The Best French TV Shows on Netflix to Boost Your Listening Skills
A Fun and Effective Way to Learn French Through Pop Culture
Learning French doesn’t have to mean sitting at a desk with a grammar book and memorizing verb conjugations until your brain melts. For a growing number of learners—especially adults with busy lives or people who prefer a more immersive, relaxed approach—the answer is surprisingly simple: French TV. On Netflix.
Yes, really. The same platform you use to binge romantic comedies and true crime documentaries can also be one of the most powerful tools in your language-learning toolkit.
And it makes perfect sense. When you watch French shows, you’re not just passively absorbing words—you’re soaking in real pronunciation, slang, cultural references, and tone. You're hearing the actual music of the language: how people interrupt each other, how they flirt, argue, joke, or express disappointment. You’re learning without even realizing it.
If you’ve ever paused your study app mid-lesson to watch Emily in Paris and told yourself, “Hey, this counts as language practice,” you’re not wrong (even if that show is about as French as a Starbucks croissant). But if you're ready to go beyond cliches and dive into the real sounds, slang, and style of modern French, Netflix has a goldmine waiting for you.
This article is your curated guide to the best French-language series on Netflix—handpicked for their entertainment value and their ability to help you grow your listening skills. Whether you’re into thrillers, romance, comedy, teen drama, or offbeat sci-fi, there’s something here for you. And the best part? You’ll be improving your French without feeling like you're “studying.”
These aren’t just great shows—they’re tools. They’ll help you:
Sharpen your ear for fast, natural French
Understand how real French is spoken across age groups and regions
Pick up vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in context
Boost your pronunciation through repetition and exposure
Build your confidence so you're ready for real-life conversations
So pour yourself a café crème, grab a notebook (or just your remote), and settle in. These are the top French TV shows on Netflix that will not only keep you glued to the screen but also help you become a sharper, more confident French speaker—one episode at a time.
1. Lupin
Genre: Thriller, Heist
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Why it’s great: Clear dialogue, gripping storyline, and rich vocabulary
This global hit starring Omar Sy follows a gentleman thief inspired by the literary character Arsène Lupin. Set in modern-day Paris with plenty of flashbacks and twists, Lupin offers sharp writing and natural French without being overwhelming.
What you'll learn:
Clever turns of phrase
Urban French and polite/formal register
Vocabulary around crime, justice, and identity
Bonus: The suspense keeps you hooked while the context helps you understand what's happening, even if you miss a word or two.
2. Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Level: Upper Beginner to Advanced
Why it’s great: Fast-paced, realistic office French with cultural references galore
Set in a Parisian talent agency, this show dives into the chaos of the entertainment industry, with each episode featuring real French celebrities. The writing is quick and witty, but grounded in realistic, day-to-day conversations.
What you'll learn:
Office and professional vocabulary
Sarcastic and playful banter
Cultural references in French pop culture
Even better, it's one of the most bingeable shows on Netflix—and one of the best for picking up everyday French.
3. The Hook Up Plan (Plan Coeur)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Why it’s great: Youthful, casual French that's easy to follow
This feel-good series follows Elsa and her friends as they navigate dating, work, and friendship in Paris. When Elsa's friends hire a male escort to help her move on from an ex, chaos (and laughter) ensue.
What you'll learn:
Dating and relationship vocabulary
Millennial slang
How young French people actually talk
It’s like Friends meets The Bachelor, with a Parisian twist.
4. Family Business
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Why it’s great: Clear pronunciation, funny plot, and family drama
When a family-run kosher butcher shop turns into a weed business, things spiral in hilarious ways. Despite the zany storyline, the dialogue is surprisingly learner-friendly.
What you'll learn:
Intergenerational language
Informal French and expressions
Vocabulary around work and business
Great for laughs—and for learning how to argue and joke in French.
5. Marianne
Genre: Horror
Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great: Slower dialogue, expressive delivery, and visual context
This dark and chilling series follows a horror writer whose terrifying stories start coming to life. It’s creepy, clever, and offers plenty of clear emotional language for learners.
