Spiral

Spiral presents a bruising view of modern crime in Paris, where cops, lawyers, and judges collide in a maze of cases that rarely offer clean victories. Instead of glamorous chases, the show follows steady, exhausting investigations that expose the cracks in every institution. Laure Berthaud, a determined Paris police captain, pushes her team through tangled investigations that cross with the district attorney and defense counsel. Audrey Fleurot plays Joséphine Karlsson, a sharp and morally complex lawyer who often finds herself at odds with the police, while Gilles Escoffier and Ali Amrani add layers of personal and professional tension. Set against dim streets and crowded courthouses, the series emphasizes procedure, consequences, and the gray areas where justice fights to be served.

Spiral premiered in 2005 in France. Created by Alexandra Clert and Guy-Patrick Sainderichin, the series features Caroline Proust as Laure Berthaud, Audrey Fleurot as Joséphine Karlsson, and Thierry Godard as Gilles Escoffier, with direction handled by a rotating team across episodes.

Its unflinching realism and interwoven plots helped shape a distinctly French school of crime drama, influencing later series with ensemble work that balances procedural beats with courtroom conflict. The show earned praise for its lived in atmosphere, sharp dialogue, long arcs, and moral ambiguity.

Critics highlighted a dense pace, complex characters, and the way loyalties blur among cops, lawyers, and judges. The central arc centers on how power, corruption, and personal history intersect, forcing each protagonist to weigh duty against self interest, and to question who truly serves justice.

Awards: Spiral has received critical recognition for its ensemble cast and tight writing, garnering nominations at several industry ceremonies. Its layered character work and authentic depiction of police and judicial life earned nominations and praise from critics, helping to elevate French TV crime drama on international stage and influence medium.