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Here are my recent recommendations to help you develop your cultural knowledge and French language skills!
Develop your French by watching TV!
There are lots to choose from!
There are so many excellent French language films to enjoy and thanks to streaming services we can now access them more and more. Most of my recommendations are about films and shows on Netflix, however the BBC also has a French offering. See my most recent recommendations at the bottom of this page.
Should I have subtitles on in English?
Why not?!
The advantage of subtitles in English is that you are able to follow all of the plot! Sometimes the French is spoken so fast you can miss vital parts of the programme / film and then you lose track of events. Subtitles allow you to have a back up and keep you focused on the action. Decide what is best for you and your stage of learning / level of French. In any case it is not a bad thing to use the subtitle function – you are still getting lots of exposure to spoken French!
Should I have subtitles on in French?
Why not?!
For slightly more advanced learners, having the subtitles on in French and listening in French can be highly beneficial.
HOWEVER – Sometimes what is said and what is written do not match up, which is highly frustrating! So just be aware and if it annoys you switch back to English or turn them off altogether (I have done this before as the translations were so different, I was too busy focusing on that and not enjoying the programme!)
HOWEVER – Sometimes what is said and what is written do not match up, which is highly frustrating! So just be aware and if it annoys you switch back to English or turn them off altogether (I have done this before as the translations were so different, I was too busy focusing on that and not enjoying the programme!)
What type of French programme should I choose?
It is completely up to you!
I would advise trying a range of different programmes. My selection below do not all share common themes (appart from the language) and are not all programmes I would usually choose, however I have enjoyed discovering new topics and themes through these French language shows.
Here are my most recent recommendations!
She’s French
Documentary about stereotypes
This documentary explores the myths, truths, stereotypes and omissions in the modern — and often romanticised — conception of the “French woman.”
View on Netflix
This documentary explores the myths, truths, stereotypes and omissions in the modern — and often romanticised — conception of the “French woman.”
View on Netflix
The 7 lives of Lea – Les 7 vies de Léa
French sci-fi, crime drama series
After finding a young man’s remains, Léa wakes up in the 90s and body swaps seven times as she tries to solve the mystery of his death — and prevent it.
Netflix
After finding a young man’s remains, Léa wakes up in the 90s and body swaps seven times as she tries to solve the mystery of his death — and prevent it.
Netflix
Untouchable
Heartwarming French film.
After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caretaker, and an unlikely friendship forms.
View on Netflix
After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caretaker, and an unlikely friendship forms.
View on Netflix
The Parisien Agency – L’agence Parisienne
French Property reality TV.
This reality series follows the Kretz family and their luxury property business as they help clients buy and sell fabulous homes in France and abroad.
Netflix
This reality series follows the Kretz family and their luxury property business as they help clients buy and sell fabulous homes in France and abroad.
Netflix
The Promise – La promesse
French crime drama.
Grappling with the ghosts of the past. Twenty years after detective Pierre Castaing failed to find a missing girl, his daughter takes up the case. French noir from the creators of Spiral.
BBC iPlayer
Grappling with the ghosts of the past. Twenty years after detective Pierre Castaing failed to find a missing girl, his daughter takes up the case. French noir from the creators of Spiral.
BBC iPlayer
Interview with a French politician
French politics.
Stephen Sackur speaks to the longtime leader of France’s far right, Marine Le Pen. She’s hoping to win the French presidency for her party, National Rally, in the French Presidential elections 2022 .
BBC iPlayer
Stephen Sackur speaks to the longtime leader of France’s far right, Marine Le Pen. She’s hoping to win the French presidency for her party, National Rally, in the French Presidential elections 2022 .
BBC iPlayer
The Hook Up Plan – Plan coeur
French Romcom series.
When Parisian Elsa gets hung up on her ex, her best friends secretly hire a male escort to help her move on. But their plan works a little too well.
Netflix
When Parisian Elsa gets hung up on her ex, her best friends secretly hire a male escort to help her move on. But their plan works a little too well.
Netflix
The Bonfire of Destiny – Le Bazar de la Charité
French period drama.
After a devastating fire in 1897 Paris, three women find their lives upended by betrayals, deceptions and romantic turmoil. Inspired by real events.
Netflix
After a devastating fire in 1897 Paris, three women find their lives upended by betrayals, deceptions and romantic turmoil. Inspired by real events.
Netflix
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