TV5MONDE Program Highlights – December 2023
Film, Film Series
December 1 - December 31, 2023
The international French-language network TV5 Monde is showing several fantastic programs in December. The program includes premium films, a chance to discover exciting new series, fun-filled variety shows, and engaging documentaries! We’ve rounded up some of the very best must-see programs this month, get ready to immerse yourself in French culture!
TV5 Monde
Special Programming
La piste de la Francophonie pour la planète LIVE – December 11-12 at 12:00am ET/ 9:00pm PT
To mark its 40th anniversary, TV5MONDE is offering “La Piste de la Francophonie pour la planet,” a unique live broadcast across 17 cities around the world. This special edition will focus on environmental issues, preservation of the planet, and sustainable development. Its objective: to bring to light the consequences of global warming, and how francophone-speaking countries have been actively responding.
The kick-off will be given by Françoise Joly and Chloé Nabédian in Paris. In each city, a 52-minute segment will be presented by a journalist from a partner channel, and in certain destinations, accompanied by a journalist from TV5MONDE:
- PARIS (TV5MONDE) : Françoise Joly & Chloé Nabedian
- MAYOTTE (France TV) : Anastasia Laguerra
- VICTORIA (SeychellesBC) : Marie-Claude D’Unienville & Mohamed Kaci
- WALLIS & FUTUNA (France TV) : Violetta Kikanoi
- ATHENES (ERT) : Alexia Kefalas
- MONACO (TVMonaco) : Adrien Hellec
- YAOUNDE (CRTV) : Evelyne Owona & Nidhya Palliakara
- GENEVE (RTSuisse) : Michel Cerutti
- DAKAR (RTSénégal) : Mayama Dramé & Denise Epoté
- COTONOU (ORTBénin) : Apollinaire Tchiko & Dominique Laresche
- BRUXELLES (RTBF) : Gwenaëlle Dekegeleer
- ST PIERRE & MIQUELON (France TV) : Delphine Jeanneau
- TAHITI (France TV) : Aiata Taharu
- RABAT (2M) : Hanane Harrath & Nicolas George
- MARTINIQUE (France TV) : Bianca Careto
- LA NOUVELLE ORLEANS (TVLouisiane) : Will McGrew & Dominique Tchimbakala
- MONTREAL (IRCanada/Télé Québec, TV5QC) : Sébastien Diaz
- PARIS (TV5MONDE): Antoine Genton
Genre: Live special, environment (2023)
Films
**Jean-Pierre Mocky Focus**
La Cité de l’indicible peur (ou La grande frousse) – December 12 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
(English ST)
- On the trail of an escaped forger, the debonair Inspector Triquet arrives in Barges, an imaginary village in Auvergne. He discovers a local population terrified by the reappearance of a legendary monster, “the Bargeasque.”
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1964)
Cast: Bourvil, Francis Blanche, Jean Poiret, Jean-Louis Barrault
Genre: Thriller
La grandes lessive (!) – December 19 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
(English ST)
A disgruntled teacher conspires with an anarchist to block TV airwaves.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1968)
Cast: Bourvil, Francis Blanche, Roland Dubillard
Genre: Comedy
Un drôle de paroissien – December 26 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 6
(English ST)
One day, Georges Lachaunaye, son of an impoverished aristocratic Catholic family, is convinced he’s received a divine revelation: to meet the needs of his family he should steal from church collection boxes…
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France/Italy, 1963)
Cast: Bourvil, Jean Poiret, Francis Blanche
Genre: Comedy
**
Marquise – December 21 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 6
(English ST)
When the fair Marquise joins Molière’s theatre troupe, she dreams of stardom. But after a catastrophic debut performance, Molière refuses to give her another role. So she has to settle for dancing. Everything changes when she meets a young actor named Jean Racine.
Director: Vera Belmont (France/Italy/Switzerland, 1997)
Cast: Sophie Marceau, Lambert Wilson, Bernard Giraudeau, Thierry Lhermitte
Genre: Dramedy
J’irai où tu iras – December 24 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 6
(English ST)
Keen to improve the relationship between his two opposed daughters, a father finds a way to bring them together for a weekend: Vali, a Céline Dion fan, has clinched an audition in Paris! And Mina will have to take her there, despite her disdain for her sister’s passion.
