Best French Series on Netflix and Amazon Prime (2023)

1. Dix pour cent (Call My Agent!)

This comedic gem has deservedly become a global Netflix hit. One of the best French shows for language learners.

At a top Paris talent firm, agents scramble to keep their star clients happy — and their business afloat — after an unexpected crisis. Each episode features at least one real-life French celebrity playing themselves.

Keep an ear out for colloquial expressions such as:

• se prendre la tête – to get worked up about something, to get irritated
• saouler quelqu’un – to annoy or exhaust someone, as in Il/elle/ça me saoule!
• se casser – to leave. On se casse = Let’s get out of here.
• dingue – crazy, as in C’est dingue!
• chiant (vulgar) – boring, irritating 
• faire chier (vulgar) – to bother, to bore

For more vocabulary explanations, watch innerFrench’s excellent analysis of the beginning of the first episode (no spoilers).

French Mornings with Elisa also has a couple of helpful videos analyzing the show’s slang.

2. L’Agence (The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties)

Luxury property shows can be superficial, but what saves this popular French reality show is the focus on the close-knit Kretz clan, who runs a realty business from their home in Boulogne, Paris.

L’Agence features gorgeous locations around Paris and French holiday destinations like Île de Ré, Megève, Annecy, Cap Ferrat, and Saint-Barth.

This is real-life French with lots of slang. A great opportunity to hear everyday French with the benefit of subtitles.

• coup de cœur (m.) – favorite, crush; used to refer to things (like apartments) rather than people
• soudé – welded, closely knit; une famille soudée – a closely knit family
• craquer – to be unable to resist something; craquer pour qch – to find something irresistible (slang)
• se magner – to hurry (slang)
• braquer quelqu’un – to antagonize somebody (slang)
• canon – good-looking, gorgeous (slang)
• pépite (f.) – a gem or treasure
• se planter – to mess up, to get something wrong (slang)

Season 2 was released March 2022. Crossing my fingers for a Season 3!

3. Lupin

Fun, fast-paced adaptation of the exploits of master burglar Arsène Lupin, beloved French antihero of a series of classic crime novels. The most popular French series ever on Netflix.

The charming Omar Sy (Intouchables) stars as a professional thief who sets out to avenge his immigrant father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. This binge-worthy heist series also addresses issues of racism and France’s colonial past.

Beautiful location shots in Paris and Normandy add to the enjoyment.

Some vocabulary:

• balayeur – sweeper, street cleaner
• aux enchères – at auction
• décoller – to take off or launch; also slang for “to leave”
• bidon – fraud, bogus (slang)
• se barrer – to leave, get out (slang)
• choper – to catch, to steal (slang)
• poteau – friend, buddy (slang)

4. Plan Coeur (The Hook Up Plan)

Super fun, addictive rom-com set in Paris.

Endearingly dorky Elsa is about to turn 30 and stuck in an boring job. Plus, she’s still hung up on her ex two years after their breakup. In a misguided attempt to renew Elsa’s faith in dating, her girlfriends secretly hire a male escort for her, with unexpected consequences.

The casting does a nice job representing the diversity of French society, with characters of Portuguese, Arab, African, and Spanish origin.

The first season has only six episodes of less than 30 minutes, making this an easy watch for language learners. Unfortunately, the second season is not nearly as good, and I didn’t finish it.

The French title’s a play on words on the expression plan cul, or plan q, a hookup or one-night stand.

Colloquial expressions to listen for:

• chelou – weird, suspicious. Verlan, or backwards slang, derived from the word louche, which has the same meaning.
• relou – verlan for lourd (literally “heavy,” but figuratively means annoying)
• bosser – to work, to slave away
• taf (m) – a job
• picoler – to drink, to booze
• clope (f) – cigarette
• avoir trop de bol – to be super lucky
• être à la bourre – to be in a rush, to be late
• les fringues (f) – clothes
• chanmé – verlan form of méchant (wicked, nasty). Means awesome, just like the English slang “wicked.”

5. Les combattantes (Women at War)

Bingeable TV melodrama with big-name stars Audrey Fleurot, Sandrine Bonnaire, and Tchéky Karyo. Similar cast and style as Le Bazar de la Charité (listed below).

