The Crime Comedy Series On Netflix About A Legendary Thief
Streaming platforms have created a delightful trend recently by releasing series about gentlemen criminals like Stede Bonnet in Max’s Pirate dramedy Our Flag Means Death and Assane Diop in Netflix’s crime comedy series Lupin. While the shows are very different from each other (aside from featuring charismatic criminals as the main characters), both shows are light-hearted and extremely bingeable.
Lupin, currently streaming on Netflix, tells the French tale of the Gentleman Thief.
In January 2021, Netflix gifted the world a gem of a TV series that quickly became a global sensation. Lupin, created by George Kay and François Uzan, dazzled audiences with its blend of mystery, suspense, and charismatic characters. With its captivating plot, a stellar cast led by Omar Sy, and impressive reception, Lupin is a shining example of French television excellence, and this series is absolutely one you need to add to your Netflix watch list.
Lupin follows the story of Assane Diop, portrayed by Omar Sy. Assane is the son of an immigrant from Senegal who moved to France in search of a better life for himself and his child. He was later framed for the theft of a valuable diamond necklace by the powerful Hubert Pellegrini. Tragically, Assane’s father dies in prison, leaving a teenage Assane to fend for himself on the unforgiving streets of Paris.
Twenty-five years later, inspired by a book about the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, gifted to him by his father, Assane embarks on a mission for revenge against the Pellegrini family. Armed with charisma and a mastery of thievery, subterfuge, and disguise, he seeks to expose Hubert’s crimes and clear his father’s name.
The show boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, with Omar Sy taking the lead as Assane Diop, the modern-day Arsène Lupin. Other notable cast members include Ludivine Sagnier as Claire Laurent, Assane’s estranged wife, Antoine Gouy as Assane’s best friend Benjamin Ferel, and Soufiane Guerrab as Detective Youssef Guédira, who uses his knowledge of the Arsène Lupin books to track Assane’s activities.
During its first month on Netflix, Lupin was watched by a staggering 76 million households, making it the most-watched non-English series on the platform at the time. It became the first French series to rank among the top ten on Netflix in the United States, reaching number three in January 2021. Reaching the 76 million views mark also made the series the second-most-successful debut ever for an original Netflix show, following Bridgerton.
In the first quarter of 2021, Lupin became the most-watched title on Netflix. Even after the release of the second part, the series continued to dominate, with the third part achieving remarkable success upon its release in October 2023.
During its first month on Netflix, Lupin was watched by a staggering 76 million households, making it the most-watched non-English series on the platform at the time.
The critical response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive, with Rotten Tomatoes praising its engrossing espionage thriller and Omar Sy’s captivating performance. The aggregator gave Lupin an astounding 98 percent approval rating, marking the series Certified Fresh. The show’s second season maintained a high level of acclaim, and the expanded roles for supporting cast members garnered appreciation from viewers and critics alike.
In a feat that rarely seems to occur, audiences agreed with the critics and gave Lupin a high approval rating, marking it a high 81 percent approved on the Rotten Tomatoes site.
But Lupin didn’t just captivate audiences; it also rejuvenated the character of Arsène Lupin, created by Maurice Leblanc in the early 1900s. The first collection of Lupin stories, Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar, surged to the top of children’s literature book charts in France after the series’ release. There is also a Japanese anime based on the same character called Lupin III, which went on to create its own legacy, including a live-action film, stage production, and video game.
Lupin pays homage to Leblanc’s iconic character by updating the story for modern times. Assane Diop takes inspiration from the original Lupin and reimagines the legend for a new generation. His adventures, filled with clever heists and charming escapades, capture the spirit of the original Arsène Lupin while also addressing contemporary issues.
But Lupin didn’t just captivate audiences; it also rejuvenated the character of Arsène Lupin, created by Maurice Leblanc in the early 1900s.
Lupin is not just a crime comedy series; it’s a thrilling and heartwarming journey that brings the legend of Arsène Lupin into the modern era. With its charismatic characters, engaging plot, and brilliant cast, the show has taken the streaming world by storm. From the very first episode, viewers are drawn into the world of Assane Diop, a gentleman thief on a mission for justice, with Omar Sy’s magnetic performance at the helm.
If you’re looking for a series that combines mystery, suspense, comedy, and unforgettable characters, Lupin is an ideal pick for the top of your Netflix watchlist.
