Baron Noir

Baron Noir

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	February 8, 2016 (2016-02-08)
Headquarters	France
Products	Television drama series
Website	www.canalplus.com/series/baron-noir/h/1422

Baron Noir (also known internationally as Republican Gangsters) is a French political drama television series that first aired on Canal+ on 8 February 2016. Created by and , the show consists of three seasons totaling 24 episodes. It was produced by Kwaï, with Thomas Bourguignon serving as executive producer.

Premise

The narrative centers on Philippe Rickwaert, a Member of Parliament and mayor of Dunkerque, whose political trajectory is threatened after his mentor—a left-wing presidential hopeful—abandons him to shield the campaign. Motivated by vengeance, Rickwaert utilizes his extensive network and political acumen to reclaim influence, forming unexpected partnerships, including with the chief advisor of his rival. His journey involves maneuvering through intricate connections among political figures, law enforcement, and organized crime, portraying him as a determined and tactical player within the French political arena.

Main

• Kad Merad portrays Philippe Rickwaert
• Niels Arestrup features as Francis Laugier (Season 1)
• Anna Mouglalis takes on the role of Amélie Dorendeu
• Hugo Becker plays Cyril Balsan
• Astrid Whettnall appears as Véronique Bosso
• François Morel acts as Michel Vidal

Recurring

• Laurent Spielvogel as Armand Chambolle
• Jade Phan-Gia in the role of Françoise Levasseur
• Lubna Gourion as Salomé Rickwaert
• Scali Delpeyrat portrays Martin Borde
• Philippe Résimont as Daniel Kalhenberg
• Eric Caruso in the role of Laurent Mirmont
• Erika Sainte as Fanny Alvergne
• Maryne Bertieaux plays Alison

Guest

Season 1

• Michel Voïta appears as Jean-Marc Auzanet
• Jean-Pierre Martins plays Bruno Rickwaert
• Michel Muller features as Gérard Balleroy
• Mahdi Belemlih portrays Medhi Fateni
• Patrick Rocca as Alain Chistera
• Alban Aumard acts as Sylvain Buisine
• Yannick Morzelle in the role of Bruce Rickwaert
• Rémy Stiel plays Jordan Rickwaert
• Marie Lanchas as Elodie Jacquemot
• Alain Pointier portrays Jean-Pierre Barthélémy
• Stéphane Ropa acts as Boris Valentin
• Phénix Brossard appears as Sébastien
• Damien Jouillerot plays Toph
• Alain Pronnier in the role of Eddy
• Jean-Erns Marie-Louise acts as Ménadier
• Brigitte Froment portrays Maryse
• Léon Plazol plays Théo
• Sébastien Beuret appears as Arthur

Season 3

• Marie-France Alvarez features as Malika

Development and production

On 29 February 2016, Eric Benzekri, one of the series' writers, revealed that filming for season 2 would coincide with the upcoming presidential election and that it was scheduled for broadcast in 2018. The third season premiered in February 2020.

Reception

The show earned widespread praise from critics across France. Prominent publications such as Le Monde, L'Obs, Les Inrockuptibles, Metro International, Paris Match, and Télérama awarded the inaugural season a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Meanwhile, both L'Express and Libération gave it a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Accolades

Year	Award	Category	Recipient	Outcome
2016	ACS Award	Best TV Series	Canal+	Template:Nom
		Best Writer	Eric Benzekri & Jean-Baptiste Delafon	Template:Nom
		Best Director	Ziad Doueiri	Template:Nom
		Best Actor	Niels Arestrup	Template:Nom
		Best Actor	Kad Merad	Template:Won
		Best Actress	Anna Mouglalis	Template:Nom
		Best Production	Kwaï	Template:Nom
2017	Globes de Cristal Award	Best TV Series	Eric Benzekri & Jean-Baptiste Delafon	Template:Nom
	Trophées du Film Français	Best Writer-Producer	Thomas Bourguignon, Eric Benzekri & Jean-Baptiste Delafon	Template:Won
	45th International Emmy Awards	Best Actor	Kad Merad	Template:Nom

External links

• Official site
• Baron noir profile on IMDb