Director: Géraldine Nakache (France, 2018)
Cast: Leïla Bekhti, Géraldine Nakache, Patrick Timsit
Genre: Dramedy
Les maîtres du temps – December 28 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 6
On the planet Perdide an Aragne, an insect-like all-terrain vehicle tries to escape a swarm of hornets. The driver, Claude, is looking tense. Sensing that his end is near, he entrusts a mobile microphone to his son Piel, enabling him to call Jaffar, an old and dear friend, for help…
Director: René Laloux (France/Switzerland/Germany, 1982)
Cast: Jean Valmont, Michel Elias, Frédéric Legros
Genre: Animation
Mince alors 2 ! – December 31 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 6
(English ST)
Isabelle and her niece Nina open a fasting and detox centre in the heart of Provence with a helping hand from Baptiste, yogi and general handyman, Jessica, tantric masseur and Maxime, the very attractive equitherapist. Soon the first clients arrive…
Director: Charlotte de Turckheim (France, 2021)
Cast: Catherine Hosmalin, Lola Dewaere, Charlotte de Turckheim
Genre: Comedy
Series
Cerebrum – December 20 & December 27 at 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT
Season 1
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus
(English ST)
Henri Lacombe is a psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health where he has just been promoted to director. Day after day, Henri’s mission is to soothe the suffering of his patients.
Creator: Guy Édoin, Richard Blaimert (Canada, 2021)
Cast: Claude Legault, Évelyne de la Chenelière, Henri Picard, Marianne Verville, Christine BeaulieuGenre: Drama
Documentaries
Il était une forêt – Mondays, starting December 11 at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 6
(English ST)
With a true passion for his forest, Fred Pellerin also wants to care for it. The storyteller and writer are particularly interested in its lake, said to be polluted. How to revive it in an environmentally friendly way. He tackles the problem with biologist Pierre Magnan, his cousin Georges, and ethnologist Isabelle Picard.
Director: Patricia Beaulieu (Canada, 2022)
Genre: Documentary series
Les hôtels historiques de Suisse – December 21 at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT
Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus
(English ST)
They are amongst the most renowned of Switzerland’s luxury hotels, the Montreux Palace, on the shores of Lake Geneva, and the Monte Rosa, in Zermatt. Distinguished names that recount the earliest days of Swiss tourism.
Director: Kristina Forbat, Anja Kindler (Switzerland, 2022)
Genre: Documentary
Et Dieu créa Barbie – December 27 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
(English ST)
More than sixty years after its creation by Mattel, Barbie remains just as popular. Far more than a simple toy, the doll has become a pop icon. Her unnatural figure guaranteed her both global success and controversy. We look back at the history of the famous Barbie doll.
Director: Julie Lazare (France, 2023)
Genre: Documentary
TV5 Monde Plus
Special Programming
Les étoiles du chocolat – Streaming beginning December 6
The chocolate, Belgian version of Top Chef. Chocolate in the spotlight in this new culinary competition! 24 candidate chocolatiers, from all over Belgium, contrast their know-how and their creative talent. Who will melt the prestigious jury, made up of Pierre Marcolini, Jean Philippe Darcis, and Victoire Finaz?
Host: Maureen Louys (Belgium, 2023)
Jury: Pierre Marcolini, Jean Philippe Darcis, Victoire Finaz
Genre: Cooking show, competition
La grande soirée des cabarets – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
In the sumptuous setting of the castle of Fontainebleau, the largest and mythical cabarets of France are honored. Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin, Crazy Horse, Chez Michou, Madame Arthur, Royal Palace, My first cabaret… Nicky Doll and Stéphane Bern take us on a magical journey. Guests: Mentissa, Claudio Capéo, Chimène Badi, Julie Zenatti, Élisa Tovati, Les Coquettes, Les Retrouvailles, Paloma…
Director: François Goetghebeur (France, 2023)
Host: Nicky Doll, Stéphane Bern
Genre: Cabaret show
Taratata, les 30 ans – Streaming beginning December 6
« Taratata » celebrates its 30th anniversary in the largest concert hall in Europe, Paris La Défense Arena. For this very special occasion, more than 80 artists, 50 songs performed, a stage of 1,000 square meters, more than 30 musicians and singers, 40,000 people in the audience… Memorable paintings, unique performances, essential covers in duo, trio and more, new and unexpected encounters, and many surprises…
Host: Nagui (France, 2023)
Genre: Music show
Théâtre jeune public : la Belle et la Bête – Streaming beginning December 6
