EXCLUSIVE: Monmartre is headed to the U.S. MHz Networks has snagged the U.S. rights to the colorful French period drama, which is set in the world of cabaret in Paris and has been a big hit on French TV.
Set at the turn of the 19th century, the historical drama tells the intertwining stories of three characters. Céleste, played by Alice Dufour (Alphonse), is a determined dancer desperate to fund a search for her long-lost siblings. Victor Meutelet (The Bonfire of Destiny) stars as Arsène, a wealthy young engineer, who breaks off an arranged marriage to embrace his hidden love for men. Meanwhile, Rose, played by Claire Romain (Cat’s Eyes), works in a laundry and dreams of a simple life.
Monmartre was commissioned by French network TF1 with Disney+. Its debut on home turf delivered 4.1M viewers in a primetime slot, securing a chunky 21.9% market share for TF1.
Studio TF1 is handling sales and struck the MHZ deal for the U.S. It has also sold the series to a raft of other buyers. In Europe it has landed with big-ticket buyers Mediaset in Italy and Antena 3 in Spain. In Portugal the show has been acquired by Nos Lusomundo. Viasat has CEE rights with Ceska TV taking Czech Republic. TV5 has taken it for Canada.
“Montmartre perfectly embodies our strategy of championing premium local series with strong international potential,” said Camille Dupeuble, EVP International TV and Digital Distribution at Studio TF1. “Its outstanding domestic performance, combined with a growing list of high-profile international partners, demonstrates the series’ ability to connect with audiences across markets. Deeply rooted in French culture yet driven by universal themes, Montmartre is the kind of ambitious, high-end drama that travels exceptionally.”
Monmatre is produced by Banijay label Authentic and directed by Louis Choquette (Versailles).