The French crime drama Astrid: Murder in Paris (originally Astrid et Raphaëlle) has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its unique blend of clever mysteries, heartfelt character dynamics, and a groundbreaking portrayal of neurodiversity. Aired on France 2 and streaming internationally on platforms like PBS Masterpiece and Channel 4’s Walter Presents, this thrilling series has fans raving about its “wild” and “hot” take on the crime genre. With Season 5 having wrapped up on December 20, 2024, and Season 6 already in production, the show continues to build momentum, earning an 8.2/10 on IMDb and widespread praise for its leads, Sara Mortensen and Lola Dewaere. Here’s everything you need to know about the release schedule, cast, plot, and why fans are losing their minds over this addictive series.
Release Schedule and Expected Premiere
Astrid: Murder in Paris has been a consistent hit since its debut on France 2 on April 12, 2019. Season 5, consisting of eight episodes, concluded on December 20, 2024, and is available for streaming on platforms like PBS Masterpiece, Channel 4’s Walter Presents, and Amazon Prime Video in select regions. The show’s international popularity has grown, with the UK airing it as Astrid: Murder in Paris and the US as Astrid on PBS, while other markets like Poland (Kryminalne Geniuszki) and Spain (Bright Minds) have embraced it.
Excitingly, production for Season 6 began in February 2024, with filming underway in Paris and surrounding areas. Based on the show’s historical release pattern, which typically sees new seasons premiere in the autumn, fans can expect Season 6 to air around November 2025 on France 2, with international releases following shortly after on streaming platforms. While France 2 has not yet announced an official premiere date, the consistent November window for past seasons suggests a late 2025 debut is likely. All episodes are expected to drop simultaneously on streaming services like Walter Presents, with weekly broadcasts on More4 or Channel 4 in the UK.
The series’ global reach continues to expand, with an English-language adaptation, Patience, starring Laura Fraser and Ella Maisy Purvis, which aired on Channel 4 in January 2025. Fans are hopeful that the original French series will remain available on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and PBS, with free streaming options on Channel 4 in the UK (with ads).
The Cast: A Dynamic Ensemble
At the heart of Astrid: Murder in Paris is the electrifying duo of Sara Mortensen as Astrid Nielsen, an autistic archivist with an encyclopedic memory, and Lola Dewaere as Raphaëlle Coste, an impulsive police commander. Mortensen’s portrayal of Astrid has been lauded as “superb” and “convincing,” with fans and critics praising her nuanced depiction of autism, inspired by the works of Temple Grandin. Dewaere’s Raphaëlle, described as a “flamboyant, energetic detective,” complements Astrid perfectly, creating a chalk-and-cheese dynamic that’s both humorous and poignant. Their chemistry is a cornerstone of the series, with IMDb reviews calling their friendship “a canonical place in cinema” for its focus on supportive female bonds.
The supporting cast adds depth to the show’s world. Benoît Michel plays Nicolas Perran, a fellow detective who initially resents Astrid’s involvement but grows to respect her brilliance. Jean-Louis Garçon appears as Commissioner Bachert, who softens his stance on Astrid as her solve rate boosts the team’s success. Husky Kihal recurs as Dr. Fournier, the coroner who grudgingly acknowledges Astrid’s insights, while Timi-Joy Marbot plays Théo, Raphaëlle’s son, who bonds with Astrid over puzzles. Elisabeth Mortensen, Sara’s real-life mother, appears as Mathilde Nielsen, Astrid’s mother, adding a touching layer to the show’s family dynamics.
Season 5 featured guest stars like Tom Villa and Stomy Bugsy, and Season 6 is expected to continue the tradition of high-profile cameos, though no names have been confirmed. The ensemble’s seamless chemistry and the show’s commitment to character development have fans on X calling the cast “perfectly cast” and “a revelation.”
