What to watch on Amazon Prime these days to dive into French culture ?

Not everyone has Netflix… and even if you do, you might feel like you’ve already seen every good French shows worth watching there. If you’ve read my first blog post, you know I recommended great Netflix options for learning French — but today, let’s give some love to Amazon Prime, a platform full of hidden French gems that many of us completely overlook.

And before we dive in, let me repeat one of my favorite teaching tips:
watching French series in the original version with subtitles is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to improve your French.
It helps you hear real accents, natural expressions, everyday intonation, and that authentic rhythm you won’t find in textbooks. Even just one episode here and there can make a difference — especially when you choose series you actually enjoy.

So, if you’re ready to refresh your watchlist and your French, here are the best series available on Amazon Prime in the U.S. right now.

1. Voltaire High (Mixte in France)

Genre: Comedy-drama, coming-of-age
My short summary:
Set in the 1960s, Voltaire High takes you in a high school that becomes co-ed for the very first time. Suddenly, boys and girls have to share the same classrooms, and of course… things get messy, funny, and a little chaotic. Friendships, little crushes, secrets, awkward moments—everything you’d expect from teenage life, but not only ! The parts I enjoyed the most are the intricate ones following the life of "the SurGé" (= le Surveillant Général, the ancestor of what we know today as the "Conseiller Principale d'Education", is roughly equivalent to a Dean of Students or Student Life Coordinator in the U.S., but the role is much broader : I recommend you watch the show to better understand what he's in charge of !).

The series is wrapped in witty French dialogue and irresistible charm, with a charming retro-vibe.

My personal take:
This one is my coup de cœur—a genuine favorite. I actually devoured the entire series in less than a week. And trust me…I’m the type who usually falls asleep after 30 minutes of TV, but not here. The rhythm is perfect, the characters are lovable and relatable, and the atmosphere is so warm you feel like you’re stepping into a vintage postcard. Light, joyful, funny… I recommend it to absolutely everyone.

2. Orelsan: Don’t Ever Show This to Anyone

Genre: Documentary, music
My short summary:
Part documentary, part intimate portrait, this series follows the journey of French rapper Orelsan, filmed over decades by his brother, from his early days to his success. His brother filmed him for years, so you see all the real stuff: doubts, funny moments, big dreams, failures, and victories. It feels like being part of his group of friends while he tries to find his way

You don't know Orelsan yet ? Well, you'd better listen to 'La quête' and start memorizing the lyrics, this will help your French a lot ! Coming back to the show : you witness Orelsan debuts, his artistic evolution, his many, many struggles; and unexpected rise to fame—all from the inside, which is definitely the best part of it ! It’s raw, honest, funny, and incredibly human.

My personal take:
It's one of the few shows we are watching as a family : our kids are 10 and 12, really into music, and it's so inspirational for them to see how much the guy struggled ! To me, the person we get to know at the beginning of the show doesn't have much in him of the star he is about to become (the one my kids listen to since their were 5). It's a great model for them to understand that hard work is key in every project or aspiration they may have.
You really don’t need to be a rap fan to enjoy this. The behind-the-scenes look at artistic growth is fascinating, and the French is super authentic. It’s an inspiring and refreshing series—perfect if you enjoy real-life stories and contemporary French culture.

3. A French Village (Un village français)

Genre: Historical drama
My short summary:
The series takes place in a small French village during World War II. You see how ordinary people try to live their daily lives while dealing with fear, danger, and impossible choices. Each character reacts differently, and that’s what makes it so gripping from the very first episode—you follow them as they try to survive and stay human.

My personal take:
A French Village is powerful and beautifully acted. The historical depth is impressive, and the characters feel really real. This is not a light show—you need to be ready for complex emotions and moral grey zones—but as a viewer (and a teacher), I appreciate how rich the vocabulary, accents, and dialogues are. A great choice for upper-intermediate learners.

4. Spiral (Engrenages)

Genre: Crime, thriller
My short summary:
Think of Spiral as the French cousin of Law & Order, but darker, grittier, and more unpredictable. You follow a team of cops, officers, lawyers, and judges who deal with complicated cases and moral dilemmas, taking you straight into the darker side of Paris. It’s fast-paced, tense, and completely addictive.

My personal take:
If you like crime dramas, you’re in for a treat. The storyline is intense and the acting is excellent. Sometimes the legal vocabulary can be challenging, but that’s part of the fun—and it’s a great listening workout. I recommend watching it with French or English subtitles, depending on your level.

5. The Returned (Les Revenants)

Genre: Supernatural drama
My short summary:
In a small quiet town, people who died years ago suddenly come back—alive, looking exactly the same, and with no idea what happened. It’s not a scary show, more mysterious and emotional. Little by little, the town starts to change as everyone tries to understand what’s going on.

My personal take:
I watched the show years ago when I first came out in 2012, and I was hooked ! I remember the ambiance being so different from any other shows I had watched before : it's strange, poetic and elegant at the same time, slightly scary but not really ... it's very hard to explain, I definitely recommend you watch it and get your own opinion ! Some episodes feel a bit enigmatic, even vague, but that’s part of its charm. If you enjoy atmospheric storytelling, you’ll love it.

So, which one are you watching tonight ?

From the nostalgic charm of Voltaire High to the intensity of Spiral, the emotional depth of A French Village, the mystery of The Returned, or the raw honesty of Orelsan’s documentary… each of these series offers a different way to experience real, natural French.

Whether you want something light, gripping, moving, or inspiring, there’s at least one show here that will pull you in — and help your French grow without even feeling like you’re studying.

So… which one are you watching tonight?.

written by Estelle Materne