Premier French series created by HBO Max, Privilèges is a psychological thriller developed, written, and directed by Marie Monge and Vladimir de Fontenay. Produced by Hugo Gélin for Zazi Séries, it stars Manon Bresch alongside Melvil Poupaud in leading roles. Comprising six episodes of 52 minutes each, the series will be available on HBO Max starting March 27, 2026. It was also showcased in the French selection at the Séries Mania festival. This project underscores the platform's strategy to invest in ambitious local productions.
The story unfolds within the walls of the Citadel, a Parisian palace where wealthy clients, unseen staff, and secret influence networks intersect. Adèle, a young inmate played by Manon Bresch, lands a job as a baggage handler through a reintegration program devised by the hotel's manager, Édouard Galzain. However, a silent understanding quickly takes shape: her freedom hinges on her ability to navigate the unspoken rules of the palace, where every gesture of kindness could hide a hidden price.
As she uncovers the inner workings of the establishment, the young woman realizes that the hotel operates like a tightly-knit, hierarchical microcosm. Driven by ambitious staff, influential guests, and external intermediaries, a subtle power struggle unfolds behind the scenes. Adèle then turns her survival instinct into a calculated move for climbing the ranks, gradually establishing herself as a wild card in a system where manipulation, loyalty, and opportunism blur together.
Designed as a contemporary closed-door drama, the series delves into power dynamics within a setting where different social classes intersect. The creators portray the luxury hotel as a modern-day "Tower of Babel": a space where worlds that would never normally meet coexist — from wealthy guests to service staff. This environment serves as the perfect backdrop to explore a complex system of authority, where everyone depends on a superior yet holds sway over someone else.
The Citadel was designed to serve as the central backdrop of the story. Instead of filming in an actual palace, the production team created a fictional setting to craft a unique visual identity. The lobby, suites, and offices were built on a soundstage, while some exterior scenes were shot on location in Paris, particularly around the Champs-Élysées. This approach enhances the contrast between the opulent salons frequented by clients and the technical corridors reserved for staff.
The series centers on the intense dynamic between Manon Bresch and Melvil Poupaud. Bresch delivers a portrayal of a heroine in a perpetual state of flux, seamlessly moving across various social circles. Meanwhile, Poupaud embodies a charismatic leader whose authority is built on a clever mix of allure, manipulation, and control. Supporting their performances, a talented ensemble cast includes Nina Zem, Zar Amir, Anne Azoulay, Sandor Funtek, Stéphanie Atala, Eva Huault, and Joseph Olivennes.
Blending social commentary with a power thriller, Privilèges depicts a world where luxury serves as a tool of control. The story highlights the stark contrasts between the glamorous façade of the palace and the underlying tensions lurking behind the scenes. Through its setting and themes, the series echoes the dynamics seen in The White Lotus or Succession, translating these power plays into the heart of Paris's elite circles.
Privilèges
Series | 2026
Season 1 premieres on HBO Max on March 27, 2026
Drama, Thriller | 6 episodes, 52 minutes each
Created by Marie Monge and Vladimir de Fontenay | Starring Manon Bresch, Melvil Poupaud, Nina Zem
Original title: Privilèges
Country: France
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious palace turned social battleground, Privilèges offers a deep dive into the intricacies of power and personal ambition. Through the journey of a heroine striving to carve out her space in a highly structured world, the series examines the delicate balance between ambition, loyalty, and control in modern France.
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