As every year, the team that watches the most series, yes, us, is back with our picks for the best shows released in France this year (produced in 2024/2025). Expect standout American dramas, unmissable European gems and a moving Quebecois series. We swear it wasn’t intentional, but many of them were first discovered at the Festival! The perfect way to start the year with a great list of series to catch up on.
Empathie: “Tabarnak, it feels so good to cry!” Award
Available on Canal +
🏆 Series Mania 2025 Audience Award
The Story:
Suzanne, a former criminologist now working as a psychiatrist, joins the Mont-Royal Psychiatric Institute. There, she crosses paths with Mortimer, a fascinating intervention officer who quickly becomes a close ally, and with patients whose stories leave a lasting impression.
Adolescence: “Come on, he’s 12, he would never do that” Award
Available on Netflix
The Story:
When a 13-year-old boy is accused of murdering a classmate, his family, therapist and the lead detective are all left searching for the truth behind what really happened.
Bref 2: “THE BEST COMEBACK” Award
Available on Disney +
The Story:
He’s just turned 40, and the verdict isn’t flattering. After a lifetime of hesitation and half-measures, he keeps landing in the same place: broke, single and unemployed. But this latest low point might finally push him to take control of his life, and start listening to someone other than the voice in his head.
Fun fact: the existence of this season 2 was kept secret until its release, as a surprise for the fans!
Querer: “Public Service” Award
Available on Disney+
🏆 Grand Prix Series Mania 2025
The Story:
Ana turns 30 on New Year’s Day, her life still full of unanswered questions. Oscar turns 30 on New Year’s Eve, with his life seemingly perfectly in place. That same night, they meet, fall in love, and begin a relationship that will span ten years. Experience the first five episodes of this modern love story in a special marathon screening.
THE NEW YEARS: “Series That Makes You Want to Give Your Ex Another Chance” award
Available on Arte.tv
🏆 Official Selection Series Mania 2025
The Story:
Ana turns 30 on New Year’s Day, with her life still unresolved. Oscar turns 30 on New Year’s Eve, with his life almost perfectly settled. That same night on New Year’s Eve, they meet, fall in love and begin a relationship that will last ten years. Enjoy the first 5 episodes of this modern-day love story in one marathon screening experience!
THE STUDIO: The Sal Saperstein Award for “Sal Saperstein”
Available on Apple TV+
The Story:
Matt Remick has just been appointed head of Continental Studios, a struggling production company. Matt Remick has just been appointed head of Continental Studios, a struggling production company. As its films fight to stay relevant, Matt and his team must wrestle with their own insecurities while managing narcissistic creatives and spineless corporate executives, all while clinging to their stubborn ambition to keep making great movies.
SEVERANCE – Season 2: Best Farewell PARTY Award
Available on Apple TV+
The Story:
Mark Scout works for Lumon Industries, where he leads a team whose employees have undergone a surgical procedure separating their work memories from their personal lives. This risky experiment in work-life balance is thrown into question when Mark finds himself at the center of a mystery that forces him to confront the true nature of his job… and of himself.
Season 2: Mark and his team learn the hard way that you don’t mess with the boundaries of severance.
PLURIBUS: The “You’ll never walk alone” Award
Available on Apple TV+
The Story:
A bestselling romance novelist, Carol Sturka lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is one of the very few people in the world immune to the spread of an extraterrestrial virus that has united the global population into a peaceful, happy hive mind. Repelled by this enforced harmony, Carol sets out to find a cure, determined to restore the world to the way it was before.
The White Lotus – Season 3: The “Mind-Blowing Getaway (Literally)” Award
Available on Apple TV+
The Story:
New vacationers in search of exoticism, wellness and serenity arrive at a White Lotus resort in Thailand. The week ahead promises plenty of turbulence, for both guests and staff.
The Pitt: The “I Thought My Job Was Stressful…” Award
Available on HBO Max
The Story:
In today’s America, healthcare professionals face mounting challenges inside a hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.