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One of the best ways to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it. I studied French in school for two years and endured too many grammar lessons trying to remember every verb conjugation. It wasn’t until I moved to France and became surrounded by French culture that I significantly improved in the language.

Fortunately, you don’t need to fly across the globe to learn a language like I did. It’s surprisingly easy to learn a language wherever you are in the world. Read books and magazines, talk with native speakers, and watch TV shows.

There are many excellent French series available that can help you develop your vocabulary and improve your French language skills. You’ll also pick up on slang terms and more natural ways of speaking instead of robotic sentence formations.

In this post, I’m sharing the 20 best French TV shows to learn French (or just enjoy the culture!). From gripping crime dramas to heartwarming comedies, these series are readily accessible on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Depending on your level, you can also turn on subtitles to help you better understand the dialogue. Thankfully, many of these shows offer French and English subtitles.

I’ve watched the majority of these shows, (some of them with my French partner), and they have helped me advance in the language and actually enjoy it. I hope they will help you improve your French too!

20 Best French TV Shows to Learn French in 2025

1. Lupin

If you’re searching for a thrilling adventure, Lupin is an essential addition to your watchlist. The French mystery thriller series is inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, a fictional gentleman thief and master of disguise created by French writer Maurice Leblanc.

In Lupin, the main character, Assane Diop, played by Omar Sy (who you might know from The Intouchables), is heavily influenced by the stories of Arsène Lupin.

Diop seeks to avenge his father, who was framed for a crime he didn't commit by a wealthy and powerful family, the Pellegrinis. He uses his intelligence, charm, and mastery of deception to outsmart his adversaries while executing daring heists and seeking justice for his father.

Lupin has taken the world by storm, becoming a global phenomenon, making it one of the best French TV shows of recent years.

Where to watch Lupin: Netflix

2. Kaamelott

Kaamelott was actually recommended to me by my French boyfriend, and it's easy to see why. For fans of medieval fantasy and irreverent humor, Kaamelott is an absolute gem.

Set in the mythical kingdom of Britannia, it follows the eccentric and often bumbling King Arthur as he navigates the challenges of ruling a kingdom plagued by incompetence, betrayal, and fantastical creatures.

Full of iconic catchphrases, memorable characters, and epic quests, Kaamelott has become a cultural phenomenon in France and has even garnered a dedicated international following.

What sets this show apart is its unique format: each season consists of approximately 50 episodes, each just three minutes long.

While some of the jokes might fly over the heads of beginners in French, the show is hilarious and reminds me of another classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. If you’re up for a challenge, though, Kaamelott is an excellent show for advanced French learners.

Where to watch Kaamelott: YouTube

3. Class Act (Tapie)

If you’re fascinated by larger-than-life personalities, Class Act (originally titled Tapie) is an unmissable biopic. The series dramatizes the rise and fall of Bernard Tapie, a real-life French businessman, singer, and politician known for his ambition, charisma, and controversial reputation.

Laurent Lafitte delivers a magnetic performance as Tapie, capturing both his charm and flaws. The show offers a layered portrayal of French society in the '80s and '90s, from business and politics to soccer and scandal.

This one’s great for learning more formal vocabulary, especially business and legal French, though you'll also pick up plenty of idiomatic expressions along the way too. I watched this one recently and absolutely loved it!

Where to watch Class Act: Netflix

4. Family Business

For fans of comedy with a dash of drama, Family Business delivers a hilarious and heartwarming take on the cannabis industry. The series follows Joseph, a struggling entrepreneur, who, with the help of his eccentric family, decides to turn their failing kosher butcher shop into the first French marijuana café.

As they navigate the highs (no pun intended) and lows of the cannabis business, the Mishka family finds themselves embroiled in a series of absurd situations, rivalries, and unexpected alliances.

Featuring an exceptional ensemble cast of French actors, including one of my favorites, Jonathan Cohen, Family Business is a delightful binge-worthy treat that offers both laughs and heartfelt moments.

It's worth noting that the series has plenty of slang, perfect if you’re looking to improve your casual conversational skills.

Where to watch Family Business: Netflix

5. Carême

This period mini-series brings 19th-century France to life through the lens of its most famous chef, Marie-Antoine Carême. Known as the “king of chefs and chef of kings,” Carême revolutionized French cuisine, and Carême the show brings his story to the screen with impressive visuals and intense drama.

It’s perfect for foodies and history lovers alike. You can expect plenty of mouthwatering scenes, stunning costumes, and a look at the political and cultural world of Napoleonic France.

