16 Must-Watch French TV Shows to Learn French in 2024

Are you at that point in your French learning journey where you’re thinking, “Alright, I’m ready for some real French now—bring it on!” If so, you’re in the right place!

Once you have built a solid foundation of grammar and vocabulary, it makes sense to move on to the next key aspect of learning a language: listening! And what better way to practice than by immersing yourself in authentic French spoken on TV? French TV shows will expose you to real French—conversations between friends, at the office, with romantic partners, and everyday vocabulary that you can start incorporating into your own conversations. Plus, you’ll pick up plenty of slang to make your French sound more natural and less textbook-like. It’s next-level, French, so get ready!

And the best part? You won’t need to spend hundreds on plane tickets, hotels, or fancy restaurants in Paris—at least not yet! You can dip your toes into authentic French listening right from your couch, anxiety not included!

So, grab your popcorn and your French-English dictionary, and get ready to enjoy some genuine French TV. We have selected a mix of action, comedies, dramas, thrillers, and documentaries, so you’re guaranteed to find something you love while learning French at the same time!

Why Watch French TV Shows for Language Learning?

One way to practice French listening is by packing your bags and leaving for France. However, this might not be the best first step for your self-esteem, as you’ll quickly realize that native French speakers don’t always speak like your teacher, language exchange partner, or the creators teaching you French on YouTube. This immersive method may only benefit those who can spend months or years in France or another French-speaking country. Most people don’t have this opportunity, especially those with kids, a house, pets, and—most importantly—jobs.

Watching French TV shows is a gentler and more accessible way to start listening to authentic French. Making French part of your routine allows you to practice listening regularly without the stress of real-life conversations. You’ll be exposed to the natural flow and speed of the language, all from the comfort of your home.

How to Start Watching French TV Shows

If you’re starting to learn French, jumping into TV shows may not be the best idea and could seriously hurt your motivation. We recommend reaching A1 or A2 proficiency levels before exposing yourself to the authentic language on French TV shows.

Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu offer a selection of French TV shows with subtitles, which will be very helpful initially.

Start with subtitles

It makes sense to activate subtitles in your native language while listening to French. Once you feel more confident, you can switch to French subtitles and practice both reading and listening at the same time. This can help a lot in understanding the dialogue.

Pause and replay

It helps to pause, rewind, and replay certain scenes to help your understanding. With each repetition, you’ll catch more words and phrases that sound familiar. It’s a way to train your brain to get used to the language.

Take notes

Write down new words or phrases to review later. This will help with retention and expand your vocabulary.

Popular French TV Shows for Learning French

This is our top pick of French TV shows for advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners alike.

1. Emily in Paris

Emily, a young American, relocates to Paris to work at a luxury marketing firm. Expect plenty of drama, culture shock, and love triangles as Emily struggles to adjust to life in Paris. Yes, it is 99% in English, but you will hear Emily and the French characters sprinkle in French words and phrases or even switch to French completely in some scenes. It is a great way to start listening to some French, especially for complete beginners!

2. Dix pour cent (Call my Agent)

Dix pour cent is another comedy-drama series for Paris fans! The show follows a group of talent agents who manage their careers in the French show business while dealing with the egos of famous French actors. Each episode features a real-life French actor who plays an exaggerated version of themself. The series is filled with everyday French dialogues, lots of drama, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Although the show includes industry-specific vocabulary related to acting, film, and TV production, it’s not as hard to follow as other shows. It also includes natural everyday conversations, making the series great for advanced beginners and intermediate learners.

3. Lupin

Lupin is a French crime drama series that follows the adventures of a modern-day master thief. He is haunted by his father’s death, which he wants to avenge with a daring theft. Lupin includes both formal and informal French and allows advanced beginners to extend their range of vocabulary. The main character, Assane Diop, often speaks quickly, which could overwhelm beginners. Some episodes contain slang and idiomatic expressions, which can be tricky for A1 and A2 students.

4. Kaamelott

This is a French medieval fantasy TV show based on the era of King Arthur. It combines modern-day humor with medieval fantasy plots. The show’s quirky characters and dialogue can be fun for advanced beginners to practice their French listening skills. Kaamelott features a lot of fast-paced, humorous dialogue with a strong focus on wordplay, sarcasm, and subtle jokes deeply rooted in the French language and culture. The language can be quite colloquial, and the medieval setting sometimes incorporates formal, old-fashioned vocabulary that may not be easy for beginners.

5. Le Chalet

The French miniseries Le Chalet is a suspenseful thriller set in the French Alps and follows a group of friends who reunite for a summer getaway. Their vacation takes a dark turn when a bridge collapses, trapping them in an isolated village. The show includes regional dialects, colloquialisms, and complex language structures, which could make it harder for complete beginners as well as more advanced beginners.