France, 1914. The destinies of four women intersect: Marguerite, a mysterious Parisian prostitute; Caroline, propelled to the head of the family factory; Agnes, Mother Superior of a requisitioned convent; and Suzanne, a feminist nurse.

6. Family Business

In this entertaining comedy, Joseph, a failed entrepreneur played by French-Jewish comedian Jonathan Cohen, finds out pot is to be legalized in France. He decides to convert his family’s kosher butcher shop into the country’s first cannabis coffee shop.

The show is set in Le Marais, Paris’s historical Jewish quarter, and the vibrant mix of Ashkenazi and North African Sephardic and Muslim communities provides an fascinating cultural backdrop.

Episodes run about half an hour, perfect for learners, and feature lots of humorous verlan (backwards slang). For example, Joseph calls the new coffee shop “Beucherie,” a play on words with boucherie (butcher shop) and beuh (verlan for herbe or pot).

In another hilarious scene, when Joseph’s sister Aure plans to move to Kyoto, another character assumes it’s verlan for Tokyo. He’s shocked to learn Kyoto exists, exclaiming that the Japanese must get their rendez-vous mixed up all the time when speaking verlan!

7. Drôle (Standing Up)

Smart, well-written show by Fanny Herrero, creator of Dix pour cent (Call My Agent!).

In Paris, four young comedians chase stand-up fame while juggling financial pressures, family tensions, and romantic adventures. The Drôle comedy club in the show is loosely based on Le Paname in the vibrant, multicultural 11th arrondissement, and the cast reflects the diversity of Paris.

8. Fluctuat nec mergitur (November 13: Attack on Paris)

This intense, riveting French docu-series recounts the events of November 13, 2015, when ISIL terrorists attacked six Paris locations, killing 130 and injuring hundreds more.

The original title comes from Paris’ Latin motto Fluctuat nec mergitur (“tossed by the sea but never sunk”), which became a message of defiance after the attacks.

I wasn’t sure I’d be able to watch this, but the story is told with restraint and respect. The personal accounts of anguish, kindness, and courage by survivors and first responders are unforgettable.

9. The Circle France

^{No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer — click here to watch subtitled trailer on Netflix}

In this unique social media popularity contest, online players try to flirt, bond, and catfish their way to a €100,000 prize.

It’s the perfect French reality TV show to binge right now because each contestant is isolated in their apartment, able to communicate only via social media.

While the show flashes gorgeous opening drone shots of France, players actually live in the same apartment building in Manchester, UK used for The Circle‘s American and British editions.

Contestants hail from a variety of locations. The culturally diverse cast included participants with Cameroonian, Moroccan, and Portuguese origins. My favorite player was Maxime/Valeria from Monaco!

The diversity of accents and slang make The Circle a great choice for French language learners.

Some argot (slang) you’ll hear on the show:

• mdr – Internet abbreviation for mort de rire, or lol
• meuf (f) – girl or chick. Verlan, or backwards slang, derived from the word femme.
• draguer – to flirt with
• coucou – hello or hi
• kiffer – to really like, to enjoy
• ouf – verlan for fou, or crazy
• beau gosse (m) – good-looking guy (learn more about les beaux gosses in this funny video)

10. Emily in Paris

Bingeworthy show by the creator of Sex and the City. Emily, a driven marketing executive from Chicago, moves to Paris for her job. Cultures clash as she adjusts to the challenges of life in France.

While the show has been deservedly criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of Paris and the French, it remains a guilty pleasure watch for Francophiles. Although most of the show is in English, you’ll never forget phrases such as la plouc (the hick), ringard.e (basic) and la dame pipi (restroom attendant). Season 2 does feature more French dialogue.

11. M’entends-tu? (Can You Hear Me?)

^{No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer — click here to watch subtitled trailer on Netflix}

If you’d like to practice Canadian French, try this gritty, funny series set in a low-income part of Montreal.

Three female friends find hope and raunchy humor as they deal with bad boyfriends and dysfunctional families.

Lots of Quebecois slang.

12. Chef’s Table: France

This France-themed spin-off features the trademark gorgeous cinematography and production of the Chef’s Table series.

Each episode highlights one renowned French chef sharing what inspires them to push the boundaries of France’s rich culinary tradition.

13. Christmas Flow

In this cute new rom-com, an unlikely Christmas romance blossoms between a famous rapper and a tenacious journalist. But can they make it work despite their differences?