What you'll learn:
Descriptive vocabulary
Emotional expressions
Regional accents (the story is set in Brittany)
Watch with the lights on—and with a French-English dictionary handy.
6. Osmosis
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Why it’s great: High-concept storytelling with advanced vocabulary
In a near-future Paris, a dating app uses brain data to find your perfect match—but there’s a cost. Think Black Mirror, but French.
What you'll learn:
Philosophical and abstract vocabulary
Medical and tech terms
Thoughtful, articulate French
If you like your language learning deep and dystopian, this is your show.
7. The Chalet (Le Chalet)
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great: Isolated setting, clear dialogue, and dramatic tension
A group of childhood friends reunites in a mountain chalet—until secrets from the past start unraveling. The limited setting and small cast make it easier to track.
What you'll learn:
Past tense structures
Descriptive and suspenseful dialogue
Casual and emotional speech
Bonus: the rural setting introduces you to regional accents and vocabulary.
8. Mortel
Genre: Teen Drama, Supernatural
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Why it’s great: Youth-centered slang and modern vocabulary
When two high school students gain supernatural powers, they’re forced to face both dark forces and real-life teen struggles. If you liked Stranger Things, you’ll love this.
What you'll learn:
Teen slang and expressions
Conversational pacing
School-related vocabulary
It’s fun, fast, and full of everyday speech that’s perfect for casual learners.
9. A Very Secret Service (Au Service de la France)
Genre: Satirical Comedy, Period Piece
Level: Advanced
Why it’s great: Smart, dry humor and historical context
Set in the 1960s, this spy parody explores France’s post-war intelligence community with a sharp sense of humor. The show satirizes bureaucracy, politics, and French identity.
What you'll learn:
1960s-era idioms
Political and bureaucratic vocabulary
Irony, sarcasm, and subtle humor
A great option for advanced learners who love language layered with meaning.
10. Transferts
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Why it’s great: Fascinating premise with intense, philosophical dialogue
In a future where consciousness can be transferred from one body to another, a man wakes up in a new body—and a complicated new life.
What you'll learn:
Futuristic and ethical vocabulary
Legal and police terminology
Advanced sentence structure
It’s gripping, unique, and loaded with high-level French worth rewinding.
How to Learn French Effectively with Netflix
Watching TV in French is easy. Learning from it intentionally takes a bit more effort. Here’s how to get the most out of your binge:
1. Start with French audio + English subtitles
Great for beginners—your brain links meaning to sound.
2. Switch to French subtitles
Once you're more confident, this helps reinforce spelling, pronunciation, and grammar.
3. Watch episodes twice
First for enjoyment, second for listening practice.
4. Pause and repeat tricky phrases
Mimic pronunciation out loud. (Yes, even if it feels weird.)
5. Write down new vocabulary
Create a journal or flashcard set for review.
6. Use Netflix tools like Language Reactor
This Chrome extension lets you slow down speech, see definitions, and review lines.
French TV Learning FAQ
Q: How many episodes should I watch per week to improve?
A: Aim for 2–3 episodes per week with active listening. Consistency is key.
Q: What if I don’t understand anything at first?
A: Totally normal! Keep subtitles on, pause when needed, and rewatch. Your ear will adjust over time.
Q: Should I take notes while watching?
A: Yes, if you're serious. Jot down phrases, idioms, or words you hear repeatedly.
Final Thoughts: Binge Better, Speak Better
There’s no shortcut to fluency, but watching French shows on Netflix might be the most fun, motivating, and natural way to improve your listening skills. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Paris, brushing up your conversation skills, or just falling in love with the language again, French TV helps you connect to the culture behind the words.
So next time you hit “play,” just know:
You're not slacking off. You’re studying—with style.
Read More from Our Blog:
Top 10 Common Mistakes In French Pronunciation (And How To Fix Them)
How To Practice French When You Don’t Live In A French-Speaking Country
Learn French In Oakland: Small Classes & Personalized Instruction
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