Fans searching for a slick, clever, and binge-worthy series akin to Sherlock need look no further, as Netflix offers a hidden gem that has captivated audiences worldwide. The French heist drama Lupin is being celebrated as "refreshingly original" and endlessly bingeable, with critics and viewers alike hailing it as one of the "most bingeable series ever made."
A Modern Take on a Classic Character
Created by George Kay and François Uzan, Lupin follows Assane Diop, a professional thief inspired by the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, a character created by French novelist Maurice Leblanc in the early 1900s. Often considered the French equivalent of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, Arsène Lupin provides the perfect blueprint for a modern-day heist series.
The show stars the charismatic Omar Sy as Assane Diop, alongside Ludivine Sagnier, Ludmilla Makowski, Antoine Gouy, Adrian Valli de Villebonne, Soufiane Guerrab, Shirine Boutella, and Etan Simon in supporting roles.
Global Success and Critical Acclaim
Premiering on Netflix in January 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdown, Lupin was viewed by approximately 76 million households in its first month, making it Netflix's most-watched non-English language series at the time. The show has since earned a Critics' Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Series and received nominations for Best Drama Series at both the International Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.
The series boasts a near-perfect 98% average rating on Rotten Tomatoes across all three seasons, solidifying its status as a critical and fan favourite.
Why Fans of Sherlock Will Love Lupin
Much like BBC's acclaimed Sherlock, Lupin delivers clever twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. One critic described it as "a thrilling and witty series with a refreshingly original story," while another called it "a magnificent concoction" that captivates in a way that connects to the present time.
Reviewers have compared the show to Luther, Sherlock Holmes, and Inside Man, calling it "an addictive, clever puzzle." The show's pacing has been praised as compulsive, with every episode ending on a cliffhanger that compels viewers to immediately watch the next.
Viewer Reactions
On IMDb, fans have expressed their adoration for the series. One user wrote: "I absolutely loved it. The series, featuring the talented Omar Sy, was so engaging and thrilling that I found myself binge-watching all of the episodes in just one day. The writing was top-notch, creating a captivating storyline with well-developed characters."
Another added: "This is a fantastic series, it is interesting, suspenseful at times and really is a joy to watch. Omar Sy is a brilliant actor and shows it by captivating the viewer's attention. The cinematography and overall production value is absolutely mind-blowing!"
Season Details and Future Releases
The first season launched on Netflix in January 2021 with five episodes, followed by a second batch of five episodes in June of that same year. A third season aired in October 2023, and a fourth season is scheduled for release in autumn 2026.
All three seasons of Lupin are currently available to stream on Netflix.