6. Engrenages (Spiral)

Engrenages is a French TV series that deals with various criminal cases. The trial processes in French courts take center stage. The plot focuses on a young public prosecutor, a police chief, a judge, and a defense lawyer who have to deal with each other professionally. The show is suited for intermediate and advanced learners as, besides hearing authentic, everyday French dialogues, you will be exposed to police jargon, police terms, and vocabulary related to law enforcement, legal procedures, and crime. French accents, slang, and regional dialects are used as well.

7. Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau)

Le Bureau des Légendes is a French spy thriller series that follows the lives of French intelligence agents. If you are into espionage, this could easily become your favorite show! The complex plot and realistic dialogue make it a great choice for intermediate learners looking to build vocabulary and improve comprehension skills. Be prepared for fast-paced dialogue and plenty of military, political, and intelligence-related jargon.

8. Bref

Bref is not for those easily overwhelmed by extremely fast dialogues. It is a series divided into 82 episodes, each lasting just 1 to 2 minutes. The episodes offer short, slice-of-life stories covering various themes and characters. Since the episodes are so short, they are perfect for quick daily French listening practice. It’s a good challenge for intermediate and advanced learners.

9. La Forêt

Are you a fan of psychological thrillers? If so, La Forêt could be right up your alley! Set in a French village, it deals with the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl. The series delves into complex relationships within the community and uncovers dark secrets that the residents would prefer to keep hidden. The show features colloquial phrases, everyday vocabulary, and expressions that show how people talk in real life. The regional accents and dialects can make it a bit challenging, which makes the show more suited for advanced learners.

10. Skam France

If you are looking for some teenage drama, check out Skam France. This series is a French take on the hit Norwegian show Skam. You’ll follow a group of teenagers dealing with relationships, mental health, and societal pressures. With tons of slang, idioms, and fast conversations, this series is a fantastic way for advanced learners to learn about contemporary French culture and language.

11. Les Combattantes

Les Combattantes is a historical drama set during World War I. The show follows four women in 1914 France and explores their fates as they have to face the challenges brought on by the conflict. You’ll listen to emotional dialogues filled with historical vocabulary in the context of the early 20th century. Conversations are rather fast, and the vocabulary complex, which makes the show great for intermediate and advanced learners.

12. Anthracite

Anthracite is a French dystopian series set in a near-future world where a mysterious substance threatens the survival of humanity. The show combines mystery, drama, and thriller elements. The characters must confront their own moral dilemmas which makes the dialogue intense and emotionally charged. It features a mix of formal and informal French, with occasional use of slang and regional accents. This show provides a great listening challenge for those at an intermediate or advanced level.

13. Into the Night

Into the Night is a Belgian sci-fi thriller where a strange cosmic event makes sunlight deadly. Passengers and crew on a hijacked plane have to keep flying west to stay in the dark. The show mixes suspense, drama, and survival, with characters facing tough choices. The dialogue includes both formal and informal speech, with different accents and dialects. The fast-paced and rather emotional conversations make the show a great choice for intermediate and advanced learners.

14. Plan Cœur

Plan Cœur is a French rom-com set in Paris. Elsa’s friends secretly hire a male escort to help her get over a breakup. The show is full of fun and awkward moments, focusing on love and friendship. The dialogue is casual, with lots of everyday slang, making it a great pick for intermediate learners who want to practice their listening while enjoying a light, easy watch.

15. Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties

Parisian Agency is a French reality TV show about a family-run luxury real estate agency in Paris. The show follows the Kretz family as they sell high-end properties to wealthy clients. It also gives a glimpse into their personal lives. For French learners, this show can be challenging. The conversations are fast and involve real estate terms. It’s better for intermediate to advanced learners.

16. Mixte (Voltaire High)

Mixte is a French TV show set in the 1960s. It follows the story of a boys’ high school that starts admitting girls for the first time. The show explores how the students and teachers adjust to this change. It mixes humor, romance, and social issues like gender equality. For French learners, the language is more everyday, but conversations can be fast. It’s easier than some other shows, but still best for intermediate learners.

Recap

Learning French doesn’t have to be dull! These 16 awesome French TV shows can really boost your listening skills while you enjoy great stories and characters. Whether you’re laughing at Emily in Paris, solving the mysteries of La Forêt, or feeling the emotions in Skam France, each show gives you a chance to dive into real French conversations and culture.

Learning a language is easier when you select authentic resources that match your interests. So, pick a show that you would watch in your native language as well. If you are just starting out, use subtitles or jot down notes to help you understand. With a little patience and practice, you’ll start picking up everyday words, common expressions, and the natural flow of spoken French.

So, grab your remote, get cozy, and jump into the exciting world of French TV!