Canal + go clear, at least until March 31, 2020, as decreed by the Superior Council of Audiovisual. Time to convert new followers and buy new subscribers? By announcing the (good) news on March 16 on Twitter, the President of the encrypted channel, Maxime Saada, has in any case made the happiness of many French people. To help the inhabitants of France to cope with the forced confinement intended to limit the spread of the Covid-19, Canal + passes in the clear for all, and this on all the boxes, as specified by the President of the group … who also undoubtedly hopes to retain new subscribers once the crisis has passed. “And for our subscribers, we open access to all our channels Cinema, Series, Youth and Documentaries”, he added, before concluding: "Take care of yourself." For newcomers who do not know where to start, zoom on five series to see absolutely.
⋙ 50 series (for all tastes) to watch on Netflix
Years and Years
The synopsis:
The life of Lyons, a family from Manchester, told over 15 years as Britain withdrew from Europe and a new world emerged. Vivienne Rook, a rebel celebrity who has become a major politician, divides opinion by taking controversial positions. His coming to power will upset the country and far beyond. Can an ordinary family make a difference?
Why we look: it starts in real life … and it ends in the worst (or almost) dystopia. Each of the six episodes of this British mini-series should leave you speechless and above all, scare you. Years and years, it’s the story of an ordinary family witnessing the changes in a post-Brexit society that has lost its bearings. A clever blend, according to the Boston Herald, of This Is Us and of Black mirror. We couldn't have said it better: Years and Years is as realistic as it is spicy.
To see if … we want to be scared (especially during confinement).
The Legends Office
The synopsis:
Within the DGSE (Directorate General for External Security), a department called the Legends Office (BDL) remotely controls the most important agents of the French intelligence services: the illegals. In immersion in hostile countries, their mission is to identify people likely to be recruited as a source of information. Operating in the shadows "under legend", that is to say under an identity fabricated from scratch, they live for many years in permanent duplicity. Returning from a six-year clandestine mission to Damascus, our hero – better known by the code name Malotru – is promoted within the BDL and is gradually gaining a foothold in his real life. But unlike any security procedure, he seems not to give up his legend and the identity under which he lived in Syria …
Why we look: distinguished by the prestigious New york times as being the third best foreign series of the decade, this French production of Canal + signed Eric Rochant is, according to our colleagues from across the Atlantic, "One of the most intelligent and realistic spy series in the world, especially in its first two seasons." Just that. Intelligent and captivating, it above all has the merit of immersing its viewers in a (too) little-known universe.
To see if … we want to learn more about the DGSE.
Twin peaks
The synopsis:
Murder has been committed in Twin Peaks, a small town in apparently quiet Washington State. The young Laura Palmer is found dead naked at the edge of a lake, wrapped in plastic. FBI special agent Dale Cooper, who is dispatched to find the culprit, is conducting the investigation with the support of local sheriff, Harry Truman. These investigations lead them to reveal the dark secrets of each other. Meanwhile, disturbing phenomena are happening …
Why we look: Twin peaks, cult series of just as cult David Lynch, is THE program to see for any self-respecting seriesphile. Released in 1990, this mother ship of the series is tasted like a good wine that we had forgotten in the cellar. Police investigation, romance, suspense: the story of Laura Palmer and the small town of Twin peaks should surely fascinate you.
To see if … we want to develop our serial culture.
Vernon Subutex
The synopsis:
Vernon Subutex, unemployed record store, is evicted from his apartment. In search of a place to sleep, Vernon calls on old friends of the legendary Revolver band, his legendary record store, including returning rock star Alex Bleach. But he died of an overdose and left him with three mysterious videotapes. As Vernon disappears into the anonymity of the city, he becomes the most wanted man in Paris …
Why we look: adapted series of eponymous books, Vernon Subutex reflects the style of its author. Raw, caustic, sulphurous but tasty. The series does not avoid certain clichés but represents a funny dive, at the same time mocking and tender, in the world of Parisian rock … and depicts the portrait of a disenchanted generation while delivering a relevant analysis on the society and on the passing of time. Rhythmic, fast at binge-watcher and endowed with a soundtrack which makes you want to dance (or all Shazamer), this adaptation of Cathy Verney is a program to consume without feeling guilty.
To see if … we love the world of Virginie Despente.
Misfits
The synopsis:
Five marginal young people who have nothing in common find themselves at the same time having to perform community service work. One day, they undergo a powerful and strange storm and, at the exit, find themselves all decked out with super powers …
Why we look: perhaps a little dated today, the series, released in 2009, remains as funny even years later. Completely wacky, as original as offbeat and with a good humor british, this mixture of SKIN and of Heroes owes everything – or at least a lot – to the character of Nathan Young, played by Robert Sheehan, to die of laughter. Perfect for brainstorming.
To see if … you want to laugh to the point of crying.
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