To save her father’s life, Belle, the youngest of his three daughters, offers herself as a sacrifice to a monstrous beast who lives as a recluse in a palace. Little by little, a friendship is born between the two beings and a double metamorphosis begins…
Director: Sofia Betz, Damien Van Der Straten (Belgium, 2019)
Host: Nicky Doll, Stéphane Bern
Genre: Theatre
Films
**Jean-Pierre Mocky Focus**
Bonsoir – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
A homeless tailor finds places to spend the night by pretending to be a relative or government official.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1994)
Cast: Michel Serrault, Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Claude Jade
Genre: Comedy
Les dragueurs – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
Two young men, one shy and one self-confident, spend a fast-paced night in Paris trying to pick up women. They confront every possible difficulty.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1959)
Cast: Jacques Charrier, Charles Aznavour, Dany Robin
Genre: Drama
Le furet – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
A simple man dreams of becoming a crime boss.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 2003)
Cast: Jacques Villeret, Michel Serrault, Robin Renucci
Genre: Comedy
L’ibis rouge – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
Forty-eight hours in an area around a Parisian canal where a former Tango champion meets a killer.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1975)
Cast: Michel Simon, Michel Serrault, Michel Galabru
Genre: Comedy
Solo – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
During an orgy with minor girls, some old and wealthy notables are being murdered by a small group of leftist young revolutionaries. Very soon the police are tracking down Virgile Cabral, the leader of the group.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1970)
Cast: Jean-Pierre Mocky, Sylvie Bréal, Anne Deleuze
Genre: Drama
Une nuit à l’Assemblée nationale – Streaming beginning December 6
(English ST)
Walter Arbeit accompanies his mayor and MP, Dugland, to Paris where he is to be awarded the Legion of Honour. Soon after their arrival, Walter discovers that Dugland committed fraud to obtain this distinction.
Director: Jean-Pierre Mocky (France, 1988)
Cast: Jean Poiret, Michel Blanc, Jacqueline Maillan
Genre: Comedy
**
Lucky – Now streaming
(English ST)
To make ends meet, Willy and Tony come up with a brilliant idea: steal a dog from the drug squad! But the plan doesn’t quite go as expected and the two friends find themselves having to team up with a corrupt policewoman named Caro.
Director: Olivier Van Hoofstadt (French, 2020)
Cast: Michaël Youn, Alban Ivanov, Florence Foresti
Genre: Comedy
Le voyage du Prince – Now streaming
(English ST)
An elderly ape, a prince, is washed up on an unknown shore. Injured, and lost, he’s found by young Tom and taken in by his parents, dissident researchers who dare believe that other people exist … Guided by Tom, the prince enthusiastically discovers a rigid society stuck in its ways.
Director: Jean-François Laguionie, Xavier Picard (French, 2019)
Cast: Enrico Di Giovanni, Thomas Sagols, Gabriel Le Doze
Genre: Animation
Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary – Now streaming
(English ST)
United States, 1863. A convoy is heading west. When Martha Jane’s father is injured, the young woman takes over the family wagon without hesitation. But when she dares to wear trousers, more practical for riding, it is too much for Abraham, the leader of the convoy…
Director: Rémi Chayé (France/Denmark, 2020)
Cast: Salomé Boulven, Alexandra Lamy, Alexis Tomassian
Genre: Animation
Awards: Cristal for Best Feature (Annecy 2020), Nominated for Best Animated Film (César 2021)
Series
Hôtel du temps: Coluche – Streaming beginning December 6
Premiere documentary interview series with host Thierry Ardisson
Previous episode featuring Dalida now streaming
With the help of cutting-edge technology, enabling actors to have the faces and voices of celebrities who are no longer with us, host Thierry Ardisson gives audiences a new look into the life of French comedian Coluche, even 37 years after his death.
Director: Serge Khalfon (France, 2023)
Host: Thierry Ardisson
Genre: Documentary biopic
Baraki – Streaming beginning December 6
Season 1 premiere
(English ST)
The entire region knows the Berthet family. When people talk about them, they call them ‘gypsies’. Larissa Berthet houses her entire tribe in her home, including Yvan, a local orphan whom she took in and raised as her son. When Yvan finds out that he is to become a father, he decides to become a ‘normal’ man. However, a local bipolar dealer, a jealous cop, an unstable ex, and a Machiavellian stepmother have other plans. Luckily, his family is there to support him. But when you’re a Berthet some things just aren’t as simple as they seem.