Language-wise, there are definitely more formal French and historical terms, so this is a great challenge for advanced learners who want to improve their vocab.

Where to watch Carême: Apple TV+

6. Who Killed Little Gregory? (Grégory)

If you love a good murder mystery, then this true crime docuseries on Netflix is a must-watch.

Who Killed Little Gregory?, or simply Grégory in French, is a compelling docudrama that delves into one of France's most infamous criminal cases: the murder of Grégory Villemin. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews, and dramatic reenactments, the series meticulously examines the twists and turns of the investigation, the media frenzy that ensued, and the enduring impact on the Villemin family and the community of Vosges.

With its gripping storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, Grégory offers a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of justice, media ethics, and the human cost of tragedy.

I was absolutely captivated by this documentary, and I have no doubt that you will be too!

Where to watch Who Killed Little Gregory?: Netflix

7. A French Village (Un village français)

For history fans, A French Village is a major must-watch. This historical drama centers around the narrative of, as the title suggests, a fictional French village of Villeneuve.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the series follows the residents of the French village under German occupation. As they navigate the complexities of collaboration, resistance, and survival, the characters deal with moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices in their fight for freedom and justice.

Featuring compelling storytelling, meticulous attention to historical detail, and an amazing cast, A French Village offers a memorable portrayal of life during wartime.

If you're fascinated by military dramas and World War II history that goes beyond just warfare, this French series is certain to resonate with you.

Where to watch A French Village: MHz Choice

8. Escort Boys

French cowboys turned sex workers: that’s the wild setup of the soap-style drama Escort Boys. Set in Camargue, a picturesque town in Southern France, the series follows four struggling guys who start selling their bodies to make ends meet. Totally inexperienced but backed by their mischievous little sister Charly, they launch an Escort Boys business.

It’s funny, sexy, and highly entertaining. It doesn’t shy away from taboo topics either (as you might expect).

There’s a good amount of slang and informal speech here, making it ideal for anyone trying to sound less like a textbook and more like a native speaker.

I haven’t watched this one all the way through, but it’s high on my list!

Where to watch Escort Boys: Amazon Prime Video

9. Call My Agent! (Dix pour cent)

Call My Agent! is a series you’ll find on almost any French TV show list, and for good reason!

Featuring an incredible cast of French actors and a witty script, this comedy-drama series has earned widespread praise for its sharp wit and portrayal of the entertainment industry in France.

The show offers a peek behind the scenes of a Parisian talent agency. Through the eyes of the agents and their celebrity clients, Call My Agent! provides a humorous and insightful look into the cutthroat world of showbiz.

There are numerous cameos by renowned French celebrities (including Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jean Reno, and Juliette Binoche), so it’s an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with prominent figures in French entertainment.

This was the very first French series that I watched, but I’d recommend it for intermediate and advanced learners as the dialogue moves quickly.

Where to watch Call My Agent!: Netflix

10. Marianne

Calling all horror fans: Marianne is sure to send chills down your spine. This French horror series follows Emma, a successful horror writer who discovers that the evil spirit from her books exists in real life.

Set in a quiet seaside town inspired by Brittany, Marianne blends psychological terror with supernatural suspense. The eerie atmosphere and haunting performances (especially by Mireille Herbstmeyer) will keep you glued to the screen.

I constantly hear amazing things about this series, but I haven’t brought myself to watch it! Horror just isn’t my favorite genre. But, if you love it, then definitely add Marianne to your watchlist.

Where to watch Marianne: Netflix

11. Parlement

Politics meets satire in this clever comedy set within the European Parliament. Parlement follows Samy, a young French intern who arrives in Brussels just a few weeks after the Brexit referendum and quickly finds himself lost in the absurdity of EU politics.

With its multilingual cast and witty humor, Parlement is both funny and surprisingly educational. You'll hear French, English, German, and more, making it a fun way to sharpen your listening skills across languages.

It’s the perfect show for intermediate learners looking to get more comfortable with fast-paced conversation, idioms, and lots of dry humor.

They actually filmed some episodes right here in Strasbourg, where I live!

Where to watch Parlement: MHz Choice | Amazon Prime Video

12. Marseille

A tale of power, corruption and redemption, this political drama is perfect for House of Cards fans.

Set in the French port city of Marseille, the series follows the power struggles and corruption within the city's political elite. As Mayor Robert Taro battles to maintain control, he faces formidable adversaries, including his young and ambitious former protégé Lucas Barrès.

