Best French TV Series to Watch in 2026 to Learn French (Contemporary & Historical)
Furies, Netflix
Learning French through TV series is one of the most effective — and enjoyable — ways to improve your language skills. But simply watching episodes passively is not enough. To really make progress, French series need to become an active learning tool, not just background entertainment.
Below, you will find a hand-picked mix of contemporary and historical French TV series that are both enjoyable to watch and genuinely helpful for learning French.
How to Learn French Effectively with TV Series (Active Listening Tips)
A good method is to watch each episode at least twice. Start with a first viewing without subtitles, focusing only on the general meaning, the rhythm of the language and familiar words.
Then watch the episode again with French subtitles, paying attention to sentence structure, pronunciation and recurring expressions. Write down new vocabulary, especially phrases you hear several times, and take a few minutes to review and reuse them later. This kind of active listening is one of the best ways to train your ear and improve comprehension naturally.
These series showcase real spoken French, everyday conversations, regional accents and cultural references, while also offering strong storytelling that keeps you motivated. From modern crime dramas to powerful historical series, this selection will help you learn French through authentic language and French culture, not textbook dialogues.
1. Pax Massilia – Contemporary Crime Drama (Netflix)
Pax Massilia, Netflix
Platform: https://www.netflix.com
Set in Marseille, Pax Massilia follows a tough police unit dealing with organized crime, corruption and violence in one of France’s most complex cities. The series dives deep into the personal lives of the characters, showing how their work constantly collides with family, loyalty and moral limits. The city itself becomes a character, with its streets, port and multicultural identity shaping the story.
You’ll hear modern, urban French, including informal speech and regional accents. It’s ideal for advanced learners who want exposure to real-life spoken French, especially outside Paris, and who are curious about contemporary social issues in France.
2. Furies – Urban Action & Drama
Furies, Netflix
Platform: https://www.netflix.com
Furies tells the story of a young woman pulled into the violent world of Parisian criminal networks after a personal tragedy. As she tries to understand her past, she navigates power struggles, betrayal and survival in a fast-moving, tense environment. The story blends family drama with action and psychological tension.
The dialogue is fast, emotional and very natural, which is excellent listening practice. You’ll hear everyday French used in moments of stress, conflict and intimacy — perfect for improving comprehension of spoken, emotional French.
3. Un village français – World War II Historical Drama
Village Français, Netflix
Platform: https://www.netflix.com | https://www.france.tv
This landmark French series follows the inhabitants of a small fictional village during the German occupation in World War II. Teachers, doctors, shopkeepers and politicians must make difficult choices: resist, collaborate, or simply survive. Over time, friendships fracture and moral boundaries blur.
The French is clear and well articulated, making it accessible from B1/B2 level. You’ll learn vocabulary related to history, politics and daily life, while gaining deep insight into how the French remember and narrate this period.
4. Les Combattantes – World War I Women’s Stories (Netflix)
Les Combattantes, Netflix
Platform: https://www.netflix.com
Set during World War I, Les Combattantes focuses on four women whose lives are transformed by the war. Nurses, factory workers and civilians are suddenly forced into new roles as men leave for the front. The series highlights courage, solidarity and social change at a time when women’s voices were rarely heard.
The language combines emotional dialogue and historical narration, which is excellent for vocabulary expansion. It’s also a great way to explore gender roles and social evolution in France, through accessible yet rich French.
5. Soleil Noir – Rural Thriller
Soleil Noir - Netflix
Platform: https://www.netflix.com
Soleil Noir takes place in rural Provence, where a mysterious death disrupts the calm life of a prestigious flower farm. As secrets emerge, family tensions and hidden pasts come to light. The slow-building suspense keeps viewers engaged episode after episode.
The series offers slower-paced dialogue, which can be easier to follow. You’ll hear French spoken in a rural context, with vocabulary related to family, land, emotions and investigation — perfect for intermediate learners.
6. Zonz – Contemporary Youth Drama
Zonz, France TV
Platform: https://www.france.tv
Zonz follows a teenage boy entering prison for the first time. Inside, he discovers a harsh new world with its own rules, relationships and hierarchies. The series explores identity, friendship and survival from a young person’s perspective.
This is excellent exposure to very contemporary, informal French, especially spoken by younger generations. Episodes are short, making it ideal for focused listening sessions and vocabulary extraction.