Jean-Luc Reichmann is back in action as Léo Mattéï, the dedicated police commander of the Brigade des mineurs, in the highly anticipated twelfth season of the hit series, which premiered on TF1 on April 24, 2025, at 21:10. This new season features six gripping episodes to be aired over three consecutive weeks, continuing the series' legacy of blending suspenseful investigations with emotional storytelling.
Since its inception in 2013, created by Michel Alexandre and Nathalie Lecoultre, Léo Mattéï, Brigade des mineurs has become a staple of French prime time television. The series explores the complexities surrounding child protection, with Mattéï, a former BAC officer turned commander, not only enforcing the law but also listening to the children he aims to protect. His character's journey has resonated with audiences, particularly as it is rooted in personal tragedy—his daughter Eloïse's disappearance.
The season opens with a shocking twist: while on a family vacation at the Grand Hôtel Des Lecques in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Mattéï's respite is abruptly interrupted when ten-year-old Adam is found unconscious in the hotel’s pool area, having been poisoned. The hotel is quickly confined as the investigation unfolds, with Mattéï and his team racing against time to uncover the perpetrator who is likely among the guests or staff.
In the first episode titled Secrets de vacances, the tension escalates as the commander's family vacation turns into a high-stakes investigation. The episode features notable guest appearances, including Bénabar, who plays Lars Hansen, Adam's father, and Mélanie Page as Rebecca Hansen, his mother. The ensemble cast also includes Arthur Jugnot as Ludovic Marquiso and Natacha Régnier as Soizic Dupuy, alongside Enrico Macias and Natasha St-Pier, the latter portraying Anaïs, a captivating singer whose relationship with Mattéï adds an intriguing personal layer to the narrative.
Stomy Bugsy, who plays Commissaire Daguerre, expressed his enthusiasm for the series, stating, "I have always loved this series. There aren’t many shows focusing on child protection, so when Jean-Luc Reichmann offered me a role, I immediately said yes." His character’s commitment to safeguarding children reflects the series' core values and resonates with Bugsy, who is also a father.
As the plot thickens, Mattéï’s personal life takes an unexpected turn. While he initially seeks peace during his vacation, he finds himself drawn to Anaïs, whose free-spirited nature challenges his solitary existence. Their connection sparks questions about Mattéï's ability to balance his demanding career with newfound romantic feelings. The narrative promises to explore whether he can reconcile these aspects of his life or if he will miss out on a meaningful relationship.
Natasha St-Pier, who plays Anaïs, shared her thoughts on the filming location, describing the Grand Hôtel Des Lecques as "magnificent" and a perfect backdrop for the series. The hotel, which is set amidst a three-hectare pine forest and just a short walk from the beach, will undergo significant renovations over the next three years, a change that St-Pier regrets. "This hotel is beautiful. It was an incredible filming location. I learned they want to modernize it, which breaks my heart,” she said.
The series continues to maintain its unique blend of drama and social relevance, addressing vital issues surrounding child welfare while providing thrilling entertainment. Each episode is crafted to not only engage viewers but also raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in difficult situations.
In addition to the compelling storylines, the twelfth season features a strong mix of returning and new cast members, ensuring a fresh yet familiar experience for long-time fans. The chemistry among the cast, coupled with the high stakes of each case, promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect a series of complex investigations, including a child witnessing the murder of their teacher and a teenage babysitter who mysteriously disappears. These narratives will explore the darker sides of childhood and the resilience required to navigate them.
The premiere of this season has generated significant buzz, with many fans eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite characters and the introduction of new ones. The combination of suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary has solidified Léo Mattéï, Brigade des mineurs as a beloved series in French television.
Jean-Luc Reichmann, who also appeared on the talk show C à vous to promote the new season, reflected on the evolution of his character, noting that Mattéï is no longer the emotionally detached figure he once was. "This season, love comes knocking at his door, and he must confront what he truly wants in life," he shared.
As the first episodes air, fans will be watching closely to see how Mattéï balances his professional duties with his personal life and what new challenges await him and his team. The return of Léo Mattéï, Brigade des mineurs is not just a revival of a series; it’s a continuation of a story that resonates deeply with its audience, shedding light on the importance of protecting the most vulnerable in society.
