Canneseries Selects J.J. Abrams’ ‘Duster,’ ‘Dead City,’ ‘The Agency’ 

The Canneseries festival is set to showcase some highly anticipated series this year, despite concerns about the absence of MipTV and the lack of international buyers in attendance. The lineup for 2025 includes J.J. Abrams’ Max period crime thriller “Duster,” AMC Networks’ “The Walking Dead: Dead City” Season 2, and Paramount+ with Showtime’s “The Agency.”

One of the highlights of the festival is the world premiere of “Dead City” and the debut of “Duster” on Max, starring Michael Fassbender. “The Agency,” starring Norman Reedus from “The Walking Dead,” will also be featured at the event. Additionally, “Bridgerton’s” Nicola Coughlan will deliver a masterclass, and stars like Josh Holloway, Sam Clafin, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan will be in attendance to promote their respective series.

While the lineup may be lighter on big U.S. series compared to previous years, there is still a strong focus on promoting local and international series with breakout potential. Streaming giants like Netflix and Apple TV+ will not have series at Canneseries this year, but Warner Bros. Discovery will be showcasing new shows from Max France, including “Malditos” and “Maintenant ou jamais, FC Montfermil.”

In addition to the competition series, there will be buzzworthy titles like “The Corsican Line” from Canal+/Studiocanal and “Reykjavic Fusion” from Icelandic production powerhouse ACT4. Other notable entries include South Korean thriller “Doubt” and Finnish black comedy “Dorm No. 13.”

The festival will also pay tribute to Belgium and highlight the inventive TV landscape of Norway. With a strong presence from major French broadcasters and a focus on industry professionals, Canneseries continues to be a platform for showcasing innovative and diverse television content. The event will feature speakers from various sectors of the industry, providing insight into the creative process behind some of the most acclaimed series in recent years. This year’s Canneseries festival promises to showcase a diverse range of groundbreaking series that are set to captivate audiences around the world. With a budget of €3.8 million ($4.1 million) and support from Cannes Town Hall and Canal+, the eighth edition of Canneseries is set to take place from April 24-29.

Among the highly anticipated titles at Canneseries is “The Agency,” a French premiere that is an English-language remake of the popular spy thriller “The Bureau” by Eric Rochant. Starring Michael Fassbender as a CIA agent who gives up his undercover work, this series has been praised as one of the best French series ever made. With talented writers and directors behind the project, including Jez and John-Henry Butterworth and Joe Wright, “The Agency” is sure to be a hit with audiences.

Another standout title at Canneseries is “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” Season 2, a world premiere that continues the saga of the iconic zombie apocalypse series. Created by Eli Jorné, this spin-off features fan favorites Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as they navigate a post-apocalyptic Manhattan filled with gang warfare.

Fans of crime thrillers will be excited to see “The Big Fuck-Up,” a world premiere from Streamz in Belgium and Amazon Prime Video in the Netherlands. Set in the 1980s, this series follows Belgian gendarmes as they take over the country’s drug trade. With a gripping storyline created by Philippe de Schepper and Bas Adriaensen, “The Big Fuck-Up” promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

For a heartwarming and inspiring story, “Holy Shit!” from Streamz in Belgium is a must-watch. This world premiere follows Yasmine, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, as she embarks on a journey to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Directed by Geoffrey Enthoven and produced by Mariano Vanhoof, “Holy Shit!” is a touching tale of perseverance and hope.

The Canneseries lineup also includes “The Corsican Line,” a world premiere from Canal+ in France. This highly anticipated crime thriller stars Raphaël Acloque and Lina El Arabi and offers a compelling look at the ruthless mafia underworld in Corsica. With stunning visuals and top-notch performances, “The Corsican Line” is sure to be a standout at the festival.

Other notable titles at Canneseries include “Duster” from Max in the U.S., “The Count of Monte Cristo” from RAI and France Televisions, “A Better Man” from NRK in Norway and ZDFneo in Germany, “Dead End” from Play4 and Streamz in Belgium, “How To Kill Your Sister” from Play4, Streamz, and ZDFneo in Belgium and Germany, and “L/Over” from MTV/C More in Finland.

With such a diverse and exciting lineup, Canneseries is set to change the world of series in France and beyond. Audiences can look forward to a week of groundbreaking storytelling and unforgettable performances that will leave a lasting impact on the world of television. Sales serves as a global distributor, connecting audiences around the world with a diverse range of content. From action-packed crime thrillers to social gulf dramedies, there is something for everyone in the lineup of shows being distributed by Sales.

One notable series is “Malditos,” a French crime thriller that follows the leader of a gypsy community and her two sons as they battle to save their clan from eviction due to rising waters in Southern France. Created by Jean Charles Hue and Olivier Prieur, this series promises to be a gripping and intense watch.