The Plot: Twisty Mysteries and Emotional Depth
Astrid: Murder in Paris follows Astrid Nielsen, a 30-year-old autistic archivist in the judicial police’s criminal records department, who has an extraordinary memory for case files. When Commander Raphaëlle Coste enlists her help on a perplexing case, the two form an unlikely partnership, tackling Paris’s most baffling murders. The series blends episodic mysteries with an overarching narrative about Astrid’s personal growth, her navigation of social challenges, and her deepening friendship with Raphaëlle.
Season 5, which ended on December 20, 2024, pushed the duo to new limits with cases like a locked-room murder, a death tied to ancient astronomy, and a conspiracy involving government “death ray” satellites. The season also explored Astrid’s emotional journey, including her first romantic experience with Tetsuo Tanaka, who gifts her a solitaire set, and a traumatic past event that impacts her work. Raphaëlle faces professional challenges, including pressure from higher-ups that threatens Astrid’s role on the murder squad.
The show’s mysteries are known for their creativity, ranging from a lawyer shot in front of witnesses who saw nothing to a body found drowned in a waterless museum. While some episodes, like the Season 2 opener, have been criticized for not fully explaining the “how” of the crime, the show’s comic-book-like pacing and red herrings keep viewers engaged. Fans on Reddit praise the “clever” and “unpredictable” plots, with one calling Season 5 “a masterclass in balancing heart and suspense.” The show’s sensitive portrayal of autism, avoiding clichés, has also resonated, with a therapist on IMDb noting its “accurate and realistic” depiction.
Season 6 promises more intricate cases, though plot details remain under wraps. Based on past seasons, expect puzzles like locked-room mysteries or crimes with supernatural twists, alongside further development of Astrid and Raphaëlle’s bond. The show’s ability to weave emotional depth into its fast-paced procedural format sets it apart, with fans describing moments like Astrid’s thimble gift to Raphaëlle as “heart-achingly beautiful.”
Why Fans Are Obsessed
Astrid: Murder in Paris has sparked a passionate fanbase, with viewers on X and Reddit calling it “the hottest thriller yet” for its blend of gripping mysteries and emotional storytelling. The show’s 8.2 IMDb rating and 80% Rotten Tomatoes score reflect its critical and audience acclaim. Fans praise Sara Mortensen’s “outstanding” performance, with one reviewer noting, “Astrid captures the innocence and joy of a child as an adult.” The dynamic between Astrid and Raphaëlle, likened to a female Sherlock Holmes and a sharper Watson, is a major draw, with their friendship described as “soulful” and “rare” on TV.
The series’ lighter tone, compared to darker procedurals like The Bridge, and its French “bande dessinée” comic-book vibe add a playful energy, with laugh-out-loud moments and quirky cases. However, some fans have noted the plots can feel rushed, with convenient coincidences or skimmed-over details, as seen in Season 2’s magic-themed episode. Despite this, the show’s focus on character over plot mechanics keeps viewers hooked, with one PBS reviewer saying, “I savor each episode for the depth of character.”
The portrayal of autism is a standout, with Sara Mortensen’s performance earning praise for its authenticity and avoidance of stereotypes. Fans, including those with neurodivergent loved ones, appreciate the show’s educational yet entertaining approach, with one X user calling it “fabulous, enriching, and meaningful.” The mix of twisty mysteries, heartfelt moments, and a fresh take on the procedural genre has fans eagerly awaiting Season 6.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Astrid: Murder in Paris is a thrilling, heartwarming gem that combines clever crime-solving with a powerful portrayal of friendship and neurodiversity. Its wild mysteries, from gem heists to time-travel claims, keep you guessing, while the emotional bond between Astrid and Raphaëlle tugs at the heartstrings. With Season 6 on the horizon for late 2025, now is the perfect time to catch up on PBS Masterpiece, Channel 4, or Prime Video. Whether you’re drawn to the puzzles, the performances, or the Parisian charm, this series is a binge-worthy delight that proves why fans are going wild for Astrid: Murder in Paris.
