The finale of the fifth season of 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' aired on December 20, 2024, bringing the series to an exciting conclusion. The popular French police drama, starring Sara Mortensen and Lola Dewaere, achieved impressive audience ratings, maintaining its status as a standout performer on France 2.
According to Médiamétrie data, the final episode attracted 4.78 million viewers, which corresponds to 24.4% of the total audience aged four and over. This consistent viewership reflects the series' ability to engage its audience effectively, particularly during the competitive holiday television season.
Across its five-week airing from November 8 to December 20, 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' posted commendable numbers. During the premiere on November 8, the series kickstarted its season strongly, amassing 5.47 million viewers (28.7% of the audience) for its first episode and following up with 5.19 million for its second episode. It was clear from the onset there was significant interest as the show navigated through various intriguing storylines.
Throughout the fifth season, the viewer numbers fluctuated but remained predominantly above the 4 million mark for five out of its six episodes. Most notable was the sixth episode, which garnered 5.16 million viewers, showcasing the series' potential for growth and engagement. Overall, during its season run, 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' averaged 4.89 million viewers, making it one of the season's top-rated shows.
Interestingly, the season finale also coincided with considerable competition. On the same night, M6 aired the finale of its talent competition 'La France a un incroyable talent,' which managed to attract 2.58 million viewers (15.9% audience share). This indicates 'Astrid and Raphaëlle's' dominance over the competition, especially during such a noteworthy TV night.
France 3 also presented its 'La fête de la chanson française' special, which attracted 1.56 million viewers. Despite these competing shows, 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' managed to secure its lead, boasting significant ratings during this festive period. This stage was pivotal; the series successfully attracted audiences who typically gravitate toward various entertainment formats during the holidays.
Delving deep, it's clear the series has cultivated a diverse audience, enjoying 10.2% of women responsible for household shopping aged under 50, indicative of its appeal among key demographics. Such figures highlight 'Astrid and Raphaëlle’ as not just another series but as part of the fabric of the season's viewing dynamics.
Interestingly, the show kicked off its fifth season with great anticipation and even more viewership boosts with the earlier crossover episode titled 'Astrid, Raphaëlle et Alexandra Ehle,' which aired on November 1 and captivated over 5.37 million viewers. The crossover featured beloved characters from other popular series, echoing the effective strategy of integrating narratives to bolster viewership.
Looking back, 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' has steadily climbed the rank of popular French serials since its inception. With figures reflecting growing resilience, its viewership for Season 5 demonstrates how well it has adapted to the changing television environment. The series has appealed to audiences not only through its engaging plots but also its strong characterizations of lead actresses, Mortensen and Dewaere, who resonate with viewers at various levels, particularly with empathetic storytelling.
Comparative analysis across the seasons shows steady growth and milestones, with Season 4 averaging 5.16 million viewers and Season 3 slightly less at 4.96 million. The numbers, combined with consistent audience interest, suggest the series not only captivates viewership during its prime-time slots but also burgeons over time as it ties together suspense, drama, and emotional depth.
While the season has officially concluded, the conversation around 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' shows no signs of slowing down. Speculations about potential future seasons or crossover episodes are rife, indicating strong interest from audiences and networks alike. Maintaining momentum will support the series' legacy within the wider sphere of French television.
A fitting legacy for 'Astrid and Raphaëlle' seems written, with its fifth season proving once again the significance of well-crafted narratives and beloved characters within competitive broadcasting ecosystems.