Watching television is an excellent way to help you learn a new language. If you’re taking French classes and you are interested in learning about French and French-Canadian politics, news, movies, celebrities, etc. then we have the perfect thing for you. Watching francophone talk shows is a great way to keep up your French lessons and it is also a wonderful way to add to your overall knowledge of world news. We’ve compiled a list of 4 television talk shows from France and Canada that will interest you but also compliment your more “normal” French classes. Enjoy!
On n’est pas couché
On n’est pas couché is a television show from France and airs every Saturday night. The show has been airing since 2006 and it plays on the France 2 channel. The presenter is Laurent Ruquier, a television host, a producer, a comedian, writer, playwright, etc. He hosts many shows in France but this one is the one to watch! This infotainment television show receives guests (actors, singers, politics) that comment on politics, the entertainment industry and the overall national and international news. This is quite a long show, lasting around 3 to 4 hours. If you want to learn more about French news and French personalities, then this is the show for you.
Tout le monde en parle (Qc)
The French-Canadian version of this French television show (which is now cancelled) is one of the Quebecers favourite television shows to watch. It plays every Sunday at 8 p.m. and lasts about two hours. The show revolves around the most important news events of the week. Celebrities, politicians and journalists are interviewed by Guy A. Lepage, a comedian who’s played in some of the greatest Québec television shows. The show sometimes does get international stars like Taylor Swift, Monica Bellucci, Phil Collins, and many more. This is the best show to watch to learn about the French-Canadian culture and all the news happening in this province.
Envoyé spécial
Envoyé spécial is a television show from France that investigates and reports various national and international news. This television show is more “serious” than On n’est pas couché but is still quite popular. This show has been airing since 1990, so the show is 28 years old. The show has had a few hosts, first, there was Paul Nahon, then Bernard Benyamin, Françoise Joly, Guilaine Chenu and now the host is Élise Lucet. The show discusses hard subjects like French Jihadism, juvenile prostitution, stuttering, etc. Amongst many francophone talk shows, Envoyé Spécial is one of the more serious and well-researched.
Infoman
Infoman is another one of Quebecers favourite television shows. It is a half-hour long show that airs on Radio-Canada Thursday nights. The show satirizes provincial and national current events. Jean-René Dufort, the host, interviews politicians and talks about hot topics happening in the news. The show has won many awards and continues to be a favourite with Quebecers. If you’re interested in learning about current events in Québec in a funny way, this is the show for you. Jean-René is extremely likeable and his dorkiness will convince you to watch the show every week. You can find all the episodes on the Radio-Canada website.
Of course, there are many other francophone talk shows to watch. Do you have a favorite one?