Intricate plotlines, complex characters, and stunning cinematography, Marseille offers a riveting portrayal of ambition, betrayal, and the world of organized crime.

I also appreciate how this show captures the beautiful scenery of Marseille! It’s definitely a must-watch if you dream of visiting the southern French city.

Where to watch Marseille: Netflix

13. Astrid (Astrid et Raphaëlle)

Astrid et Raphaëlle is a smart, heartfelt crime drama about an unlikely but endearing detective duo: Raphaëlle, a pragmatic police detective, and Astrid, an autistic archivist with an eye for detail. Together, they solve crimes in and around Paris that the French police can’t crack.

What makes Astrid et Raphaëlle stand out is that it explores neurodiversity with nuance and compassion. The way that Astrid’s character is portrayed challenges stereotypes and sheds light on the experiences of those on the autism spectrum.

The dialogue is generally clear and full of natural French expressions, so it’s a great pick for intermediate to advanced learners. You’ll hear formal and informal language, police jargon, and emotionally expressive conversations too.

This Franco-Belgian detective series is touching, clever, and with five seasons to dive into, you’ll have plenty to binge!

Where to watch Astrid: PBS | Amazon Prime Video

14. La Flamme

Any fan of The Bachelor will enjoy Jonathan Cohen’s comical parody of the popular dating show, La Flamme.

Over the course of nine weeks, thirteen women compete to seduce Marc, an airline pilot, in an attempt to ignite his passion, dubbed la flamme (the flame).

Full of sharp wit and outrageous humor, La Flamme provides laugh-out-loud commentary on love, presenting a satirical take on modern romance and celebrity culture.

This show is an absolute must-watch if you're in need of a good laugh. I’ve rewatched it several times because it’s truly one of my favorite French TV series. Just ask my French boyfriend, who frequently quotes it with me.

And if you fall in love with this show yourself, you won't want to miss out on the spin-off series, Le Flambeau: Les Aventuriers de Chupacabra, where Marc and fifteen contestants face off and try to survive on an island.

Where to watch La Flamme: Canal+

15. Represent (En Place)

Created by and starring comedian Jean-Pascal Zadi, Represent (or En Place) is a political satire about a youth worker in a working-class neighborhood who finds himself running for president.

The show also features French comedian Fary and Éric Judor, one half of the legendary comedy duo Éric et Ramzy, adding even more comedic talent to the mix.

The show is hilarious, but also inspiring, and tackles issues like racism and class in France, all with a comedic edge.

The language here is full of contemporary slang and urban French, so it’s a great choice for younger learners or anyone looking to understand how real people actually speak today.

Where to watch Represent: Netflix

16. The Chalet (Le chalet)

For those who need a dose of suspense, The Chalet will be right up your alley.

This French mystery thriller follows a group of friends on a ski trip to an isolated chalet in the French Alps. When an avalanche cuts them off from the outside world, they discover a dark secret that throws their friendships and lives into jeopardy.

Packed with unpredictable twists, the series will keep you guessing until the very end. And with only six episodes, it's an ideal show for a short TV binge when you're in need of a quick thrill.

After seeing the latest French thriller Anatomy of a Fall along with The Chalet, you might find yourself steering clear of the French Alps!

Where to watch The Chalet: PBS | Amazon Prime Video

17. Baron Noir

Interested in the murky, yet cutthroat world of French politics? Look no further than Baron Noir.

The series centers around Philippe Rickwaert, a seasoned but ruthless politician battling to regain his former glory after a betrayal. As he deals with power and alliances, Philippe also grapples with personal demons and moral dilemmas that threaten to consume him.

Baron Noir offers an insightful look into the workings of French politics, highlighting ambition, opportunism, and the price of playing the game. Each episode is packed with sharp dialogue and a portrayal of political ambition that leaves you both intrigued and appalled.

In many ways, Baron Noir shares similarities with Marseille, another must-see French series that I’ve mentioned above!

Where to watch Baron Noir: Canal+

18. The Bureau (Le Bureau des légendes)

This critically acclaimed French thriller series delves into the world of French intelligence agents and their covert operations.

The Bureau follows the lives of intelligence agents working for the DGSE, France's intelligence agency. Led by the enigmatic Guillaume Debailly, aka "Malotru," the agents navigate the complex and dangerous world of undercover operations, international intrigue, and personal betrayals.

