What's Happening?
In 2025, French television exports saw significant success, driven by star-studded productions and diverse content offerings. Notable titles included 'The Three Musketeers: Milady' featuring Eva Green and Vincent Cassel, and Guillaume Canet's 'Ad Vitam',
which achieved over 70 million views on Netflix. Leos Carax's 'It's Not Me' also gained international attention, reaching audiences in 33 countries. French one-offs and feature films dominated small-screen exports, accounting for 80.6% of titles sold internationally. Platforms like Criterion Channel, Mubi, and Shudder played key roles in distributing French content, while traditional television remained a strong showcase. French nonfiction series, such as 'Clash of Ancient Warriors' and 'Nicole Kidman, Eyes Wide Open', highlighted the genre's international appeal. Director Patrick Boudet emphasized the 'French touch' in his documentary on Nicole Kidman, aiming to present her as an auteur rather than focusing on gossip.
Why It's Important?
The success of French TV exports underscores the global appeal of French storytelling and the strategic importance of leveraging star power and diverse content. By capitalizing on well-known actors and directors, French productions can attract international audiences and compete in a crowded global market. The strong performance of French content on both traditional and streaming platforms highlights the adaptability and resilience of the French television industry. This success not only boosts France's cultural influence but also contributes to the country's economy by increasing export revenues. The focus on nonfiction and biographical content further diversifies the offerings, appealing to a wide range of viewers and enhancing France's reputation for high-quality, thought-provoking programming.
