki (“Away,” Colette), Nicholas Burns (Emma, “Harlots”), Danny Kirrane (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, “Don’t Forget the Driver”), and Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding, “Adult Material”).

"The Serpent Queen" is based on the book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda and is from writer and executive producer Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road, Red Sparrow, The Lone Ranger). Stacie Passon (“Transparent,” “Dickinson,” “Billions”) directs multiple episodes, including the premiere episode and serves as executive producer. The series is executive produced by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2) and Erwin Stoff (The Matrix, 13 Hours, Edge of Tomorrow). The eight-episode series is produced for STARZ by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Stay tuned for more updates and in the meantime start the countdown to September 11.