Another intriguing show is “Nepobaby,” a Norwegian dramedy that follows a working-class woman who unexpectedly inherits a shipping empire, much to the dismay of her resentful siblings. Created by Henriette Steenstrup and Siri Seljeseth, this series offers a unique and entertaining take on family dynamics and social class.

“Reykjavik Fusion,” an Icelandic series that combines elements of “Breaking Bad” and “The Bear,” follows two characters as they navigate the criminal underworld in Iceland. With a talented cast and an engaging storyline, this series is sure to captivate audiences around the world.

In addition to these longer-format series, Sales is also distributing a number of short-form series that offer bite-sized entertainment for viewers. From black comedies to surreal and disturbing videos, there is a wide range of content to choose from.

Overall, Sales serves as a valuable resource for audiences looking to discover new and exciting content from around the world. With a diverse lineup of shows spanning various genres and formats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So sit back, relax, and let Sales take you on a journey through the world of international television.

Created, co-written, and directed by Magnus Skatfold, the co-creator of the Doc NYC winner “Blue Code of Silence,” comes a new series titled “The Nazi Cartel.” This gripping series, sold by NBCUniversal, is co-written by Christian Bergmann, Justin Webster, and David Lopez, and directed by Webster, known for “The Prosecutor, the President and the Spy.” “The Nazi Cartel” delves into the dark history of notorious Nazi torturer Klaus Barbie and drug lord Roberto Suárez, who played pivotal roles in engineering Bolivia’s 1980 “Cocaine Coup” of Luis García Meza.

Another exciting series to look out for is “A Better Place,” a social issue thriller from the producers of “Spencer,” Komplizen Film, and Studiocanal Series. Set in the post-industrial city of Rheinstadt, the series follows the progressive mayor and a criminal law expert as they close the correctional facility and reintegrate its inmates into society, with the fate of Rheinstadt hanging in the balance. Backed by European heavyweights Canal + and ARD, the series is set to premiere at Mipcom.

For sports enthusiasts, “Kun by Aguëro” offers a unique insight into the life of legendary football player Aguëro, who was forced into early retirement due to a heart condition. The bio-series, co-written and directed by Justin Webster, features interviews with football icons like Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola, providing an intimate look at Aguëro’s career and personal life.

South Korean dramas also make a mark with series like “Doubt,” which follows top profiler Jang Tae-soo as he investigates a series of murders involving his own daughter. The series has been praised for its immersive storytelling and stunning visuals, earning it a spot as one of the top K-dramas of 2024.

From virtual YouTubers to forensic pathologists, South Korean series like “Fasting Love” and “Hunter With a Scalpel” offer a diverse range of thrilling and captivating stories. Additionally, “Nursery Rhyme Horror Story” reimagines classic nursery rhymes as chilling tales, adding a fresh and eerie twist to familiar childhood stories.

French series like “The Art of Crime” and “Escort Boys” continue to captivate audiences with their unique premises and engaging storytelling. “The Art of Crime” follows investigator Antoine Verlay and art historian Florence Chassagne as they unravel mysteries hidden in works of art, while “Escort Boys” explores the changing gender dynamics in modern-day France with humor and charm.

With a diverse range of genres and themes, these upcoming series promise to entertain and enthrall audiences with their compelling narratives and talented cast and crew. Keep an eye out for these exciting new series as they make their mark on the international television landscape. The French television series “Aspergirl” returned for Season 2 on CINÉ+ OCS Signature in France. The show follows Louison, a single mother who discovers she is on the autism spectrum, as is her son Guilem. In the new season, Louison plans to move in with Marica, an environmentalist, but her plans are disrupted when Guilem announces he will be joining a program to settle Mars. Season 2 of “Aspergirl” was presented at Mip London by France TV Distribution and has been described as “touching, tender, and drole” by critics on the French website Cineman.

Another French series to watch out for is “Maintenant ou jamais, FC Montfermeil” by Max. The show follows the under-17 soccer team at FC Montfermeil, a club located in a tough neighborhood east of Paris. The team faces a make-or-break season as scouts from all over Europe converge to discover new talent. The players must give it their all in hopes of being discovered and making their dreams come true. This exciting series is produced by Federation Studio France.

For those who enjoy thrillers, “Jailbreakers” on France Televisions is a must-watch. The show follows Alice, a 17-year-old who infiltrates a group of inmates in a penitentiary who are planning an escape. Her goal is to inform on them in exchange for an earlier release so she can reunite with her sick mother. As Alice forms bonds with the inmates, she is faced with a difficult decision – betray them for her freedom or escape with them. “Jailbreakers” is set to premiere on YA channel France.tv.slash and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

These French series offer a diverse range of genres and storylines, making them a must-watch for television fans. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting shows as they continue to captivate audiences both in France and around the world.