Throughout December, the international French-language network TV5 Monde offers a rich lineup of entertaining films, series, and variety shows.

Discover our round-up of the must-see programs this month below.

TV5 Monde

Special Programming:

Taratata 100% LIVE – December 7 at 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT

Host Nagui and the biggest artists from around the world will entertain you this summer with unexpected duets and fun surprises! With -M-, Gaëtan Roussel, Adeline Lovo, Hoshi, Martin Luminet, Sohn, Vanessa Paradis.

Host: Nagui (France, 2023)
Genre: Musical variety show

Reopening Ceremony, Notre-Dame de Paris – December 7 at 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT

The official ceremony of the return of the cathedral to the Catholic Church by the French state. The ceremony will include a speech by President Emmanuel Macron.

Host: Special ceremony

Taratata, les 40 ans de Bercy – December 7 at 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT

Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 4

Nearly 70 artists will be on stage at Accor Arena, formerly Bercy, to celebrate the anniversary of this mythical Parisian concert hall, the setting for the biggest musical, sporting, and cultural moments. The program includes new duos and trios, musical performances, tributes, surprise encounters, and partnerships, for a spectacular show.

Host: Nagui (France, 2023)
Genre: Musical variety show

Films

D’où viens-tu Johnny—December 5 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT (English ST)

Without knowing it, Johnny, a young rock musician, finds himself involved in a drugs gang. Realizing he was manipulated, he threw the drugs into the Seine and took refuge in the Camargue with his family and his fiancée, Gigi. Meanwhile, the dealers are hot on their heels…

Director: Noël Howard (France, 1963)
Cast: Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, and Evelyne Dandry
Genre: Musical dramedy

Le spécialiste— December 12 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT

Hud, a notorious gunslinger, heads for Blackstone to avenge his brother Charlie, lynched by a mob who accused him of stealing from the bank. Convinced of Charlie´s innocence, Hud investigates the matter. But no one´s talking and the loot is nowhere to be found.

Director: Sergio Corbucci (France, Germany, Italy, 1969)
Cast: Johnny Hallyday, Françoise Fabian, and Sylvie Fennec
Genre: Spaghetti Western

Marine-Line et son juge—December 22 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT (English ST)

Marie-Line, energetic and cheerful, leads a precarious life in Le Havre and cares for her depressive father. After a row with her boyfriend, she ends up having to pay damages and interest, and loses her job. Not having a driver’s license, the judge invites her to become his chauffeur.

Director: Jean-Pierre Améris (France, 2023)
Cast: Louane Emera, Michel Blanc, Victor Belmondo, and Philippe Rebbot
Genre: Dramedy

Au poste !—December 24 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT (English ST)

The 1970s. Fugain has just found a body. For Superintendent Buron, charged with taking his statement, Fugain is the prime suspect. The questioning lasts all night, becoming an interminable head-to-head, bordering on the absurd… But what if it was just a joke? All Fugain wants to do is go home.

Director: Jean-Pierre Améris (France, Belgium, 2017)
Cast: Benoît Poelvoorde, Grégoire Ludig, Marc Fraize, Anaïs Demoustier, and Philippe Duquesne
Genre: Comedy
Awards: Best Screenplay (Sitges 2018), Audience prize (Montreal 2018), official selection for (La Rochelle, Magritte 2019)

Une ravissante idiote—December 26 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT (English ST)

Dismissed by the bank where he worked, Harry, born of an English mother and Russian father, decides to take his revenge on high capitalism by offering his talents to the Soviet spy masters. Fortunately, he can count on Pénélope’s help, not nearly as stupid as she likes people to think…

Director: Édouard Molinaro (France, Italy, 1963)
Cast: Brigitte Bardot, Anthony Perkins, and Grégoire Aslan
Genre: Comedy

Divertimento—December 29 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT (English ST)

Based on a true story, at 17, Zahia Ziouani dreams of becoming a conductor while Fettouma, her twin sister, a professional cellist.

Director: Marie-Castille Mention Schaar (France, 2022)
Cast: Oulaya Amamra, Lina El Arabi, and Niels Arestrup
Genre: Biopic

Series

Les petits meurtres d’Agatha Christie—Sundays, beginning December 1 at 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT (English ST)

Season 3, final episodes

In a magnificent Château transformed into an ultra-select night club, Madame Maude brings together, for the greater pleasure of her wealthy clients, young students ready for anything. Gréco’s team go undercover in this steamy world, one already infiltrated by the French secret service.

