P.J. (1997)
A long-running French crime drama following the investigators of a Paris judicial police unit across 13 compelling seasons.
P.J. - Series Information
- Original Title: P.J.
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Created by: Michelle Podroznik, Frédéric Krivine
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (52 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 13
- Number of Episodes: 146
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Networks: France 2
- Alternative Titles: PJ (FR)
- Production Companies: Telfrance
- Production Countries: France
P.J. - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michelle Podroznik
- Frédéric Krivine
Main Cast
- Valérie Bagnou Beido
- Jalil Naciri
- Sara Martins
- Charles Schneider
- Raphaëlle Lubansu
- Bruno Wolkowitch
- Emmanuelle Bach
- Marc Betton
- Driss El Haddaoui
- Thierry Desroses
P.J. - FAQs
What does P.J. stand for in the series title?
P.J. stands for Police Judiciaire, the French judicial police branch responsible for investigating serious crimes. The series centers on a unit within this division in Paris, exploring the professional and personal lives of its investigators across 13 seasons.
How many seasons and episodes does P.J. have?
P.J. ran for 13 seasons and 146 episodes in total. The first two seasons were shorter, with 6 episodes each, while most subsequent seasons settled into a consistent format of 12 to 13 episodes, reflecting the show's long-running popularity on France 2.
Who are the main actors in P.J.?
The ensemble cast includes Valérie Bagnou Beido, Jalil Naciri, Sara Martins, Charles Schneider, Raphaëlle Lubansu, Bruno Wolkowitch, Emmanuelle Bach, Marc Betton, Driss El Haddaoui, and Thierry Desroses, among others who joined and departed across the show's long run.
On which network did P.J. originally air?
P.J. aired exclusively on France 2, one of France's leading public television channels. The series debuted in 1997 and continued broadcasting until 2009, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas in French television history.
Who created the French crime series P.J.?
P.J. was created by Michelle Podroznik and Frédéric Krivine. The duo developed the series for France 2, crafting a procedural format that balanced case-of-the-week storytelling with ongoing character development, a formula that sustained audience interest for over a decade.
Is P.J. based on a true story or real cases?
P.J. is a fictional drama, though it draws authenticity from the real-world structure of France's Police Judiciaire. The cases depicted are invented, but the procedural detail and institutional setting give the series a grounded, realistic feel rooted in how French criminal investigations actually operate.
Why did P.J. end after 13 seasons in 2009?
P.J. concluded in 2009 after 13 seasons, a natural endpoint for a series that had evolved considerably since its 1997 debut. Shifting cast rosters and changing audience tastes on French public television contributed to France 2's decision to bring the long-running procedural to a close.
What are some shows similar to P.J.?
If you enjoy P.J., consider exploring The Little Murders of Agatha Christie, Five Days, Wolf, or Wolfe for similarly gripping crime drama. For a broader mix of procedural action, Whiskey Cavalier, CSI: Vegas, and Bad Blood also offer compelling investigative storytelling across different styles and settings.
More About P.J.
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