French dramas television is home to some of the most compelling and well-crafted dramas, yet many exceptional shows often fly under the radar, especially outside of France. While global audiences are familiar with Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent) and Lupin, there are a host of lesser-known French dramas that offer just as much entertainment and intrigue. If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories, intense thrillers, or fascinating character-driven plots, here are some underrated French dramas that are definitely worth checking out.
1. Les Revenants (2012–2015)
Genre: Supernatural, Drama, Mystery
Starring: Anne Consigny, Clémence Poésy, Frédéric Pierrot
Les Revenants (also known as The Returned) is a supernatural thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Set in a small French town where several people, previously thought to be dead, suddenly return without explanation, the show weaves together a complex tapestry of mystery, horror, and emotional drama. The series explores themes of loss, identity, and the afterlife in a very unique way. Though Les Revenants gained some recognition internationally, it remains underappreciated compared to other supernatural shows. Its atmospheric tone, strong character development, and haunting plot make it a must-watch.
Watch Les Revenants on Netflix
2. Engrenages (2005–2020)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Starring: Caroline Proust, Grégory Fitoussi, Audrey Fleurot
One of France’s best crime dramas, Engrenages (also known as Spiral) follows a team of police officers, lawyers, and judges as they navigate the gritty and complex justice system in Paris. With gripping investigations, intense courtroom drama, and morally ambiguous characters, the show dives into the darker side of law enforcement and legal proceedings. Despite its critical acclaim, Engrenages didn’t gain as much international attention as it deserved. Its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system and sharp writing make it one of the best crime dramas out there.
3. Le Bureau des Légendes (2015–2020)
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Spy
Starring: Mathieu Kassovitz, Florence Loiret Caille, Sara Giraudeau
Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau) is a thrilling French espionage drama that provides a gritty, realistic look into the world of intelligence officers working for the DGSE (the French intelligence agency). The series focuses on agents working under deep cover in hostile territories, balancing their professional duties with personal struggles. With superb performances, particularly from Mathieu Kassovitz, Le Bureau des Légendes combines tension-filled missions with deep character study. Despite being critically acclaimed, it remains underrated outside of France and should be on any fan of spy thrillers’ watchlist.
Watch Le Bureau des Légendes on Sundance Now
4. Un Village Français (2009–2017)
Genre: Historical, Drama, War
Starring: Robin Renucci, Audrey Fleurot, Thierry Godard
Un Village Français is a historical drama set during World War II, centered around a small French village under German occupation. The series follows various residents of the village, exploring the complexities of life during the occupation, including collaboration, resistance, and survival. The show beautifully captures the human cost of war and the moral dilemmas people face in extreme circumstances. While Un Village Français received praise in France, it hasn’t reached the same level of recognition globally. It’s a masterfully written and acted drama that provides a deep and nuanced look at wartime France.
Watch Un Village Français on Amazon
5. La Forêt (2017)
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Starring: Sophie Marceau, Olivier Marchal, Guillaume Labbé
La Forêt (The Forest) is a gripping French thriller that revolves around the disappearance of a teenage girl in a small town in the French Ardennes. As the investigation unfolds, buried secrets come to light, and the investigation takes unexpected twists. What sets this drama apart is its eerie atmosphere and haunting performances, especially by Sophie Marceau. The show mixes elements of crime, mystery, and psychological drama to deliver a compelling narrative that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Despite its strong narrative, it didn’t receive the global attention it deserves.
6. Paris etc. (2017)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Starring: Laetitia Dosch, Alexandra Lamy, Audrey Fleurot
If you’re looking for a lighthearted yet thoughtful French drama, Paris etc. is the perfect pick. The show follows a group of women living in Paris, each dealing with their personal and professional lives in unique and relatable ways. The series is a mix of humor, romance, and drama, offering a refreshing perspective on the modern woman’s life in the city of lights. While it didn’t get as much recognition internationally as it deserves, Paris etc. stands out for its charming characters and witty writing.
7. La Casa de Papel: El Profesor (2020)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Starring: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Pedro Alonso
This French spin-off of La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) takes viewers deeper into the world of El Profesor, the mastermind behind the heists. With his calm and calculating demeanor, El Profesor is at the center of the criminal mastermind’s world, navigating the intricacies of planning and executing heists. While La Casa de Papel is hugely popular worldwide, this French adaptation didn’t gain the same recognition but offers unique insights into the characters we’ve grown to love from the original series.
Watch La Casa de Papel: El Profesor on Netflix
8. Les Témoins (2014–2017)
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Starring: Marie Dompnier, Mathieu Spinosi, Olivier Guéritot
Set in the northern region of France, Les Témoins (The Witnesses) follows a detective investigating a series of chilling crimes that seem to be connected to the region’s history. The show’s dark atmosphere, combined with its intriguing plot and multifaceted characters, make it a standout in the crime-thriller genre. While it has a strong following in France, it didn’t receive as much global attention. If you enjoy gritty, mystery-filled dramas with psychological twists, Les Témoins is a must-watch.
Watch Les Témoins on Sundance Now
Conclusion
French television is home to a wide range of dramas, from intense thrillers to heartfelt emotional journeys. While international hits like Lupin and Call My Agent! have garnered much of the attention, these underrated French dramas deserve a place in the spotlight. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, crime, or deep character-driven narratives, these shows offer something for everyone. So, if you’re looking to expand your French drama repertoire, start with these hidden gems—you won’t regret it!
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If you’ve watched any of these underrated gems or have other recommendations, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
