The article discusses the cultural impact of “Loft Story,” France’s first reality TV show, which premiered in 2001 and sparked widespread debate. It explores the new Prime Video series “Culte,” focusing on the show’s creators and the behind-the-scenes challenges they faced in producing the program. Featuring strong character development, particularly the struggles of Isabelle, the series highlights the complexities of reality television production while shedding light on iconic figures like Loana.
Over two decades ago, in 2001, French audiences tuned into M6 and encountered Loft Story, the inaugural reality TV show in France. This groundbreaking program sparked a significant media and cultural shift. By broadcasting the lives of a group of young adults—who favored discussions about parties over politics—Loft Story ignited strong emotions and split public opinion: some hailed it as a timely reflection of society, while others dismissed it as a ‘trash show’. Regardless of the viewpoint, characters like Loana and Jean-Edouard, along with the iconic pool and confessional, became unforgettable symbols that shaped an entire generation. Today, Loft Story is regarded as a cult classic, making Prime Video’s newest series, Culte, which delves into the origins and behind-the-scenes journey of the show, a fitting homage.
An In-Depth Look at the Rise of Loft
Surprisingly, Culte does not merely rehash the events of the first season of the original show. Instead, it focuses on the unseen creators behind Loft Story: Isabelle de Rochechouart (played by Anaïde Rozam), inspired by Alexia Laroche-Joubert—the very person responsible for Loft and the series Culte. Accompanying her are Raphaël (César Domboy) and Philippe (Nicolas Briançon), both of whom share Isabelle’s burning desire for success.
The quest for triumph fuels this riveting series, which unfolds with the intensity of a thriller. Viewers are left in suspense as the producers encounter increasingly daunting challenges. How will they realize their vision, and at what cost? Caught in the media rivalry between TF1 and M6, the team navigates a cutthroat landscape where they must overcome considerable odds.
Initially, the two channels entered a discreet agreement to steer clear of reality shows, a pact swiftly broken by M6, which decided to proceed with Loft Story. As pressure mounts, Isabelle and her crew find themselves under immense scrutiny; the entire success of the show hangs in the balance. “People come for the concept, but they stay for the casting,” remarks the M6 executive supporting her.
Culte excels not just by narrating a phenomenon but by analyzing it through the experiences of its creators. Louis Farge, the director, emphasizes that the struggles and pressures of producing this reality show were immense. “In Culte, we capture the essence of storytelling often seen in thrillers,” he elaborates, highlighting the critical role of music, which layers tension throughout, as well as the fast-paced editing that enhances drama.
Farge drew inspiration from the acclaimed series Succession to create an appropriate balance between the producers and the cast: “Using long focal lengths for close-ups, as seen in Succession, allows the audience to empathize while keeping a reflective distance.”
Characters that Resonate
The six episodes of Culte are irresistibly binge-worthy, in large part due to the depth of its characters. Isabelle de Rochechouart, at first glance, may appear frigid and distant. Yet beneath this exterior lies a woman grappling with insecurities and yearning for her father’s approval, a stern intellectual who looks down on Loft. “She tends to suppress her emotions, which makes her relatable,” explains Anaïde Rozam, the actress portraying her. “I believe it’s more poignant when grief simmers below the surface.”
Anaïde Rozam, who gained popularity during the lockdown through humorous sketches, convincingly embodies the character inspired by Alexis Laroche-Joubert, capturing her nuances perfectly. “Playing Isabelle has bolstered my self-confidence,” she shares. “She embodies that ‘fake it until you make it’ spirit. It’s risky, especially in a male-dominated environment, but her unwavering belief inspires others to trust in her vision.”
Amidst the #MeToo movement, Isabelle’s story unfolds alongside Loana’s, who emerges not just as a blonde bombshell but as a brilliant and compassionate young woman. Culte presents her struggles while shedding light on the intelligence and depth overshadowed by societal fixation on her appearance. Actress Marie Colomb, who portrays Loana, can relate deeply, having researched her character extensively. “Her personal narrative, conveyed in her book Elle m’appelle… Miette, became immensely valuable