5.5 / 10 (based on 28 reviews)
This is the touching story of a teacher in a French suburban school who, after experiencing a personal tragedy, invests himself fully in his teaching and his students. Episodes focuses on difficulties of students, e.g. alcoholism, poverty.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Guillaume Labbé, Florence Pernel, Bruno Sanches, Émilie Dequenne
Creators: Sylvie Bailly, Mathieu Gleizes, Fabienne Larouche
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 52-minute runtime
Shows Most Like L’école de la vie (2021)
HPI: Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1050 reviews)
Morgane has a 160 IQ but it never really helped her in her everyday life. The police decide to bring her on board to help them track down and catch highly intelligent criminals.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Main Cast: Audrey Fleurot, Mehdi Nebbou, Bruno Sanches, Marie Denarnaud
Creators: Stéphane Carrié, Alice Chegaray-Breugnot, Nicolas Jean
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
En thérapie (2021)
8.2 / 10 (based on 934 reviews)
Paris, autumn 2015. In Philippe Dayan’s analysis office, a surgeon in disarray in love, a couple in crisis, a suicidal teenager follow one another day after day. On a November evening, killers enter Paris.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Frédéric Pierrot, Elsa Lepoivre, Mélanie Thierry, Reda Kateb
Creators: Yael Fogiel, Laetitia Gonzalez, Hagai Levi
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 35 episodes
Laëtitia (2019)
7 / 10 (based on 476 reviews)
18-year-old Laetitia disappears, her overturned scooter found in front of her house early one morning. While police are certain they’ve arrested the suspect, they still haven’t found Laetitia’s body.
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Marie Colomb, Sophie Breyer, Yannick Choirat, Sam Karmann
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Réunions (2020)
6.5 / 10 (based on 88 reviews)
When Chloé learns that Jérémy, her companion, has inherited a hotel in Reunion Island from his “unknown” father, she sees it as the ideal opportunity to start a new life, far from Roubaix and their financial worries. But Chloé will discover that a change of life, even under the sun, is not so easy.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Laëtitia Milot, Loup-Denis Elion, Nicolas Bridet, Sara Martins
Creators: Isabelle Dubernet, Éric Führer
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 52.0-minute runtime
In the landscape of television, where shows often vie for attention with high-octane plots and complex character arcs, “L’école de la vie” (2021) emerges as a refreshing departure. This French drama series, set against the backdrop of a high school, offers a nuanced exploration of grief, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a show that doesn’t rely on the usual gimmicks to draw in viewers. Instead, it presents a slice of life, albeit one that’s slightly more dramatic than most people’s day-to-day experiences.
The Premise
At its core, “L’école de la vie” follows the life of Vincent Picard, a history and geography teacher at a high school. However, this isn’t your typical teacher drama that focuses solely on the inspirational stories of students overcoming adversity. While it does touch upon these themes, the series places a significant emphasis on Vincent’s personal journey of coping with the death of his wife and how this tragedy affects his approach to teaching and connecting with his students.
The Characters
One of the series’ strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Vincent, portrayed with a compelling depth by Guillaume Labbé, is a character that viewers can’t help but root for. His vulnerability and determination to navigate his grief while being a pillar of strength for his students make him relatable.
The students, each with their own set of challenges and backgrounds, add layers to the narrative. From dealing with issues like bullying and parental pressure to exploring themes of identity and first love, “L’école de la vie” offers a realistic portrayal of teenage life. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the complexities and contradictions inherent in growing up.
Storytelling Approach
What sets “L’école de la vie” apart is its storytelling approach. The series skillfully balances the personal and professional aspects of Vincent’s life, intertwining his journey with those of his students. This creates a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the interconnectedness of human experiences. Each episode delves into a different aspect of life at the school, yet there’s a cohesive thread that ties them all together – the idea that everyone is fighting their own battles, often invisible to others.
The show’s creators have done an excellent job of avoiding melodrama. Instead, they opt for a more subdued, realistic portrayal of grief and healing. It’s a testament to the writing that the series can tackle such heavy themes without feeling overbearing or preachy.
Why It Stands Out
In a sea of TV shows that often rely on sensationalism, “L’école de la vie” stands out for its authenticity. It’s a show that doesn’t need to exaggerate or embellish to make an impact. The realness of the characters and their situations speaks volumes. It’s refreshing to see a series that values the power of simple, yet profound storytelling.
Moreover, the educational setting provides a familiar backdrop that most viewers can relate to, yet it’s used in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The classroom scenes are not just filler; they’re integral to the narrative, offering insights into the characters and their development.
Cultural Impact
“L’école de la vie” has the potential to resonate with a wide audience, not just because of its universal themes, but also because it offers a glimpse into the French education system and society. For viewers outside France, it’s an opportunity to explore cultural differences and similarities when it comes to schooling, adolescence, and dealing with loss.
The show also opens up conversations about the role of educators in students’ lives. Vincent’s approach to teaching, where he sees his students as individuals with their own stories and struggles, challenges the traditional teacher-student dynamic. It’s a reminder of the impact that teachers can have, beyond just academic instruction.
Final Thoughts
“L’école de la vie” is a gem of a series that deserves more attention. It’s a poignant, beautifully crafted show that speaks to the heart. For those tired of the usual tropes and looking for something that offers a more grounded, realistic look at life, this series is a must-watch.
In an era where content is king, and there’s no shortage of options, “L’école de la vie” proves that sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain; it resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
So, if you’re in search of a show that combines compelling storytelling with authentic characters and real-life issues, give “L’école de la vie” a chance. It’s a reminder of the power of television to not only reflect our realities but also to offer hope and a sense of connection in an increasingly complex world.