France Télévisions has announced its 2026-2027 programming slate, headlined by a stage adaptation of Mathieu Kassovitz’s 1995 film La Haine. The broadcaster’s upcoming lineup, presented in Paris by president Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, focuses on a mix of social-issue dramas, high-stakes thrillers, and a reinforced commitment to public-service journalism amid significant budget constraints.
Bringing ‘La Haine’ to the Stage
The French drama La Haine, which chronicles the lives of three young men in the Paris suburbs following riots, is being reimagined for the stage. Titled La Haine, sur scène – Jusqu’ici rien n’a changé, the production is scheduled to air as part of the broadcaster’s 2026-2027 season. The film remains a touchstone of modern French cinema, and its return to the public consciousness comes as the country prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
New Drama and Thriller Slate
France Télévisions is prioritizing "editorial differentiation" in its international and domestic acquisitions, according to Manuel Alduy, the group’s editorial director of cinema and international series. The new slate includes:
- Triple Peine: Directed by Noémie Kocher, this drama examines a sexual harassment case within the film industry, tracing an actress’s legal and personal battle from 2000 through the present day. It stars Fleur Geffrier and Olivier Gourmet.
- Stunts: A thriller series following an urban-acrobatics expert who infiltrates a criminal stunt gang after the death of her brother. The series stars Jeanne Goursaud and Sabrina Ouazani.
- L’Autre Fille: A supernatural six-part drama about a teen athlete who discovers a mysterious, uncontrollable duplicate of herself.
- Code Rouge: Produced by U.K.-based Bad Wolf, this six-part thriller stars Richard Armitage and Jing Lusi as they navigate a dangerous flight from Beijing to London.
Journalism and Public Service Strategy
In an effort to maintain a shared democratic space, France Télévisions is expanding its news and investigative programming. News director Philippe Corbé emphasized that the broadcaster aims to provide facts rather than commentary, specifically targeting younger audiences through digital-first platforms like HugoDécrypte’s En tension.
The political interview program L’Heure de vérité will also return to primetime on France 2, hosted by Caroline Roux. These efforts arrive as the broadcaster reports more than 5 billion video views on social platforms, with its news accounts totaling over 25 million followers.
Financial Pressures and Future Outlook
The ambitious programming expansion occurs despite ongoing fiscal challenges. Delphine Ernotte-Cunci confirmed that the broadcaster has absorbed €110 million in funding cuts over the last two years and is planning for an additional €20 million in savings by 2027.
"The values of public service broadcasting are not a legacy that we protect. They are forward-looking ideas that we embrace," Ernotte-Cunci said during the presentation. Despite the "painful" budgetary decisions, the broadcaster maintains that its core mission—providing shared national experiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape—remains its primary objective.
Key Takeaways
- La Haine Adaptation: The 1995 film is being adapted into a stage production for the 2026-2027 season.
- Strategic Focus: France Télévisions is shifting focus toward high-quality, distinctive content rather than sheer volume in its streaming and broadcast offerings.
- Political Engagement: The network is reviving L’Heure de vérité as part of a broader strategy to engage voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
- Fiscal Reality: The group is managing significant funding reductions, including a planned €20 million cut for 2027, while attempting to preserve its public-service mandate.
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