On December 16, 2024, French television programming embraces the festive season, presenting viewers with numerous event-filled series and telefilms. Each year, beginning mid-December, channels inundate the airwaves with holiday-themed programs, from snowy romances to suspenseful stories, mirroring the spirit of the season. The result is akin to the sparkle of tinsel on Christmas trees, with holiday films becoming regular features on screens across the nation.
This year, notable new telefilms and special episodes from beloved series make their debut, promising not just entertainment, but also the charm of original storytelling. Viewers are undoubtedly excited about fresh offerings, though they ought to be wary of the ever-present threat of reruns, which seem to sprout like holiday weeds among the new releases.
On France 2, the evening kicks off with the premiere of Hors Limites at 21h05. The episode revolves around the intriguing murder of an unassuming corporate executive during a ski trip, found dead on a ski lift deep within the French Alps. Captain Meyer, played by Laurent Gerra, finds himself embroiled in the case, initially inclined to let the French mountain rescue team handle it. But as the investigation leads closer to Franzisca, his former love, he takes matters— and curiosity—into his own hands. The stakes rise as Meyer desperately aims to clear her name, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, awash with suspense.
According to Télé Programme TV, "Un cadre d'une multinationale sans histoire est assassiné au cours d'un séjour de ski, sur un télésiège, au coeur des Alpes françaises." This poignant line captures both the gravity and uniqueness of the episode, grounding it firmly within the holiday season's allure.
Simultaneously airing on TF1 at 21h10 is A tes côtés, featuring Didier Bourdon and Marie-Anne Chazel. The film follows Anthony, the youngest son from a family of vintners, who, after enduring years of being seen as the odd one out, chooses to return home for Christmas, only to have regret wash over him amid family grievances. His ordeal spirals when he is taken to the hospital after collapsing, where he learns the devastating news: he doesn't have much time left. The struggle to keep this news under wraps forms the backbone of the narrative. "La terrible nouvelle doit demeurer secrète..." highlights the heavy burden of secrets during what should be festive family gatherings.
Then there’s Père Noël à domicile, airing on M6 on December 17 at 21h10, where Enzo, played by Eric Antoine, must deliver gifts across Paris dressed as Santa Claus, leaving him torn between his obligations and his family's plans. This humorous take promises ludicrous encounters, contrasting the serene holiday spirit with chaotic realism.
Next, on December 18, marks the return of the fan-favorite Fais pas ci, fais pas ça, airing at 21h05 on France 2, showcasing the now grown offspring of the Bouley and Lepic families as they reintroduce their parents to adventure, signing them up for lunar training!
December 19 will see La malédiction de Provins on France 3, where the twist of lighthearted entertainment meets thrilling mystery as Renan Thomas faces intrigue during his show.
And closing out the holiday week on December 21, Meurtres à Château-Thierry culminates thrillingly as the investigation links to literary references, playing artistically with the classic fables of Jean de La Fontaine.
Many of these productions, especially A tes côtés, have stirred excitement within the television community, making the timing of this programming worth discussing. Given the popularity of these various shows, streaming services will surely face competition to keep their subscriptions intact during this holiday period.
Overall, the holiday schedule converges on one exciting point: the energy and imagination of original programming, with the promise of exciting new content outweighing the monotonous reruns seen far too often. Will viewers find the magic of Christmas reflected on their screens? Only time—and their devoted viewership—will tell.
This festive lineup serves as proof: holiday cheer, intrigue, and wonderful storytelling will once again grace the screens of France, entertaining the masses as the year draws to its end.