Thanks to Lionel from the excellent French learning podcast Impolyglot for the recommendation.

14. Sakho & Mangane

For a taste of West African French, try this fast-paced crime drama from Senegal, Netflix’s first French series from Africa. A brash undercover cop and an gruff older captain are thrown together to solve difficult cases in Dakar.

Worth watching for the cultural insights, melodic West African accents, and interesting shots of Dakar, Senegal’s bustling capital.

15. Le Bazar de la Charité (The Bonfire Of Destiny)

^{No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer — click here to watch subtitled trailer on Netflix}

Rather soapy French drama series inspired by the infamous 1897 fire in a Paris charity hall that killed 130 people, mostly women.

The harrowing story follows three women whose lives are upended in the tragedy: socialite Adrienne (Audrey Fleurot), her niece Alice, and maid Rose.

To be honest, this French TV drama is a little melodramatic for my taste. However, many enjoy the female-driven storylines. If you like historical series, give it a try.

The French is clear and relatively easy to understand.

Season 1, Episode 3 – Unsolved Mysteries

True crime fans shouldn’t miss Season 1, Episode 3 of Unsolved Mysteries, which is in relatively easy-to-understand French.

When the aristocrat Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès and his entire family disappear in Nantes, France, the authorities unearth something horrifying.

Episode 5 – 7 Days Out Docuseries

If you enjoy fashion documentaries, try Episode 5 of 7 Days Out. During Paris Fashion Week, the Chanel team hustles to put the finishing touches on an extravagant runway show designed by fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld.

Only about half the dialogue is in French, but the episode provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of this iconic Parisian tradition and showcase of French savoir-faire.

1. Mixte (Voltaire High)

Captivating drama set in a French high school during the societal and sexual revolution of 1960s France. When the previously all-male school allows girls in for the first time, teachers and students aren’t prepared for this radical change.

The series was filmed in the medieval market town of Saint-Jean-d’Angély in the Charente-Maritime department of southwestern France. The high school is actually its famed royal abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Thanks to Erin Byrne for the recommendation! Don’t miss her fabulous book on travel in France.

2. Un village français (A French Village)

The compelling story of a small fictional village in Jura during the German occupation of France during World War II. This gripping drama features complex characters, a great script, and nuanced acting.

In June 1940, the village of Villeneuve awakes to the arrival of the German army. The next four years of occupation have a shattering effect on the lives of its inhabitants.

Each season corresponds to about one year of the Occupation. The third season covers the mass deportation of the Jews and is hard to watch. However, it provides important insight into the excruciating moral choices faced by the French in this painful period that left psychological scars still felt today.

Seasons 1 and 3-4 are available free on Prime. You can watch the remainder with a free MHz Choice channel trial.

Some colloquial expressions used on the show:

• Boche, Fritz (m) – disparaging term for a German, especially a soldier
• flic (m) – police officer, cop
• Je m’en fiche – I couldn’t care less. (You’ll also hear the more vulgar Je m’en fous – I don’t give a damn.)
• vachement – really, bloody. Used as an intensifier. C’est vachement difficile ! – It’s really hard!
• tonton (m) – childish word for uncle. You’ll also hear tata, or auntie.
• J’en ai marre – I’m sick of this; I’m fed up
• môme, gosse (m) – a kid
• Ta gueule ! – Shut up; shut your trap!
• emmerder quelqu’un (vulgar) – to annoy someone

3. Salade Grecque (Greek Salad)

Fans of Cédric Klapisch’s wonderful L’Auberge Espagnole movie trilogy won’t want to miss this series spin-off featuring the children of Wendy and Xavier.

When Tom and Mia’s grandfather dies, they inherit a building in Athens. Like their parents 25 years earlier, they find themselves living with young people from all over Europe.

4. Montre jamais ça à personne (Orelsan: Don’t ever show this to anyone)

Entertaining documentary of the rags-to-riches story of Aurélien Cotentin, a.k.a. French rapper Orelsan. He achieves stardom despite being a white kid from la province far from Paris’s music scene due to his loyal friends and humor, creativity, and social media savvy.

5. Engrenages (Spiral)

Available free on Amazon with a MHz Choice channel trial.

