Top 10 TV Shows to Learn French

This is the French version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire! A very popular game show featuring general knowledge quiz questions where participants must answer correctly to win a million dollars. Of course, the show includes the three usual lifelines: 50/50, phone a friend, and ask the audience, just like in other versions around the world.

Qui veut gagner des millions? This show is fantastic because it not only helps you expand your knowledge of French culture, history, and traditions, but also offers a great opportunity to learn from others before trying your hand at similar television game shows.

"Engrenages", a French crime series, offers an in-depth look at French society and the inner workings of its justice system. Following a young prosecutor, a police chief, a judge, and a lawyer, we dive into the complex world of the Parisian courts, observing how they operate, the people involved, and the behind-the-scenes tricks.

While some argue that the show may not always reflect reality, this is less important when we’re captivated by the stunning performances of the cast. As one of the few French TV shows aired internationally in almost 70 countries, Engrenages stands as a testament to its immense success.

Coffee has long been a staple in our morning routine, helping us stay alert throughout long workdays. Almost every office, no matter where, has an automatic coffee machine. This is the backdrop of each episode in Caméra Café. The series revolves around small talk about work and personal life, seen through the perspective of a driver for the CEO, a director, and a psychologist in the lobby of a company, leading to lots of laughs throughout the day.

The main character, and the unique aspect of the show, is the coffee machine placed in the break room, which becomes the sole viewpoint for viewers in each episode. Employees parade in front of it, their interactions often exaggerated with humor, sometimes even ridicule. This show is not just fun to watch, but it's also a great way to improve your French!

If you're a history buff, Kaamelott is a must-watch. This entertaining and humorous historical fantasy series draws inspiration from the tale of King Arthur, chronicling his quest to fulfill a mission bestowed upon him by the gods. With the help of the largely inept Knights of the Round Table, Arthur faces the fall of the Roman Empire, barbarian invasions, and the quest for the legendary Holy Grail. Watching this series, you’ll be itching to visit France and marvel at the ancient and breathtaking Roman castles.

Kaamelott is a French comedy series created in 2005 by Alexandre Astier. It rewrites the Arthurian legend, depicting King Arthur’s adventures alongside his knights. The show spans six seasons, with the early episodes leaning heavily on comedy, while later seasons shift to a blend of comedic drama and, eventually, straight-up drama. Over time, the show expanded its episode lengths from a sitcom format to more substantial episodes, reaching 45 minutes in the sixth season and beyond.

The lives of four police officers are turned upside down after their colleague, Max, commits suicide in connection with a case. Devastated, they decide to step outside the law and create their own code of justice with one goal: to clear Max's name.

However, their actions soon become driven by anger and vengeance, pulling them into a series of increasingly complex and dangerous situations. Braquo hooks viewers with its suspenseful twists and turns that make it hard to look away. The intense action scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat, even if you struggle to keep up with the lightning-fast dialogue of the characters.

"Les Guignols de l’info" is a satirical news program hosted by puppets. Known for parodying famous speeches and mocking political figures, the show holds a significant influence on popular culture in France. With its bold, critical voice aimed at prominent figures and conservative views, it has a larger impact on its audience than most other media outlets.

Although the main focus of Les Guignols de l’info is French politics, global events occasionally make their way into the show. This program will not only keep you updated on current affairs but also provide alternative perspectives on important issues.

If you're a fan of romantic stories, especially those involving city girls falling for country boys, then Coup de foudre au prochain village is the perfect show for you! The show follows a bus journey carrying 20 women from the city to various villages across France, where they search for their soulmate and a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

In each village, the bus stops for about a week, during which three local men get to know the women. The women then compete for the affection of the man they consider their ideal partner. Those who aren't as lucky can either stay in the village or continue their journey to try their luck in another one.

Stay updated with the latest news while learning French — it's a win-win! This TV program brings you the hottest, most important headlines from French-speaking countries each week. Additionally, every Friday, two articles addressing global issues will be selected for discussion topics. Not only that, but you can also engage in interactive exercises based on your current French proficiency level.

Every Friday, the French listening channel 7 jours sur la planète presents two short videos (around 7–10 minutes each) covering various current events. The diverse and rich topics keep viewers up-to-date with the most notable news of the week. Each video includes subtitles, making it easy to follow and ensuring no key information is missed. Additionally, you can test your French listening comprehension skills through provided questions and answers.

Marseille, a beautiful city in the south of France with at least 300 sunny days a year, is the perfect destination for those wanting to experience life on the famous Mediterranean coast. Set in this coastal city, "Plus belle la vie" follows the daily lives of residents in the Mistral neighborhood.

The show’s two main storylines revolve around the personal lives of Mistral's inhabitants and the developments in their love, friendship, and even some detective-like mysteries with a touch of fantasy. While the French humor may be a bit puzzling at first, the stunning beaches, white sands, and dazzling sunlight are impossible to resist!

You've probably heard of Tintin at least once in your life, right? He is a hugely popular comic character who hails from Belgium, not France as many mistakenly believe. Since it was adapted from the famous comic series in 1991, episodes of the animated series have been regularly broadcast on children's TV channels. Watch "Les aventures de Tintin" to relive your childhood adventures!

This animated series, based on the comics by Belgian writer Hergé, originally called Les Aventures de Tintin, was first created in 1991. It spans 39.5 hours of content, some of which aired on VTV3 in 2007. It's a nostalgic journey through Tintin's exciting escapades!