These French Series Are Worth a Detour

16/02/2021

It's been a while since we realized that France compares quite favorably with the United States on the TV series side. For several years now, the French have delivered plenty of fine productions that are seriously worth a look. A focus.

The Bureau

With a five-star cast, The Bureau offers an exceptional dive into the world of espionage. The series carried by Mathieu Kassovitz and Sara Giraudeau, among others, sheds light on the DGSE (General Directorate of External Security), where the department called “Bureau of Legends”, which manages the French intelligence services, nestles. In 5 seasons, the Canal+ original production has captivated audiences and shown a little-known, yet essential, aspect of intelligence.

In Treatment

Adapted from the Israeli series BeTipul, En thérapie portrays the path of 5 patients as they undergo psychotherapy a few days after the Bataclan attacks in November 2015. They are hosted by Philippe Dayan (Frédéric Pierrot), a Parisian psychoanalyst, in his private office which serves by and large as the only setting for the series. On Dr. Dayan's red sofa, patients walk as diverse as they are poignant, played by Mélanie Thierry, Reda Kateb, Clémence Poésy, Pio Marmaï and Celeste Brunnquell. Another big name in this Arte series is Carole Bouquet. She is elegant and charismatic as always, playing Esther, an analyst consulted by Philippe Dayan himself, in the grip of dreadful doubts. In short, En thérapie keeps you glued to the screen and stirs up some buried issues, both in patients and in ourselves.

All the Way Up

Another Canal+ original production, Validé (‘Validated') is the first French series set against the backdrop of the little-known world of French hip hop. Franck Gastambide orchestrates this series, which gave the rapper Hatik a prime position. The pitch? Clément a.k.a. ‘Apache' (Hatik) is a small neighborhood drug dealer. At the same time, he raps in his spare time with the hope of making a breakthrough someday. As he delivers a client down the building of France's leading hip-hop radio station (Skyrock), he suddenly finds himself behind the mic for a ‘Planète Rap' (Skyrock's flagship show) that propels him all the way up. However, in the world of hip hop, much as elsewhere, limelight is scarce and hard fought for. He finds himself facing Mastar, reigning King of the French rap scene. The latter is determined to do everything he can not to give up his place, by any means necessary. Validé is: hip hop (a lot), exceptional guest stars and a plot that runs smoothly until the last episode. Besides, the show crew is currently working on a season 2.

Derby Girl

When it comes to TV series, France.tv Slash delivers the goods. We have to admit it. And one of the latest creations, Derby Girl, deserves a little more attention. Tremendously quirky and hilarious, the show introduces Lola Bouvier (Chloé Jouannet) as a fallen ice-skating star. Following a lost competition that triggered an ultra-violent reaction from her mother, Lola put away her skates. But ten years later, she embarks on a whole new adventure: roller derby, where she set out to become champion.

Mortel

Sofiane (Carl Malapa) is an ordinary high school student. Yet one day he sees his destiny be linked to that of Victor (Nemo Schiffman) and Luisa (Manon Bresch), led by an evil force. Together, the three teenagers use their new powers to search for Reda, brother of Sofiane, who has mysteriously disappeared. Mortel presents a supernatural plot in the concrete setting of the Paris suburbs. With superpowers, concrete, Air Max sneakers and an all-hip-hop soundtrack, the series surprises and gets binge-watched in no time! Good news, Season 2 is expected to be released on Netflix soon.

SKAM France

Did you know? The French also know how to make excellent teen series and the adaptation of the Norwegian fiction SKAM is evidence of this. In 7 seasons, the France.tv Slash series has established itself in the hearts of fans as a reference. Innovative in form, SKAM France is cut into sequences broadcast at the time and day of the plot. All sequences put together form an episode that can be seen at the end of the week. In terms of intrigue, SKAM France touches upon major, important societal issues: homosexuality, addiction, disability and, more recently, denial of pregnancy.

Lupin

Netflix released Lupin in early 2021 and the least we can say is that the series was an absolute hit for the platform and for Omar Sy. A beloved actor in his home country, Omar Sy carries at arm's length this sometimes-wobbly series which seduces, nevertheless. Lupin (‘In the Shadow of Arsène') portrays Assane Diop, a man who tries to avenge the false accusation of his father, framed for the theft of a precious jewel, ‘le Collier de la Reine'. Subterfuge after subterfuge, inspired by his idol Arsène Lupin, Assane makes his way down the path of truth! Part 2 is scheduled on Netflix for the upcoming summer.

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