The Art of Crime

Antoine Verlay is a blunt, independent police officer who has been fired for insubordination. He is reassigned to the OCBC, the Central Office for the fight against Trafficking in Cultural Goods, thanks to the intervention of his friend and new superior, Commander Alexandre Pardo. The unit pairs investigators with experts across the art world to track stolen masterpieces and counterfeit networks. Verlay, skilled at reading people on the street but unfamiliar with culture, must learn to work within a team and follow procedures he once resisted. His partner is Florence Chassagne, a renowned art historian whose daily life is steeped in culture and who daydreams of conversations with great artists who vanished long ago. Their uneasy partnership grows into respect.

Created by Angèle Herry-Leclerc, Pierre-Yves Mora and Eric Woreth, The Art of Crime debuted in 2017 as a French crime drama. Nicolas Gob stars as Antoine Verlay alongside Éléonore Bernheim as Florence Chassagne. Nicolas Gob and Éléonore Bernheim lead.

Set at the crossroads of policing and culture, the show stands out by making the art world a central character rather than mere backdrop. Florence Chassagne's expertise and Verlay's street sense create a fresh dynamic that highlights the value of cultural heritage in crime stories. The tone blends suspense with wit.

Critically the show has been praised for its unusual premise and strong performances. It explores themes of collaboration across lines of expertise, the tension between procedure and imagination, and how cultural artifacts shape personal and collective identity. Viewers are drawn to the contrast between street law and museum culture.

No major nominations are publicly recorded for the series. While it has drawn praise for its inventive premise and performances, it has not become a standout in the awards circuit and remains a notable but quietly acclaimed entry in contemporary crime drama. Its distinctive premise continues to attract crime drama fans.