Creators: Julien Vargas, Fred de Loof, Peter Ninane (Belgian, 2021)
Cast: Pierre Nisse, Julien Vargas, Sophie Breyer
Genre: Comedy
Discussion avec mes parents – Streaming beginning December 6
Season 3 premiere, previous seasons now streaming
(French ST)
François Morency shares the particularly colorful discussions he has with his parents, siblings, and all their nearest and dearest during his visits to the family home in the Saint-Sacrement district of Quebec.
Director: Pascal L’Heureux (Canada, 2018)
Cast: François Morency, Vincent Bilodeau, Marie-Ginette Guay, Blaise Tardif, Caroline Bouchard
Genre: Comedy
Documentaries
Louis de Funès, le rire éternel – Now streaming
(English ST)
Even today his comedy remains as fresh ever: a look back at the 35-year career of the French actor Louis de Funès in this 2-part documentary.
Director: Jacques Pessis
Genre: Documentary series
TV5 Monde Cinema
Theme: Holiday films
Les Misérables 1 – Available beginning December 1
(English ST)
Part 1 to this classic Victor Hugo tale. A peasant, convicted of a stealing a loaf of bread, spends the rest of his life being pursued by a cruel and unrelenting policeman.
Director: Jean-Paul Le Chanois (1958)
Cast: Jean Gabin, Bernard Blier, Bourvil
Genre: Drama
Les Misérables 2 – Available beginning December 1
(English ST)
Part 2 to this classic Victor Hugo tale. A peasant, convicted of a stealing a loaf of bread, spends the rest of his life being pursued by a cruel and unrelenting policeman.
Director: Jean-Paul Le Chanois (1958)
Cast: Jean Gabin, Bernard Blier, Bourvil
Genre: Drama
Belle et Sébastien nouvelle génération – Available beginning December 8
(English ST)
A 10-year-old boy reluctantly spends his vacation in the mountains herding sheep when he meets a giant and kind dog.
Director: Pierre Coré (2022)
Cast: Michèle Laroque, Robinson Mensah Rouanet, Alice David
Genre: Comedy
Kinoa – Available beginning December 8
The adventures of four friends who live on an island.
Director: Jean-Loup Martin (2016)
Genre: Animation
Jack Mimoun et les secrets de Val Verde – Available beginning December 15
(English ST)
Two years after surviving alone on the hostile island of Val Verde, Jack Mimoun has become a star adventurer.
Director: Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, Malik Bentalha (2023)
Cast: Malik Bentalha, Joséphine Japy, Jérôme Commandeur
Genre: Comedy
Le pied nickelé – Available beginning December 15
(English ST)
After a man wakes up from a thirty-five-year coma, he discovers he has inherited the fortune of the Pieds Nickelés, a famous trio of scammers.
Director: Jean-Loup Martin (2022)
Cast: René Collombat, Alix Bénézech, Serge Papagalli
Genre: Comedy
Rumba la vie – Available beginning December 22
(English ST)
After leaving his family 20 years ago, a father decides to reconnect with his daughter by taking her dance class.
Director: Franck Dubosc (2022)
Cast: Franck Dubosc, Louana Espinosa, Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Genre: Comedy
Les cadors – Available beginning December 22
(English ST)
Two long-estranged brothers from Normandy, couldn’t be more different from each other.
Director: Julien Guetta (2022)
Cast: Grégoire Ludig, Jean-Paul Rouve, Michel Blanc
Genre: Comedy
Le temps des secrets – Available beginning December 29
(English ST)
The young Marcel Pagnol enjoys his last summer vacation before high school in Provence.
Director: Christophe Barratier (2022)
Cast: Léo Campion, Guillaume de Tonquédec, Mélanie Doutey
Genre: Comedy
J’adore ce que vous faites – Available beginning December 29
(English ST)
While filming a blockbuster in the south of France, a movie star falls victim to an obsessed fan, who happens to be his pool boy.
Director: Philippe Guillard (2022)
Cast: Gérard Lanvin, Artus, Antoine Bertrand
Genre: Comedy
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TV5MONDE
TV5MONDE is a global French language entertainment network that showcases premium films and programs from across the world. With more than 1.5 million viewers nationwide in the USA, TV5MONDE is a renowned leader in French language entertainment.
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TV5MONDE presents the new French streaming platform, TV5MONDEplus, now included with your TV5MONDE subscription, with select providers, at no extra cost! Choose from up to 5 subtitle languages and instantly stream thousands of French titles and full seasons of your favorite French language shows on demand. Visit tv5mondeplus.com.