10 must-see French series: Dive into French culture and history with thrills, laughs, and romance
Watching French series and TV shows is a fun way to improve your French (we challenge you to watch them in the original version!) while diving into French culture, history, & cinema. You'll discover talented actors beloved in France and explore stories that capture the country’s unique charm and diversity.
The AFB has handpicked 10 must-watch French series, all available in the U.S. and catering to every taste. Whether you love comedy, drama, thrillers, or historical sagas, there's something for everyone—no matter your French level. Ready to press play?
First, let’s have a look at some easy-to-watch comedy and reality shows:
1. Call my Agent! (Dix Pour Cent) - Behind the Scenes, it’s not easy to handle Star Whims!
Camille Cottin and her team of overworked talent agents juggle the unpredictable demands of their celebrity clients while navigating their own personal and professional dramas. Her star-studded cast includes famous French actors such as Guillaume Canet, Cécile de France, and Jean Dujardin - each playing a hilarious, exaggerated version of themselves. Expect the perfect mix of fast-paced action, sharp humour, and pure entertainment!
▶️ Trailer here, show on Netflix (4 seasons ‧ 2015-2020)
2. Alice in Paris - Get a taste of Paris like never before!
Alice (not Emily) is a Parisienne with "absolute taste" - the ability to identify every ingredient in a dish. In each short, easy-to-follow episode, perfect for learning English, you'll join Alice as she solves her dilemmas while enjoying the delicious treats Paris has to offer. Get ready to devour the city's stunning scenery and discover cool spots and must-try foods for your next visit to the City!
▶️ Watch the pilot here and the show on Youtube Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3.
3. The Hook Up Plan (Plan Coeur) - Two Best Friends and One Male Escort to Help Elsa Move On
Elsa, nearly thirty and stuck in a soul-sucking job, still can't shake her ex-boyfriend two years after they broke up. Her best friends, Emilie (who's about to pop) and Charlotte (a serial moonlighter), decide it's time for an intervention. Their genius plan? Hire a charming male escort to take Elsa on a few "impromptu" dates. It's fun, a little corny, and packed with laugh-out-loud moments.
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on Netflix (3 seasons ‧ 2018-2022)
4. The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties - Take a Look at French Luxury Property.
This French reality real estate series follows the Kretz family as they work together to help clients buy and sell stunning homes, both in France and abroad. Get ready for luxury property tours set to catchy dance-pop soundtracks, breathtaking drone views, and a family dynamic that makes the process feel effortless.
▶️ Watch the show on Netflix (4 seasons ‧ since 2021)
The French can also do thrillers and crime series:
5. Astrid (Astrid et Raphaëlle) - Thrilling and meticulous investigation with the allure of Paris
Astrid is a captivating Franco-Belgian crime series. Astrid Nielsen, an archivist with Asperger's syndrome and an extraordinary memory, works in the library of the judicial police. Her colleague, Raphaëlle Coste, is a skilled detective known for bending the rules to solve tough cases. Together, they team up to crack ongoing investigations and cold cases, combining sharp intellect with unconventional methods.
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on PBS or Prime Video (5 seasons ‧ since 2019)
6. Lupin - What Arsène would look like in our modern world?
Omar Sy stars as Assane Diop, a charismatic Parisian gentleman thief. Inspired by the legendary Arsène Lupin - a fictional mastermind created by French novelist Maurice Leblanc - Assane sets out to avenge his father by taking on the rich and powerful with wit, charm, and masterful deception. Get ready for action, unexpected twists, daring stunts, and, of course, a few dazzling diamonds!
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on Netflix (3 seasons ‧ 2021-2022)
7. Liaison - Espionage, politics, and love unravelled!
This spy drama is the first British-French series of its kind, starring the brilliant Eva Green and Vincent Cassel. A London-based agent and a mercenary find themselves at the heart of a massive cyber attack threatening the city. As they race against time to prevent travel networks from collapsing and blackouts from plunging London into chaos, tensions rise... Suspense, action, and passion await!
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on Apple TV or Prime Video (1 season ‧ 2023)
8. Women at War (Les Combattantes) - A realistic portrayal of women's struggles in WWI.
This realistic portrayal of life in rural Saint Paulin in 1914 explores the lives of four very different women - a Parisian sex worker, a factory owner, a nun, and a nurse. As World War I rages and soldiers pour into their town, their paths cross, offering a poignant look at how each copes with the challenges and upheavals of the conflict. A stirring story of resilience, courage, and survival.
Disclaimer: Scenes of abuse, abortion, and sexual assault
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on Netflix (1 season ‧ 2022)
The French are also inspired by events and cases that really happened:
9. The Confidante (Une Amie Dévouée) - Turning Tragedy into Fraud
On November 13, 2015, coordinated terrorist attacks shook Paris, including the Bataclan massacre. The Confidante follows Chris, a rock music fan who joins a survivors' group—but she isn’t who she claims to be. As her lies unravel, a tense journey of guilt and deception unfolds.
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on Max, Apple TV, or Hulu (1 season ‧ 2024)
10. A French Case - What happened to “le Petit Grégory”?
A French Case follows the 1984 disappearance and death of 4-year-old Grégory Villemin, whose body was found bound in the Vologne River. This thrilling series unravels the still-unsolved case, exploring the dark secrets, jealousies, and family ties that rocked a small town and divided France for over 40 years.
▶️ Watch the trailer here and the show on PBS or Prime Video (1 season ‧ 2021)
By Audrey Veyssiere