A New Global Hit on HBO Max

The six-part French crime thriller Privileges has quickly established itself as a global streaming success. Created, written, and directed by Marie Monge and Vladimir de Fontenay, the series made its international debut on HBO Max on March 27.

The show consists of six episodes, each approximately 52 minutes long. New episodes are scheduled to be released weekly on Fridays throughout April. As of March 31, the series has secured the 10th spot on the global HBO Max Top 10 TV shows list, according to data from FlixPatrol.

International Reach

Privileges has found significant popularity, appearing in the Top 10 lists of 32 countries. Its audience is primarily concentrated in Europe, with additional viewership in Asia, Belize, and Haiti. While the show is available to stream in the United States, it has not yet cracked the domestic Top 10 list.

The Plot of Privileges

Set in the luxurious Citadel hotel in Paris, the narrative follows Adèle Charki, a young woman recently released from incarceration. Through a day-release program, she begins working as a bellhop, only to discover a dangerous criminal underworld hidden behind the hotel's opulent facade.

The series blends elements of classic French noir with psychological thriller tropes. It explores complex power dynamics and corporate intrigue as Adèle attempts to navigate a landscape occupied by both the elite and criminal organizations. The cast features:

  • Manon Bresch
  • Melvil Poupaud
  • Zar Amir Ebrahimi
  • Roxane Mesquida
  • Nadia Benzakour
  • Nina Zem
  • Joseph Olivennes
  • Anne Azoulay
  • Mila Michael
  • Sandor Funtek
  • Stephanie Atala
  • Eva Huault
  • Nancy Marie-Claire
  • Aaron Kahn

Early Reception and Reviews

As the series is in the early stages of its release, it has not yet accumulated enough data for a Rotten Tomatoes score. However, early viewer feedback is positive, with one audience member praising the cast and the Parisian setting.

Industry critics have also weighed in on the series' potential. Joel Keller of Decider recommended the show, noting that the premiere effectively establishes "explosive relationships" within its elegant setting. Similarly, Christine Kinori from The Review Geek stated that the series is "off to a good start" and highlighted the strength of the performances.