Award-Winning French Web Series You Need to See

France, renowned for its cinematic prowess and artistic storytelling, has increasingly embraced the digital landscape, producing a wealth of compelling web series that deserve international attention. These series, often characterized by their innovative narratives, high production values, and insightful explorations of contemporary issues, have garnered critical acclaim and prestigious awards both within France and beyond. This article delves into a selection of award-winning French web series that are essential viewing for anyone seeking engaging, thought-provoking, and visually stunning content.

1. Skam France (2018-Present): A Teen Drama Redefined

Awards: Numerous awards, including the ACS Award for Best Youth Series and multiple nominations at the Luchon Festival.

Platform: France.tv Slash, YouTube

Genre: Teen Drama, Coming-of-Age

Why You Should Watch It: Skam France, adapted from the Norwegian series Skam, has transcended its source material to become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Each season focuses on a different character within a group of high school students, exploring their personal struggles, relationships, and evolving identities. The series tackles sensitive topics such as mental health, sexuality, religious identity, and social pressures with remarkable authenticity and nuance.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Storytelling: Episodes are released in short clips throughout the week, mirroring the events as they unfold in the characters’ lives. This immersive format creates a sense of immediacy and allows viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
• Authentic Representation: Skam France is praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life. The dialogue is natural, the characters are relatable, and the issues they face are relevant to young audiences.
• Social Media Integration: The characters have active social media profiles that provide additional context and deepen the viewer’s engagement with the story.
• Exceptional Acting: The young cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing depth and vulnerability to their roles.
• Season Breakdown:
  • Season 1: Focuses on Emma, dealing with insecurity and social anxiety.
  • Season 2: Explores Lucas’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance as he comes to terms with his sexuality. This season is particularly lauded for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues.
  • Season 3: Centers on Imane, a Muslim student navigating her faith, identity, and relationships in a secular society. This season offers a powerful and insightful perspective on Islamophobia and cultural identity.
  • Season 4: Follows Arthur, exploring his experience with hearing loss and the challenges he faces in communication and social interaction.
  • Season 5: Depicts Lola’s struggle with bipolar disorder and the impact it has on her life and relationships.
  • Season 6: Explores Maya’s journey as she grapples with the complexities of love and relationships.
  • Season 7: Focuses on Tiffany and her struggle with anxiety and self-doubt.
  • Season 8: Centers on Bilal and his journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
  • Season 9: Explores the lives of new characters.
  • Season 10: Focuses on the impact of social media on mental health.

2. Calls (2019): An Auditory Thriller Unlike Any Other

Awards: Winner of the International Emmy Award for Short-Form Series.

Platform: Canal+

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Sci-Fi, Anthology

Why You Should Watch It: Calls is a groundbreaking series that relies solely on audio recordings to tell its stories. Each episode presents a series of phone calls that gradually reveal a disturbing and mysterious event. The series is a masterclass in sound design and storytelling, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Key Features:

• Innovative Format: The absence of visuals forces the viewer to rely entirely on their imagination, making the experience incredibly immersive and unsettling.
• Compelling Storytelling: The narratives are intricately crafted, gradually unraveling the mysteries and revealing the characters’ fates.
• Exceptional Sound Design: The sound design is crucial to the series’ success, creating a rich and detailed soundscape that enhances the atmosphere and builds suspense.
• Anthology Structure: Each episode tells a self-contained story, allowing viewers to jump in at any point.
• Themes: The series explores themes of technology, communication, isolation, and the fragility of reality.

3. Fais pas ci, fais pas ça (2007-2017): A Hilarious Clash of Cultures

Awards: Several awards, including Best Comedy Series at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.

Platform: France 2 (available on various streaming platforms)

Genre: Comedy, Family Drama

Why You Should Watch It: Fais pas ci, fais pas ça (Do This, Don’t Do That) is a beloved French comedy series that follows the lives of two families with contrasting parenting styles and political views. The Lepic family are traditional and conservative, while the Bouley family are progressive and bohemian. The series hilariously explores the clashes and compromises that arise as the two families navigate their differences and raise their children.

Key Features:

• Relatable Characters: The characters are well-developed and relatable, even in their eccentricities.
• Sharp Writing: The writing is witty and insightful, offering a satirical look at French society and family dynamics.
• Excellent Ensemble Cast: The cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing humor and heart to their roles.
• Cultural Commentary: The series provides a humorous commentary on French culture, politics, and social issues.
• Long-Running Success: The series ran for ten seasons, a testament to its enduring popularity and quality.

4. Broute (2018-Present): Dark Humor in the Digital Age

Awards: Awarded at the Festival de la Fiction de La Rochelle.

Platform: France.tv Slash, YouTube

Genre: Dark Comedy, Satire

Why You Should Watch It: Broute is a darkly humorous and satirical web series that explores the absurdities of modern life through the lens of social media and online culture. The series follows a group of young people as they navigate the challenges of relationships, careers, and self-discovery in the digital age.

Key Features:

• Dark Humor: The series uses dark humor to expose the hypocrisy and superficiality of online culture.
• Satirical Commentary: Broute offers a sharp and insightful commentary on social media, influencer culture, and the pressures of modern life.
• Relatable Characters: Despite their flaws, the characters are relatable and sympathetic.
• Short-Form Episodes: The episodes are short and punchy, making them perfect for binge-watching.
• Edgy and Provocative: The series is not afraid to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms.

5. Mental (2019-Present): Tackling Mental Health with Honesty and Humor

Awards: Nominated for Best Series at the Luchon Festival.

Platform: France.tv Slash

Genre: Comedy-Drama, Mental Health

Why You Should Watch It: Mental is a groundbreaking series that tackles the sensitive topic of mental health with honesty, humor, and empathy. The series follows a group of teenagers living in a psychiatric hospital as they navigate their mental health challenges, relationships, and personal growth.

Key Features:

• Sensitive and Accurate Portrayal of Mental Health: The series is praised for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of mental health issues.
• Humorous Approach: While dealing with serious topics, the series also incorporates humor to create a more accessible and engaging experience.
• Strong Character Development: The characters are well-developed and relatable, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
• Educational and Informative: The series provides valuable insights into mental health conditions and the challenges faced by those living with them.
• Positive Message of Hope: Mental offers a message of hope and resilience, showing that recovery is possible.

6. Derby Girl (2020): A Hilarious and Empowering Sports Comedy

Awards: Won the Best Series award at the Festival de la Fiction TV de Luchon.

Platform: France.tv Slash

Genre: Comedy, Sports

Why You Should Watch It: Derby Girl is a hilarious and empowering comedy series that follows Lola Bouvier, a former figure skating champion, as she reinvents herself as the coach of a struggling roller derby team. The series is a celebration of female empowerment, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams.

Key Features:

• Strong Female Lead: Lola Bouvier is a complex and compelling character who defies stereotypes.
• Humorous and Engaging Storytelling: The series is filled with witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and heartwarming moments.
• Positive Representation of Women in Sports: Derby Girl showcases the athleticism, strength, and camaraderie of women in roller derby.
• Themes of Empowerment and Self-Discovery: The series explores themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and the importance of finding your passion.
• Fast-Paced and Energetic: The series is fast-paced and energetic, keeping viewers engaged from beginning to end.

These award-winning French web series represent a diverse range of genres and styles, but they all share a common thread