Plus Belle La Vie, Encore Plus Belle: TF1’s Daily Soap Success Story Continues
PARIS, 19 January 2026 – Nearly two years after its highly anticipated return, the daily drama Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle has firmly re-established itself on French television. The series, a revival of the iconic France 3 soap that ended in 2022, successfully transitioned to TF1 in January 2024, blending beloved characters with fresh faces and storylines set in the heart of Marseille.
A Seamless Transition to a New Home
The original Plus belle la vie aired on France 3 from 2004 to 2022, becoming a cultural touchstone that tackled pioneering social issues. Following its cancellation due to shifting audience habits, TF1 acquired the rights and launched the reboot, Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle, on 8 January 2024. The new series cleverly explained the narrative shift by referencing a fictional catastrophe that damaged the iconic Mistral square, forcing residents to relocate before the story resumed over a year later.
Key Facts & Production Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Launch | 8 January 2024 on TF1 |
| Broadcast Slot | Weekdays, ~14:00 (after the 13:00 news) |
| Episode Duration | Approximately 21-25 minutes |
| Production Companies | Plus Belle Prod (Newen) & TF1 |
| Filming Locations | Marseille & Allauch (exteriors); Studios de la Belle de Mai, Marseille (interiors) |
| Average Audience (TF1) | Approximately 2.3 million viewers |
| Streaming (TF1+) | ~600,000 views per episode |
A Cast Balancing Heritage and Novelty
The series’ strength lies in its ensemble cast. Iconic characters from the original were brought back, including Thomas Marci (Laurent Kerusoré), Blanche Marci (Cécilia Hornus), Mirta Torres (Sylvie Flepp), and Barbara Evenot (Léa François). They were joined by a wave of new residents to attract a younger demographic, such as police lieutenant Samuel Gayet (Iñaki Lartigue), law student Steve Brudet (Florian Abboud), and young lawyer Ulysse Kepler (Jérémy Charvet). The show paid poignant tribute to original actors Michel Cordes (Roland) and Marwan Berreni (Abdel), who passed away before the revival.
Audience Performance and Critical Reception
Since its debut, the series has consistently drawn an average of 2.3 million viewers on TF1 in its afternoon slot, with an additional 500,000 on TFX during reruns. Its streaming performance on TF1+ is robust, with around 600,000 views per episode. While critical scores are mixed (2.8/5 on Allociné based on 148 critic notes), the show maintains a loyal fanbase. It was briefly interrupted in summer 2024 for the Paris Olympic Games but quickly regained its audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle’?
It is the revival and continuation of the long-running French daily soap opera Plus belle la vie. After the original ended on France 3 in November 2022, TF1 picked up the series, which returned with a new title in January 2024.
Where is it filmed?
The series is filmed in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Exterior scenes are shot on location in Marseille and Allauch, while interior scenes are filmed in recreated sets at the Studios de la Belle de Mai in Marseille.
Can I watch it online?
Yes. Episodes are available on the TF1+ streaming platform. Subscribers could initially watch episodes two days in advance, and the platform also hosts exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries.
How does it compare to the original series?
The revival maintains the core DNA of following daily life in a Marseille neighbourhood while integrating contemporary social issues. It features a mix of original characters and new storylines designed to appeal to both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers.