In a major event for television fans, France Télévisions is launching L’Affaire Laura Stern as an exclusive on HBO Max starting January 22, 2026, before making it available on france.tv on February 19, 2026. Created by Frédéric Krivine and Marie Kremer and directed by Akim Isker, this four-episode series of 52 minutes each delves into contemporary societal issues, promising a compelling drama for viewers to watch.
Laura Stern is a pharmacist, a mother, and the founder of the organization Femmes Debout, dedicated to supporting women who have experienced violence. Her life takes a decisive turn the day she witnesses, powerless, the murder of a fellow member of her organization. This femicide becomes a pivotal, irreversible moment in her personal journey.
Deeply impacted by this tragedy and frustrated by what she perceives as the inaction of the legal and police authorities, Laura makes the bold decision to cross a forbidden line. Convinced that justice no longer offers protection, she opts for violence as a means to save those still at risk, setting off a domino effect with far-reaching consequences.
The official trailer will be released as soon as HBO Max publishes it.
The creators intentionally adopt a provocative approach: portraying a "nearly ordinary" character that viewers can relate to before facing an act that is morally unacceptable. The series offers no clear model or justification but instead raises a fundamental question: what happens when our collective protective mechanisms break down?
Valérie Bonneton stars as Laura Stern, alongside Samir Guesmi, Pauline Parigot, Rym Foglia, Pascal Rénéric, Yannick Renier, Marie-Sophie Ferdane, Eva Huault, Darren Muselet, and Catherine Amé. The series is produced by Tetra Media Fiction (a TM Studios group) with Léa Gabrié and Emmanuel Daucé at the helm, in co-production with Torcello Productions for France Télévisions.
The Laura Stern Case
Series | 2026
Season 1 premieres on HBO Max on January 22, 2026
Followed by availability on france.tv starting February 19, 2026
Drama | 4 episodes of 52 minutes each
Created by Frédéric Krivine, Marie Kremer | Starring Valérie Bonneton, Samir Guesmi, Pascal Rénéric
Country: France
Premier showcased at festivals, the series received recognition at CreaTVty 2025, where Valérie Bonneton was awarded Best Actress. Nominated at the La Rochelle TV Fiction Festival, L’Affaire Laura Stern reflects a broader trend in French television, tackling head-on the issues of violence against women and the challenges of institutional responses.
To explore even further, check out our curated list of HBO Max's new releases for January, our comprehensive guide to latest movies and series across all streaming platforms, and today's top pick in what to watch today in streaming.
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