Textbooks will never go out of style, but come on—there’s nothing quite like picking up a language while binge-watching a good series. If your goal is to sneak in some Parisian jargon, really understand French comedy, or just sound a little more like a local, French television is your ally. Streaming shows expose you to actual conversations, genuine culture, and the cadence of how French is used in contemporary life. It’s easy, relaxed, and wonderfully effective. So put your favorite treats out and get comfy—here’s our reverse-ranked list of the top French shows to help hone your français.
14. Le Chalet (The Chalet)
Think And Then There Were None, but in the French Alps. A group of friends gather at a remote mountain lodge, but old secrets come to light with deadly consequences. For learners, the tense dialogue is a masterclass in suspicion, fear, and deceit—and you’ll also pick up vocabulary about mountains, nature, and winter life.
13. Marseille
Preferably referred to as the “French House of Cards,” this gritty political series delves into power struggles, betrayal, and crime syndicates. Gérard Depardieu stars as the city’s beleaguered mayor. It’s perfect for picking up vocabulary related to politics, governance, and corruption—let alone the combustible language of acrimonious arguments.
12. C’est du Gâteau (Nailed It, France)
If you enjoy messy baking disasters, this French spin-off is for you. Amateur bakers try implausible challenges, with comedic consequences. For language learners, it’s a delicious way to pick up food vocabulary, cooking techniques, and informal conversation. The judges’ colorful critiques also include lots of descriptive language.
11. La Forêt (The Forest)
Based in the Ardennes, this detective series tracks a missing teenager and the unfolding secrets of a town. There will be much police procedure, questioning, and searching. The countryside setting also throws up local accents, another layer for learners.
10. Les Aventures de Tintin (The Adventures of Tintin)
Ideal for beginners, this timeless animated series brings French to life and within reach. Easy-to-understand narration and globe-trotting escapades assist with vocabulary on travel, threat, and puzzles. Bonus: Captain Haddock’s hot-headed facial expressions make a great addition to anyone attempting to put personality into their French.
9. La Mante
Dark, intense, and psychological—La Mante follows the life of a famous female serial killer who assists investigators with catching a copycat. The show is full of forensic and criminology jargon, but the tense dialogues are excellent for exercising emotive French like doubt, fear, and moral struggle.
8. Dix Pour Cent (Call My Agent!)
One of France’s favorite exports, this series is about talent agents dealing with diva clients and crazy personal lives. Natural dialogue, wry humor, and lots of cultural references are expected. And because there are real French actors who do cameo appearances, it’s also a glimpse of how celebrities speak behind the scenes.
7. Au Service de la France (A Very Secret Service)
This Cold War-era satirical comedy follows bumbling rookie spy André Merlaux as he makes his way through the French secret service. Full of period language, political jargon, and clever idioms, it’s a witty vehicle for examining history while chuckling at its follies.
6. Family Business
When a family butcher shop is converted into France’s first lawful weed café, chaos and comedy ensue. Expect one-liner dialogue chock-full of contemporary slang, generational conflict, and the jargon of business. A delightful way to listen to modern French in action.
5. Drôle (Standing Up)
Based on Paris’s stand-up comedy culture, this series features four struggling comics fighting for fame. The fast-paced dialogue is full of current idioms, puns, and street slang. It’s quick, hilarious, and ideal for students ready for full-speed conversational French.
4. Le Bazar de la Charité (The Bonfire of Destiny)
Taking its cue from an actual 1897 Paris tragedy, this historical drama immerses you in Belle Époque French. From manners of the aristocracy to explosive outbursts, the dialogue is lush and evocative. A must-see for history enthusiasts and language learners who wish to expand their vocabulary beyond contemporary usage.
3. Chef’s Table: France
Food meets philosophy in this docuseries spotlighting some of France’s greatest chefs. You’ll hear passionate descriptions of cooking techniques, flavors, and culinary artistry—all delivered with poetic flair. It’s delicious for your ears as well as your French.
2. Lupin
Omar Sy stars as Assane Diop, a modern gentleman thief inspired by the classic Arsène Lupin novels. Fast-paced, stylish, and clever, the series teaches vocabulary around justice, crime, and social issues, all against the backdrop of Paris. The addictive storytelling makes it easy to forget you’re studying.
1. Plan Cœur (The Hook Up Plan)
At number one is this charming rom-com about Elsa, her heartbreak, and her friends’ questionable plan to hire an escort to boost her confidence. Set in Paris, the show is filled with casual conversations, slang, and expressions you’ll actually hear in daily life. It’s funny, relatable, and a fantastic way to soak up authentic French.
Learning tip: Begin with English subtitles if you’re just starting out, then shift to French subtitles when you feel more confident. Jot down new vocabulary, re-watch highlight reels, and attempt to make viewing a habit. Soon enough, you’ll pick up on slang, humor, and cultural allusions automatically—like an authentic Parisian binge-viewer. So what’s the first show you’re downloading?