This addictive French detective series won a cult following for its gritty realism, superb acting, and complex storylines. It was broadcast in more than 70 countries.

Warning for sensitive viewers like me: The first episode is excessively gruesome. Hang in there, though. Subsequent episodes, while intense, are less graphic.

The word engrenage literally translates as “cogs” or “gears.” Figuratively, it can also mean a complex mechanism or an inescapable series of events. The English title Spiral derives from the phrase l’engrenage de la violence, a downward spiral of violence.

Lots of swearing and slang in this noir French police drama. To keep this post family-friendly, I’ve omitted the most offensive.

• flic (m) – police officer, cop
• keuf (m) – verlan form of flic or cop
• fric (m) – money
• bagnole, caisse (f) – car
• moche – ugly, unattractive
• balancer quelqu’un – to snitch on someone
• déconner (vulgar) – to talk crap
• connard (m) (vulgar) – idiot, jerk

The long-awaited seasons 7 and 8 are now available.

6. Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau)

Binge-worthy French spy thriller based on real accounts with brilliant writing and acting.

This smart, suspenseful drama follows the daily lives and missions of members of France’s external security service — the equivalent of the CIA. It focuses on intelligence officer Guillaume Debailly, code-named “Malotru” (lout or brute in French), who is abruptly recalled to Paris after six years undercover in Syria.

Le Bureau is my favorite French show on Amazon. I didn’t list it in first place because it requires a Sundance Now channel subscription. However, there is a free one-week trial. I did pay for a month-long subscription to watch all the seasons. It was well worth it.

Le Bureau is excellent for language enthusiasts. In addition to French, it features dialogue in Arabic, Farsi, Russian, and Italian.

The French used is fairly straightforward. It doesn’t have as much slang as Spiral, for example.

Some useful vocabulary:

• mouchard (m) – bug, wiretap
• taupe (f) – mole, informer
• balancer quelqu’un – to snitch on someone
• fuite (f) – leak (i.e., of information)
• planque (f) – hideout, safe house
• légende (f) – undercover identity. griller sa légende – to blow someone’s cover.
• quoi – when at the end of a sentence, a filler word used for emphasis. C’est fou, quoi ! – It’s crazy, ya know!
• mec (m) – guy, dude
• bosser – to work, to slave away

7. Nina

Available free on Amazon with a PBS Masterpiece channel trial.

Highly entertaining medical drama about Nina, a 39-year-old divorcee who abandoned med school to care for her sick daughter. Fifteen years later, she becomes a dedicated nurse.

Filmed in the hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges in Paris’s southeastern suburbs.

This popular show is in its sixth season in France. Hopefully more seasons will come to Amazon. Seasons 1-5 are available on Netflix in France.

Watch the trailer.

Thanks to Erin Byrne for the recommendation!

8. Les Revenants (The Returned)

This riveting French supernatural drama takes place in the beautiful French Alps. Unfortunately, on Amazon it’s now only available for purchase. See more rental options below.

A group of confused people return home unaware that they have been dead for years, throwing their loved ones into a state of turmoil. Buried secrets emerge as they grapple with this chilling new reality.

The American/Canadian remake, also called The Returned, lasted only one season.

All viewing options:

These popular French shows are no longer free on Netflix or Amazon in the US, but may be available there or on other platforms depending on your country. Check the streaming services listed under each show. And don’t forget your local library for free streaming options like Hoopla.

1. Maison Close

This steamy French period drama follows the beautiful and resilient women of an elite 19th-century Parisian brothel. Great acting and sets and lots of subtleties to the plot.

The first season is very good, but I found the second season disappointing and didn’t finish it.

Fun fact: This French drama was actually filmed in Lisbon, Portugal, whose narrow streets resemble 19th-century Paris.

All viewing options:

French Slang Quiz

Have you been paying attention to my slang definitions? Test your knowledge with this fun quick quiz! Try not to refer to the lists above. 🙂

How fluent is your French slang?

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Have feedback on these French Netflix series or more suggestions? Some of my best French TV show recommendations come from readers!

Also, if you have any suggested additions or improvements for the vocab lists or the slang quiz, I would love to hear them. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

^{Photo credits:
– Banner image: Cécile de France in Dix pour cent (2015)
– French slang quiz images from Plan Coeur © Netflix}