Netflix held its first French upfront this Tuesday at the iconic Lido in Paris, an event aimed at advertisers and advertising executives where it reviewed the status of its ad-supported plan and unveiled several announcements, mostly related to non-fiction programming.
Among the highlights, the renewal of two reality formats was confirmed, new footage of fiction projects such as Under Paris 2 and Les Brumes was shown, and a preview of a new hidden-camera format starring Belgian comedian François Damiens was revealed.
Confirmed Renewals: Nouvelle École and Love Is Blind France
Netflix took advantage of the same day the finale of the MMA competition L'Arène aired to announce that Nouvelle École, the French rap competition, will return in 2027, albeit with a completely revamped jury replacing artists SDM, Oli, and Theodora, who were present in the previous edition.
It was also confirmed that the French version of Love Is Blind will have a second season, scheduled for 2028, with Teddy Riner and Luthna Plocus returning as hosts.
According to local outlet Écran Total, Netflix France aims to launch up to five formats similar to Nouvelle École each year, confirming the platform's commitment to non-fiction content in the French market.
A Surprise Preview: The Return of François Damiens with Hidden Camera
Netflix also showed a brief teaser for Les Caméras Cachées de François Damiens, a reboot of the classic hidden-camera sketches that the Belgian comedian starred in during the early 2000s under the title Les Pièges de François L'Embrouille.
Damiens himself had teased on French radio station NRJ last spring that about fifteen new sketches had been filmed, with the intention of releasing them around Christmas. Netflix did not confirm an exact date during the event, but assured that the premiere will arrive before the end of the year.
Under Paris 2 and Les Brumes: New French Fiction Footage
The audience of brand representatives and advertisers also saw previews of upcoming fiction projects. Although the media was not physically present during the screening, the press release details the content shown.
These included the first images of Under Paris 2, a sequel currently in production with a 2027 release in mind, and the first look at Les Brumes, a new mystery and suspense series starring Pio Marmaï.
Material from the film Family Pack was also shown, a reboot with a renewed cast that includes Jamel Debbouze and Monica Bellucci.
The Rest of the Presented Release Slate
In addition to the titles mentioned, Netflix reviewed other known projects that are part of its French catalog for the coming months:
- The new season of Lupin, which premieres next week.
- Ad Vitam Eternam, the action sequel starring Guillaume Canet, currently filming.
- 100% Physique, the French version of Physical: 100, filmed last summer.
- The Hunchback: Soul Of Paris, the new adaptation of the legend directed by Jean-François Richet, which will premiere at the end of November.
- A series based on School Life.
- The series adaptation of Life Is A Long Quiet River, currently filming in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
The Great Absentees of the Event
Elite Force, starring Tomer Sisley and released last July, still has no official confirmation regarding a second season.
This upfront was the first major official update on French content since January, following a general preview published in March by the outlet Ouest-France. As it was an event intended for advertisers and not for media or fans, as is the case with TUDUM, it made sense to prioritize non-fiction content, which generates more consistent weekly engagement.
However, there was no mention of the return of already confirmed fiction series, such as the third season of Blood Coast or the second of The Cage. No renewals were announced for fiction titles released in 2026 either.
Elite Force (GIGN), which appeared in the Top 10 of several countries last summer, remains unconfirmed. The same applies to Furies, released last spring, and the comedy Flunked, even though its creator, François Uzan, is currently immersed in the production of Family Pack 2.
There was also no news on the future of Call My Agent!, the film scripted by Fanny Herrero that had been one of the highlights of the fall and about which Netflix executives were optimistic during their presentation in La Rochelle.
All these updates could arrive (or not) in the coming weeks, but this Tuesday's event made clear what Netflix's current priorities are in the French market for the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Netflix France Upfront
What did Netflix announce at its first French upfront?
Netflix confirmed the renewal of Nouvelle École for 2027 with a new jury, the second season of Love Is Blind France scheduled for 2028, and showed new footage of Under Paris 2, Les Brumes, and Family Pack, among other projects.
When does Under Paris 2 premiere?
Under Paris 2 is currently in production, with a premiere scheduled for 2027, as announced during the upfront.
What is Les Brumes, the new series with Pio Marmaï?
Les Brumes is a new mystery and suspense series starring Pio Marmaï, of which Netflix showed the first images during the event, with no confirmed release date.
Was there news about a second season of Elite Force?
No. Elite Force, starring Tomer Sisley, still has no official renewal confirmation, just like Furies and Flunked.
What happened with Call My Agent! at the event?
No update was provided on the future of Call My Agent!, the film written by Fanny Herrero, despite the optimism previously shown by Netflix executives regarding its release.
When does Lupin return with a new season?
The new season of Lupin premieres the week following the announcement made during the Netflix France upfront.