Director: Alexandre Coffre (France, 2021)
Cast: Arthur Dupont, Émilie Gavois-Kahn, Chloé Chaudoye, and Benoît Moret
Genre: Thriller

Les mecs—Wednesdays, beginning December 18 at 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT (French ST)

Season 3 premiere

Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus

Martin, Étienne, Christian, and Simon, true best friends forever, have now reached the age of doubt and self-questioning. Despite their everyday problems, they try as best they can to take their lives in hand.

Director: Ricardo Trogi (Canada, 2021)
Cast: Christian Bégin, Alexis Martin, Normand Daneau, and Yanic Truesdale
Genre: Dramedy

L’art du crime—December 28 & 29 at 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT (English ST)

Season 7 premiere

Police officer Antoine Verlay and art historian Florence Chassagne investigate crimes in Paris related to art and cultural property. Their contradictions cause turbulence, but at the same time also success.

A medium is found murdered in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Antoine and Florence suspect a group of amateur historians with a passion for Marie-Antoinette. They tried to communicate with the deceased to find a precious object belonging to the queen. Was it her famous necklace?

An art restorer’s body is found next to a masterpiece which Florence identifies as a Botticelli. Antoine and Florence are thrust into a terrible hunt for clues which leads them to the splendid Jacquemart-André Museum. At the same time, their relationship becomes more complicated.

Director: Floriane Crépin (France, 2023)
Cast: Nicolas Gob, Éléonore Bernheim, Philippe Duclos, Benjamin Egner, and Salomé Partouche
Genre: Thriller

Documentaries

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paris for ever—December 25 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT(English ST)

Also streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning December 4

Between Paris and Jean-Michel Basquiat, is a great story of mutual love and admiration. In the 1980s, the avant-garde artist made several visits to the capital: he didn’t come seeking fame, he was already a star whose stock was soaring. A look back at the origins of this attachment.

Director: Cyril Bérard (France, 2024)
Genre: Documentary

Franck Sorbier, le fil de l’âme—December 27 at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT  (English ST)

Having been absorbed by the world of haute couture in his youth, Franck Sorbier remained faithful to the exacting demands of creativity throughout his long career. An attitude that earned him the recognition of his peers and the unfailing support of those who still believe fashion is an art.

Director: Amaury Voslion (France, 2022)
Genre: Documentary

TV5 Monde Plus

Special Programming

Papilles—Season 2 now streaming (English ST)

A mouth-watering journey through France to explore its regions and terrains, their specialities and the artisans upholding their culinary traditions. And what better opportunity to stop off in the kitchens of a talented chef to prepare an emblematic regional recipe.

Hosts: François Chartier, Chef Stéphane Modat of the Fairmont Le ChâteauFrontenac (France, 2023)
Genre: Cooking series

Films

Peau d’âne—Streaming beginning December 4 (English ST)

A king promised his dying queen he would only marry again to a woman even more beautiful than her. But the only person in the kingdom to surpass the queen’s beauty is his own daughter. To avoid an unthinkable marriage, the princess asks her godmother, the Lilac Fairy, for advice.

Director: Jacques Demy (France, 1970)
Cast: Catherine Deneuve, Delphine Seyrig, Jean Marais, and Jacques Perrin
Genre: Musical

Manina, la fille sans voiles—Streaming beginning December 4 (English ST)

Gérard, a young student, discovers in Corsica a fragment of a Phoenician amphora. A few years later, he embarks on a boat ride with a crew of traffickers in search of the treasure that he thinks he has found. Back on the island, he falls in love with young Manina…

Director: Willy Rozier (France, 1952)
Cast: Brigitte Bardot, Howard Vernon, Jean-François Calvé, Espanita Cortez, and Raymond Cordy
Genre: Dramedy

Series

Vestiaires— Now streaming seasons 1-9 (French ST)

Coincides with International Day of Persons with Disabilities

From the changing rooms of the swimming pool where they train, Romy and Orson, two disabled swimmers, share their vision of the world, a vision tainted with humour and self-deprecation.

Director: Vincent Burgevin and Franck Lebon (France, 2024)
Cast: Adda Abdelli, Alexandre Philip, Anaïs Fabre, Cyril Missonnier, Luc Rodriguez, and Philippe Sivy
Genre: Comedy

Documentaries

Talents extraordinaires— Streaming beginning December 3 (English ST)

To coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities

US Premiere

In six episodes, Extraordinary Talents gives voice to six artists or groups with disabilities who prove that difference can be a strength. An intimate, educational, and authentic dive into the daily lives of deaf, visually impaired, paraplegic, and Down syndrome artists. What do they have in common, beyond genres and their very unique journeys? Having become superheroes in their fields and having managed to overcome many obstacles.

An intimate, educational, and authentic dive into the daily lives of deaf, visually impaired, paraplegic, and Down syndrome artists: Mohamed Lamouri, Anja Linder, M.R.S (Matteo Deaf Rapper), Wild Classical Music Ensemble, Choolers Division.

