As another year settles in, once again one of my goals is to improve my French. Language learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore, it can be pretty fun if you find the right ways to immerse yourself. I’ve been listening to more French music, and I made a 2025 goal to read at least one French book per month. But recently, I've added another habit that's not only helping my French but is also relaxing—watching French shows on Netflix.
Watching TV in French, whether you're a beginner or more advanced, is a great way to pick up new words and phrases that is used in everyday life – not just textbook vocabulary. I recommend keeping a notebook handy to jot down anything interesting you come across. You'd be surprised at how quickly it helps improve your vocabulary and understanding of the language.
Here are some of my favorite French Netflix shows that you should check out:
If you’re looking for a show that’s both funny and insightful, look no further than Drôle. It’s my current personal favorite, and for good reason. Drôle follows a group of aspiring comedians in Paris, each with their own unique struggles and dreams. It encapsulates the ambitious, dreamer mentality of being in your 20s—trying to pursue your passions while balancing relationships and financial complications. From the creators of another favorite, Dix Pour Cent, also on Netflix. It's full of everyday French expressions and slang, making it a great learning tool.
Some examples of vocabulary I learned from episode one:
- Colocataire : roommate
- T'es relou : slang for “you’re annoying”
- Rancunière : holding a grudge / easy to hold a grudge. Used in particular situations, like when you’re holding a grudge.
- Golri : Funny. It's an example of "verlan", which is a French wordplay technique that involves writing words backwards. "Golri" is the word "rigole" with the syllables reversed.
- C’est con : It’s stupid, the context is very familiar.
- Dingue : synonym to Fou / extraordinaire
For those of you who love thrillers and mystery, Lupin is the perfect choice. A modern adaptation from Maurice Leblanc’s vast fiction series which began in 1915. Leblanc wrote 17 novels and 39 novellas with a wide range of adventures and mischief following the iconic Arsène Lupin. This series follows Assane Diop, a master of disguise, as he seeks revenge against a powerful family. It’s a fast-paced, captivating show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a blend of action and mystery! Unlike Drôle, that was tragically cut short after one season, Lupin has 3 seasons with a 4th on the way.
If you watch any of these shows, please let me know what you think at the next Pause Café or Alors... Conversation Club! Have a recommendation I didn’t mention? Leave a comment below as I am always looking for new shows.
Watching TV in French, whether you're a beginner or more advanced, is a great way to pick up new words and phrases that is used in everyday life – not just textbook vocabulary. I recommend keeping a notebook handy to jot down anything interesting you come across. You'd be surprised at how quickly it helps improve your vocabulary and understanding of the language.
Here are some of my favorite French Netflix shows that you should check out:
1. Drôle
If you’re looking for a show that’s both funny and insightful, look no further than Drôle. It’s my current personal favorite, and for good reason. Drôle follows a group of aspiring comedians in Paris, each with their own unique struggles and dreams. It encapsulates the ambitious, dreamer mentality of being in your 20s—trying to pursue your passions while balancing relationships and financial complications. From the creators of another favorite, Dix Pour Cent, also on Netflix. It's full of everyday French expressions and slang, making it a great learning tool.
Some examples of vocabulary I learned from episode one:
- Colocataire : roommate
- T'es relou : slang for “you’re annoying”
- Rancunière : holding a grudge / easy to hold a grudge. Used in particular situations, like when you’re holding a grudge.
- Golri : Funny. It's an example of "verlan", which is a French wordplay technique that involves writing words backwards. "Golri" is the word "rigole" with the syllables reversed.
- C’est con : It’s stupid, the context is very familiar.
- Dingue : synonym to Fou / extraordinaire
2. Lupin
For those of you who love thrillers and mystery, Lupin is the perfect choice. A modern adaptation from Maurice Leblanc’s vast fiction series which began in 1915. Leblanc wrote 17 novels and 39 novellas with a wide range of adventures and mischief following the iconic Arsène Lupin. This series follows Assane Diop, a master of disguise, as he seeks revenge against a powerful family. It’s a fast-paced, captivating show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a blend of action and mystery! Unlike Drôle, that was tragically cut short after one season, Lupin has 3 seasons with a 4th on the way.
3. The Parisian Agency
If you have a love for architecture or a soft spot for HGTV, The Parisian Agency is a perfect background show. Slower paced than my other recommendations, this show follows a real estate family (a couple with 4 sons) as they sell beautiful Parisian homes and apartments. This gives a glimpse into the glamorous world of high-end real estate in a city we all love. When they aren’t showing beautiful homes, you learn about their management of a family business and the personal lives of these agents.If you watch any of these shows, please let me know what you think at the next Pause Café or Alors... Conversation Club! Have a recommendation I didn’t mention? Leave a comment below as I am always looking for new shows.
Caitlin Heelen
Administrative Assistant
Caitlin, originally from Milton, began her language journey in her town’s French Immersion program. At American University, she earned a minor in French, studied abroad in Paris, and interned at the Embassy of France. After graduating, Caitlin stepped in as a substitute teacher at Milton's elementary schools, teaching both French and English. Excited to meet fellow Francophiles, she looks forward to connecting at Alors Conversation Club, Apéros, cooking classes, and more. In the future, Caitlin hopes to live in France and continue exploring the country she fell in love with.
Caitlin! You and I have very similar taste, I have watched all these series and enjoyed them. And then there’s “Call My Agent,” which I confess I watched twice and considered watching 3 times! I have also enjoyed the movie “Les Enfants Gates” (Spoiled Children…sorry, the computer’s not doing the accents) and another movie, “L’Ascension” (The Climb). Thanks for the Netflix advice, keep it up!
– “T’es relou : slang for “you’re annoying”.
En fait, ‘relou’ est aussi du verlan car cela vient de lourd = ‘heavy, clumsy, not subtle’.