France 2 is set to premiere its new police drama series, Haute Saison, on February 21, 2025, at 21h10, taking viewers to the picturesque coastal town of Biarritz on the Basque Coast. The series follows Alex Cerutti, portrayed by Vinnie Dargaud, who has recently requested to be transferred from Paris to this sunny locale to investigate his younger brother's death under suspicious circumstances, all set against the backdrop of summer tourism.
The series opens as summer starts to ramp up with the influx of tourists, but for Cerutti, stepping onto this new scene is about more than basking on the beach—it's about solving the case of his brother's untimely demise. Dargaud, known for his role as Léo in the popular series Scènes de Ménages, portrays a unique character who is not your typical cop. Instead of focusing solely on law enforcement, Cerutti appears more drawn to the beachside vibes.
This curious blend of police work and summer leisure means the crew faces off against not just cases but also the elements. During production, the team encountered significant hurdles—in fact, one of the major talking points surrounding the filming was the persistent rain. "We got drenched every day during the shoot, but we had so much fun," shared Dargaud during an interview with Diverto. Such challenges, he noted, only strengthened the bond among the cast and crew, creating a supportive environment necessary for tackling the demanding schedules.
Filming took place from September 23 to October 18, 2024, with the heavy rain testing everyone’s resilience. Dargaud noted, "It was quite tough, especially toward the end. But we leaned on each other, and luckily, there was plenty of love between us." This camaraderie not only improved morale but also added depth to the performances, as interactions between characters had to be genuine and grounded, even when the weather wasn’t cooperating.
Equipped with his flamboyant personality and laid-back demeanor, Cerutti may be expected to be the life of the party; yet, Dargaud reveals there’s more beneath the surface. “The character is flamboyant and easy-going, but he’s distant from my real personality,” he explained. Finding ways to balance authenticity with this larger-than-life persona was key to making Cerutti relatable.
Filming certain scenes posed unique challenges for Dargaud, particularly those requiring him to shed layers; he candidly admitted, “I was not completely comfortable filming half-naked scenes... but I was well surrounded by the filming team.” He acknowledged his discomfort and stated how he had to mentally prepare to take such risks, which were integral to his character's development.
Another notable character is Lisa, played by Joséphine Draï, joining Cerutti as they navigate the crime world together. Their chemistry on-screen promises to amplify the tension and humor, making the narrative engaging for viewers. A solid mix of drama, humor, and heartfelt moments seem to be key elements, ensuring the series keeps audiences captivated.
From vibrant beach parties to the harsh realities of crime investigations, Haute Saison explores not only the mystery behind the murder but also the lightheartedness of summer vacation vibes. With Biarritz featured prominently, the series serves as both a fresh crime drama and travel showcase, inviting viewers to see this beautiful French coastal city.
On the technical side, the series' director, Clément Michel, and his team have worked diligently to encapsulate the essence of Biarritz, creatively capturing its landscapes and seasonal ambiance. Even with the rain, they successfully convey the vivacity of the location. Many on-set elements reflect the quirky personalities of the characters, making the series multi-dimensional.
Fans have expressed excitement leading up to the premiere, and there's already speculation about the show's potential. Dargaud himself expressed hopes, saying, “If the public loves it, we hope to evolve it farther. We want to explore Alex’s story and see what’s next for him and Lisa.” A successful debut could pave the way for future series, making this more than just another cop drama; it could open avenues for storytelling that's both engaging and meaningful.
Undoubtedly, the anticipation surrounding Haute Saison is palpable, with early buzz promising to draw viewers eager to experience this unique blend of crime, comedy, and captivating characters. Set to become the talk of the town, the series broadcasts on February 21, 2025, and promises to be one police drama not to be missed.