The Traveller

Thomas Bareski used to be the detective everyone called when a case went cold. Now retired, he can't sit still. He goes back through unsolved murders, rechecking witness statements, reopening files and tracking leads that were missed or ignored. For him, the work is personal, a way to answer questions for families who never got closure. He moves through cemeteries, police archives and dimly lit bars, relying on old contacts and instincts that haven't rusted. The show focuses on his methodical pursuit of truth, the toll it takes on people around him and the moral gray areas that appear when an investigator keeps poking at old wounds, all without revealing endings or big twists.

Released in 2019, The Traveller was created by Hervé Korian and features Éric Cantona as Thomas Bareski and Bruno Debrandt in a prominent supporting role, marking a notable entry in contemporary French crime drama.

The series didn't collect major international awards, and it wasn't a sweep of festival prizes. Still, reviewers and viewers often pointed to Cantona's performance as a reason to watch, and several outlets gave the show attention for its lead casting and tone.

Cantona's presence helped the series reach audiences beyond typical crime drama viewers, drawing interest from sports fans familiar with his past life. Conversations online and on social media tended to focus on the central character and the show's realistic, sometimes bleak portrayal of cold cases, making it a modest talking point among fans of European noir.

Critical and audience reaction was mixed to positive, reflected by a vote average of 6.9/10 from a small number of votes. Commentators praised the atmosphere, procedural detail and the moral questions the series raises about justice, grief and obsession. Some critics wanted more narrative payoff, but many agreed the show succeeds at creating a moody, patient investigation where long-buried choices ripple into the present.