Plus belle la vie is back on TF1 this Monday January 8, 2024. Subtitled “even more beautiful”, the new series remains in the spirit of the original, but with some fundamental differences…
The iconic series “Plus belle la vie” begins a new chapter on TF1 this January 8, 2024, promising a bold renewal. The first episode of “even more beautiful” was scheduled for 1:40 p.m. If the first channel has promised an overhaul of the cult program which respects the spirit of the original, the series is undergoing a major metamorphosis, marked by notable changes. And some could surprise or even disappoint the faithful from the start.
After its historic broadcast on France 3 for 18 years, “Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle” first acquired new settings and integrated new emblematic characters. Two elements that will immediately confuse die-hard fans. Producer Clémentine Planchon praises a “renewal” focused on production and image quality, with certain scenes, particularly outdoors, being filmed on a real set. The filming has in fact moved to Allauch, offering a new, more natural setting to the spectators, less “cardboard”.
The disappearance of the original sets at the end of 2022, when the series was abandoned, led to a complete reconstruction of the interiors and the transfer of the plot to a new fictional Marseille district. The Le Mistral café, emblematic of “Plus belle la vie”, was replaced by another, in the Belle-de-Mai studios, becoming a symbol of continuity. It retains two of its distinctive elements: its original zinc, but also and above all its waiter, Thomas Marci, still played by Laurent Kérusoré, who moved as if by magic to this new sector of the city.
New story, new schedule
If other figures from “Plus belle la vie” also participated in this fortuitous transhumance, such as Sylvie Flepp (Mirta) and Cécilia Hornus (Blanche), the casting was largely renewed. Another new element which will have to convince. About half of the cast will make their first appearance in the series, introducing a very different dynamic while retaining familiar faces. Diane Dassigny, new recruit at the medical office, and Moon Dailly, in the role of a police commissioner, are among the new recurring faces, enriching the cast with new enigmas.
On the plot side, TF1 ensures that it maintains the essence of “Plus belle la vie”, by preserving its societal DNA and by tackling current issues. Stéphane Henon, interpreter of Jean-Paul Boher since 2007, wanted to reassure fans on this point by affirming that the “spirit” of the series would remain intact, despite these transformations. Societal themes, such as student insecurity and menopause, will be addressed in the first episodes. But all of the courses and events start from scratch or almost with this new version.
Among the elements of the highly anticipated scenario of “Plus belle la vie, even plus belle”, the tragic deaths of Michel Cordes and Marwan Berreni, key players in “Plus belle la vie” first version, had to be integrated into the scenario. The production assures that this was done “delicately”, respecting their heritage.
Major issue for TF1 and a major challenge: transform a cult series while preserving its heart and above all retain the historic audience of “Plus belle la vie”, which was declining before its termination, while attracting new spectators. And for this, aficionados will also have to get used to a completely new schedule: the series will now be broadcast at 1:40 p.m., another major change compared to its traditional evening time slot on France 3.