Second Season of 'Máxima' to Explore Power Consolidation and Royal Court Conflicts

The biographical drama 'Máxima,' which chronicles the life of the Queen of the Netherlands, is scheduled to premiere its second season on March 19, 2026, on the streaming platform HBO Max. Argentine actress Delfina Chaves, who experienced an international career breakthrough with her performance in 2024, will return to the lead role as Máxima Zorreguieta. Production for the second season officially began in 2025, reflecting the project's consistent and planned development cycle.

This upcoming six-episode installment will pivot its narrative focus from the early stages of romance to the complex period of Máxima’s establishment as a queen. The series will depict the monarch as she navigates the multifaceted pressures of the state, her family, and the intense scrutiny of the international media. Frequently compared to 'The Crown' for its rigorous attention to the nuances of royal life, the show will cover the ten-year period starting from the wedding preparations with Willem-Alexander in February 2002 through to the coronation ceremony a decade later.

The cast will be expanded with the inclusion of Argentine actress Carolina Kopelioff, who will take on the role of Inés Zorreguieta, Máxima’s sister. This addition is set to introduce significant family drama and personal dilemmas into the storyline, highlighting the tension between the Queen’s pursuit of personal independence and the strict limitations imposed by royal protocol. In real-world history, this specific timeframe included the birth of the princesses, the accident involving Prince Friso, and the eventual abdication of Queen Beatrix.

The production team has emphasized their commitment to historical accuracy, recreating landmark moments such as the royal wedding in Amsterdam. However, the second season is expected to heighten the portrayal of internal power dynamics, with Queen Beatrix assuming a more antagonistic stance regarding Máxima’s modernization initiatives. The introduction of new figures, such as Prince Friso portrayed by Bram Suijker, is intended to deepen the political and dynastic context of the series.

The global success of the first season, which was distributed across 50 territories including Denmark (TV 2), Sweden (TV 4), and Australia (SBS), has provided a strong foundation for this ambitious second season. Filming is planned for various locations across the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Austria. According to the producers, the narrative will be dominated by the Queen's struggle for power and her search for an authentic voice, mirroring the contemporary challenges faced by modern royalty.