On Thursday, March 13, 2025, TF1 premiered two new thrilling episodes of its police series Joseph, headlined by Lucien Jean-Baptiste. These episodes continue to capture audiences with gripping narratives woven through various captivating settings, including golf and wedding planning.
The first episode, titled Trou numéro 15, introduces viewers to Allison Maes (played by Alice Taglioni), the director of a golf club who is hell-bent on revenge for the death of her sister, Charlotte Maës. Charlotte’s tragic demise, initially ruled as caused by an overdose, brings the acquitted François-Xavier Hacq back under suspicion as Allison methodically plots her revenge, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
The second episode, titled Jusqu’à ce que la mort nous sépare, features Diane Di Biaggio (played by Alice Pol), who confronts her own past as she orchestrates the lethal plan against Kevin (Édouard Court), her former lover, out of fear of her secrets being revealed. The series’ unique approach reveals the killer at the outset, challenging viewers to discover how Joseph will identify them.
Lucien Jean-Baptiste, the series creator, writer, and director, has molded Joseph as both homage to the legendary Columbo and as its own distinct narrative. It deviates from the traditional police formula with its characteristic inverted structure.
Expectedly, Joseph combines captivating stories with strong emotional arcs. Indeed, the character dynamics are deepened through Joseph’s (Jean-Baptiste) complex personal life, featuring notable performances from supporting actors like Firmine Richard, who plays his vibrant mother, and Claire Borotra as his ex-partner, adding relatable layers to the hero’s persona.
Following its debut on March 6, 2025, where it garnered nearly 4 million viewers, the show quickly became talk of the town. Yet, as the second episode aired, viewership dropped slightly over 1 million, sparking conversations around its sustainability. The production was filmed primarily across picturesque locations including Nantes, Missillac, and various sites throughout the Loire Atlantic and the Manche, showcasing diverse backdrops to enrich the visual storytelling.
Created over the course of just 30 days between May 14 and June 28, 2024, the filming was praised for its quick turnaround, yet beautifully curated settings. Locations include the historic Domaine de la Bretesche and the well-esteemed restaurant Vatel, effectively capturing the nuanced intricacies of each plot's theme.
Despite its appeal, there were musings about potential improvements to the show’s suspense elements. According to critics, the series could benefit from more twisted plotlines to maintain tension. Nevertheless, audiences are drawn to the identifiable characters, enticing storylines, and the overall allure of detective dramas.
Reflecting on the appeal of Joseph, Jean-Baptiste's charm as the titular character is matched only by the unique guest appearances, which include renowned actors like Jean-Marc Barr and Alice Taglioni, who add depth and variety to each episode’s murder mystery.
Jean-Baptiste conveyed his enthusiasm during interviews, stating, “It’s great to bring together such diverse talents and to work within settings we are passionate about,” as he also called attention to the fun yet challenging days spent filming against the backdrop of Normandy’s unpredictable weather.
While discussing the structure of the series, Jean-Baptiste explained about the greater focus on individual character stories compared to just the police narrative. “The aim was to make the viewers not just guess the murderer, but understand the characters' motivations,” he said, underscoring the series' substantive aim.
Toward season two, which is reportedly under consideration and dependent on audience ratings, Jean-Baptiste remarked: “We’ve received positive feedback, and I look forward to developing our characters even more as we continue this intriguing narrative.”
With excitement around its success, Joseph stands poised for future seasons, continuing the legacy of inventive storytelling and enthralling narratives akin to its predecessor, Columbo. Audiences can witness the latest episodes weekly on TF1 and keep track of developments on streaming platforms.
Fans can expect the series to provide not only thrilling mysteries but multifaceted characters, delivering rich storytelling through its continued exploration of personal tales interwoven with the plot's main thread.