"Carpe Diem," the new police series on TF1, has captured the hearts of audiences since its premiere on March 10, 2025. Starring Samuel Le Bihan as Tom Villeneuve, the show tells the gripping story of a man who was wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his wife for 17 long years. Upon his release, Villeneuve embarks on not only defending others who have been unjustly accused but also seeks to solve the mystery of his wife's murder.
With its blend of drama and humor, the series is proving to be more than just another crime show. Initial viewership numbers revealed its popularity, drawing 5.2 million viewers during its debut episode, effectively garnering 27.3% of the audience share. New episodes air this week on March 17, promising to keep viewers engaged.
One of the most compelling aspects of the production is how Le Bihan, who is renowned for his prior work with characters like Alex Hugo, became deeply invested in this role. The series was filmed primarily in Nice—an intentional choice by Le Bihan, who wished to remain near his 13-year-old daughter, Angia, during filming.
Le Bihan explained this decision, saying, "I had in mind to not be too far away from my daughter. I wanted to stay within environments where I could preserve my family." His dedication to providing his daughter with the right environment is notable, as Angia is on the autism spectrum. The actor's commitment to ensuring her well-being influenced the location of the series’ production. Angia often visited the set and even contributed to the choreography of one of the dance scenes, highlighting the close bond they share. "I created the choreography with my daughter," Le Bihan shared. This personal touch adds another layer of engagement, both for him and the audience.
While filming, he faced challenges, particularly during scenes set against the backdrop of Nice's summer allure, filmed against the chill of winter. "I had to swim as if I was enjoying it. On the boat, everyone was wearing puffy jackets. I was frozen," he recalled, laughing at the absurdity of the situation. Despite the cold, Le Bihan's commitment to authentically portraying his character remains firm.
His character, Tom Villeneuve, embodies someone “atypical who has revenge to take, and wants to repair injustices,” according to Le Bihan. The role not only requires physicality but also emotional depth. Dealing with themes of loss, betrayal, and resilience, Villeneuve navigates through the intricacies of the justice system and societal issues. This type of storytelling makes the series relevant and engaging to audiences, pairing serious themes with moments of levity.
The series serves as both entertainment and advocacy, especially reflecting Le Bihan's passions offscreen. The actor has been recognized for his work advocating for those with autism, receiving the Legion of Honor for his contributions and awareness efforts concerning the mental health community. "It’s important to speak out and create change," he emphasized, particularly for the rights of people with disabilities. Being personally linked to the issue through Angia, Le Bihan’s advocacy is rooted deeply within his family values.
Beyond his role as a father to Angia, he has three children—Jules, born to actress Patricia Franchino, and Emma-Rose, with his current partner, actress Angie Vu Ha. His relationship with each of his children is integral to his life story. He admitted candidly about balancing his family commitments with his career, particularly with his firstborn son, Jules. “When my career exploded, he was quite young. That wasn't easy for him; he didn’t have his father as he should have,” he said, showcasing his reflective demeanor on parenthood.
Looking to the future, Le Bihan remains open to new possibilities, including aspirations to live abroad. He mentioned, "I think about possibly moving to London, even though my daughter is beginning to desire city life." Yet, he remains grounded, considering what’s best for his family as they navigate through changes.
With fresh episodes of "Carpe Diem" on the horizon, starring Samuel Le Bihan promises to entertain and influence audiences with its rich narrative and relatable themes dealing with justice, family connections, and personal growth. Tune in to TF1 on March 17, 2025, at 9:10 PM to watch the new episodes and witness the story of Tom Villeneuve, who reminds us all to seize the moment—"Carpe Diem".
