Here are three French TV series I’ve enjoyed sampling recently. They all are subtitled in English. Do you have a favorite French show that is available to American viewers; share it with our readers in the comments!
Deadly Tropics
In Tropiques Criminels aka Deadly Tropics, after her husband is found guilty of corruption, Melissa transplants her two teenage children to her ancestral homeland of Martinique where she is the new Head of Criminal Police. I watched the first two episodes which dealt with a murder of her son’s schoolmate and a famous surgeon who had a hidden dark side. Fans of Death in Paradise will enjoy the tropical setting, but the stories that I viewed though with some humorous moments lacked some of the whimsy of that show. Melissa’s new partner, hot headed Capt. Gaelle Crivelli, was a highlight of the series so far for me. I look forward to watching more of the first two seasons available from Hoopla. Episodes are around 50 minutes each.
Louis XXVIII
If you are looking for something lighter with more laughs than you may enjoy Louis XXVIII. What if the French monarchy had never been abolished? Set in modern France after a tragic accident, a royal’s illegitimate son, a young teen is thrust from his common existence to the role of Luis 28, ruler of France. In the first episode Cedric first learns of his ancestry and the giant shoes he will now be required to fill. Fans of Blackadder will enjoy this comedic alternate history. With episodes around 20 minutes each this could be a fun binge during the rainy days we have been having lately.
Crime is Her Game
If you are looking for another mystery consider checking out Le Crime Lui Va Si Bien aka Crime is Her Game, my favorite of the three. Police Captain Gaby Molina, played by the hilarious Claudia Tagbo, is anything but by the book when it comes to crime solving. In episode one she is acclimating to a new more straight laced colleague, actress Helene Seuzaret, when a famous writer living nearby the family farm, she is trying to save, is killed suspiciously. In episode 2, Gaby attends a funeral where there is already a body found in the crypt; which leads her to a wealthy family with many buried secrets. This series has a great mix of drama, mystery, and truffle infused humor. There are only 7 episodes, but at 90 minute each there is plenty to love.
There are a variety of other French Television shows available from Hoopla including mysteries such as Captain Marleau, Alice Nevers, The Art of Crime, and Murder In.
If you are looking for Francophile fiction check out next week’s blog post focusing on two new novels set in Paris.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 