Director: Thomas Ducres (France, 2024)
Genre: Documentary web series

Romy Schneider, face à son destin— Streaming beginning December 4 (English ST)

Evoking Romy Schneider (1938-1982) leaves no one indifferent. The beauty of the actress is admired by men and women alike, her talent recognized, often described as immense, her fragility on edge. A look back at the journey of a perfectionist, passionate about her roles, a great lover, eternally hurt by life.

Director: Sophie Agacinski (France, 2023)
Genre: Documentary

Les 100 lieux qu’il faut voir— Season 11 streaming beginning December 4 (English ST)

Previous seasons now streaming

An unforgettable voyage through France, for nature-lovers, history buffs, everyone fascinated by ancient buildings and all who appreciate good food and authentic produce. This season, we travel to Burgundy, Mediterranean islands, Polynesia, Mont Blanc, the Cathar Trail, and the Stevenson Trail.

Director: Mélodie Proust, Sam Caro, Vincent Dupouy, Christophe Verhamme, Thomas Vaillant, Pierre Lalanne, and Emmanuel Descombes (France, 2018)
Genre: Documentary series, travel

Notre-Dame resurrection— Streaming beginning December 15 (English ST)

US Premiere

After a devastating fire on April 15, 2019, the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral will reopen its doors on December 7, 2024. For five years, the iconic religious building has been the site of an extraordinary human and technical endeavor. This is an immersion into the heart of this monumental restoration project, alongside craftsmen with exceptional skills.

Director: Xavier Lefebvre (France, 2024)
Genre: Documentary

TV5 Monde Cinema

Theme: Holiday & Family Films

3 jours max— available beginning December 6 (English ST)

A clumsy policeman’s grandmother gets kidnapped by a Mexican cartel, and he has three days max to free her.

Director: Tarek Boudali (2023)
Cast: Tarek Boudali, Philippe Lacheau, and Julien Arruti
Genre: Comedy

Noël Joyeux— available beginning December 6 (English ST)

A family cancels Christmas plans at the last minute, leaving their parents alone; one is looking forward to a romantic night, and the other is devastated.  

Director: Clément Michel (2023)
Cast: Emmanuelle Devos, Franck Dubosc, and Danielle Fichaud
Genre: Comedy

Les trois fantastiques— available beginning December 6 (English ST)

A witty, brave 12-year-old spends all his time with his two best friends.

Director: Michaël Dichter (2024)
Cast: Diego Murgia, Benjamin Tellier, and Jean Devie
Genre: Comedy

Les voisins de mes voisins sont mes voisins— available beginning December 13 (English ST)

A French animation exploring the interwoven lives of neighbors…and their neighbors.

Director: Anne-Laure Daffis and Léo Marchand (2022)
Genre: Animation

Plancha— available beginning December 13 (English ST)

Friends plan to take their friend to Greece for his 50th birthday, but due to a flight cancellation, the holiday will take place in a far less popular and much rainier destination.

Director: Éric Lavaine (2022)
Cast: Lambert Wilson, Franck Dubosc, and Guillaume De Tonquedec
Genre: Comedy

Le trésor du petit Nicolas— available beginning December 20 (English ST)

When a boy’s dad gets promoted and announces that the family will be relocating to the South of France, his world falls apart.

Director: Julien Rappeneau (2021)
Cast: Ilan Debrabant, Jean-Paul Rouve, and Audrey Lamy
Genre: Comedy

10 jours encore sans maman— available beginning December 20 (English ST)

A stay-at-home dad is looking forward to a 10-day ski trip with his family until his wife can’t make it due to work, leaving him alone to care for their four children.

Director: Ludovic Bernard (2023)
Cast: Franck Dubosc, Aure Atika, and Swan Joulin
Genre: Comedy

Ma famille et le loup— available beginning December 20 (English ST)

After hearing their grandmother tell a story about a wolf coming to take her away, the children decide to save her.

Director: Adrià Garcia (2019)
Cast: Carmen Maura, Pierre Rochefort, and Bruno Salomone
Genre: Comedy

Un métier sérieux— available beginning December 27 (English ST)

A PhD student in need of money becomes a substitute teacher at a middle school.

Director: Thomas Lilti (2023)
Cast: Vincent Lacoste, François Cluzet, and Adèle Exarchopoulos
Genre: Comedy

De nos frères blessés— available beginning December 27 (English ST)

After an Algerian is arrested and accused of planting a bomb, his wife, refusing to abandon him, becomes a traitor.

Director: Hélier Cisterne (2022)
Cast: Vincent Lacoste, Vicky Krieps, and Meriem Medjkane
Genre: Drama