With its incredible storytelling, nuanced character development, and gripping plot twists, The Bureau has been praised as one of the best spy dramas of recent years.

While some vocabulary may be challenging for English speakers, you can easily find episodes with English and French subtitles.

I really appreciated this show, and I’m planning to rewatch it with my French partner (who hasn’t seen it yet)!

Where to watch The Bureau: Paramount+

19. Fiasco

If you liked Family Business, you’ll definitely want to check out Fiasco, another clever creation from Igor Gotesman.

This comedic drama from Netflix follows the behind-the-scenes chaos of a film production spiraling out of control. Raphaël Valande begins shooting his first feature film as a tribute to his grandmother, a member of the French Resistance. But filming gradually turns into a nightmare, as someone on the crew is trying to sabotage his project.

It’s sharp, chaotic, and hilariously meta, poking fun at the film industry itself. Plus, the cast is stacked with familiar French talent: François Civil, Vincent Cassel, and Pierre Niney.

Where to watch Fiasco: Netflix

20. Bref

Bref is a rapid-fire French comedy series that became a cultural phenomenon in France. Seriously, every young French person that I know has seen and loves Bref.

Created by Kyan Khojandi, each ultra-short episode (about 2 minutes long) follows a thirty-something Parisian navigating awkward social situations, existential dread, and the absurdity of daily life. It’s very funny and relatable (even if you don’t exactly live in Paris).

It originally aired in 2011 and made a much-anticipated return in 2025 with a brand-new season, over a decade later. The second season shifts its focus to life in your 40s—still hilarious though.

The dialogue contains a lot of slang and fast delivery, so turn on subtitles if needed.

Where to watch Bref: Disney+ | Hulu | YouTube (season 1)

More French TV Shows

The Parisian Agency (L’Agence)

If you love Selling Sunset or Million Dollar Listing, get ready to be obsessed with their French counterpart: L’Agence. This real-life docu-series follows the Kretz family, luxury real estate agents selling dreamy homes in France and abroad.

It’s a slice of aspirational French living: glamorous properties, family dynamics, and plenty of Paris. Unlike scripted shows, this one offers an authentic look at how French is spoken in real life. The conversations are natural, so it’s ideal for all types of learners.

I just started this one and I'm really enjoying it so far! It's super easy to watch and perfect if you want something light and entertaining.

Where to watch The Parisian Agency: Netflix

A Very Secret Service (Au service de la France)

If you're already familiar with French cinema, chances are you've come across the iconic OSS 117 films. A Very Secret Service carries a similar nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the 50s era.

Created by Jean-François Halin, this critically acclaimed series offers a hilarious yet insightful take on the world of espionage during a tumultuous period in French history. Set during the Cold War, this series is a clever blend of espionage, satire, and comedy that follows the misadventures of André Merlaux, a young recruit in the French Secret Service.

It has a stellar ensemble cast led by the charismatic Hugo Becker (who you might know as Prince Louis from Gossip Girl).

For me, A Very Secret Service ranks as my top pick among French shows, thanks to its sharp dialogue, talented cast, and vintage aesthetic.

A Very Secret Service used to be on Netflix, however, they’ve recently taken it down! At the moment, I haven’t been able to find it on any major streaming platforms.

Braquo

Braquo follows a group of Parisian police officers who resort to extreme measures to seek justice and avenge their fallen comrade.

When their colleague Max tragically takes his own life following a case implicating him, the lives of four policemen are forever altered. Determined to uphold Max's memory, they decide to defy the boundaries of legality, crossing the "yellow line" to take matters into their own hands.

While you may not catch every French conversation in this gritty police drama, the series offers plenty of riveting action sequences and emotionally charged performances to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Where to watch Braquo: Amazon Prime Video

The Forest (La Forêt)

Set in a sleepy village in the Ardennes (a region spanning France, Belgium and Luxembourg), The Forest is a gripping mystery-thriller that starts with a missing teenage girl and unravels into a tangled web of secrets and trauma.

As local authorities investigate, they uncover disturbing truths about the community and the forest itself. If you’re a fan of Dark or Twin Peaks, you’ll enjoy the slow-burn suspense and layered storytelling.

It’s also an excellent listening challenge. The pacing is slower, so it’s manageable for learners, and the rural setting introduces some different regional accents and vocabulary.

Where to watch The Forest: Netflix

What are your favorite French TV shows? Let me know in the comments below.

20 Best French TV Shows to Learn French in 2025