Research Unit (2006)
A long-running French crime series following an elite Gendarmerie unit solving the most complex and harrowing cases across France.
Research Unit - Series Information
- Original Title: Section de recherches
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Steven Bawol, Dominique Lancelot
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 16
- Number of Episodes: 171
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- First Air Date: May 11, 2006 (Germany - 16), May 11, 2006 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: TF1
- Production Companies: TF1, Les Auteurs Associés, Dragons Films, RTBF
- Production Countries: Belgium, France
Research Unit - Plot
The Section de recherches is a special unit of the Gendarmerie nationale, responsible for the most complex cases. In Bordeaux (from 2006 to 2013) and then in Nice (since 2014), child abductions, disappearances, heinous or sexual crimes are the daily lot of the investigators in this research unit. In the search for witnesses, the team is authorised to extend its investigations beyond France's borders.
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Research Unit - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Steven Bawol
- Dominique Lancelot
Main Cast
- Xavier Deluc
- Chrystelle Labaude
- Franck Sémonin
- Félicité Chaton
- Kamel Belghazi
- Virginie Caliari
- Stéphane Soo Mongo
- Jean-Pascal Lacoste
- Manon Azem
- Raphaèle Bouchard
Writers
- Dominique Lancelot
- Nicolas Simonin
- Steven Bawol
Research Unit - FAQs
What is the Section de recherches in Research Unit?
The Section de recherches is a real division of the French Gendarmerie nationale specialising in the most serious and complex criminal investigations. In the series, the unit handles child abductions, disappearances, and violent or sexual crimes, and is authorised to extend its inquiries beyond France's borders when necessary.
Is Research Unit based on a true story?
Research Unit is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily on the real workings of the Gendarmerie nationale's research sections. The procedural cases are fictional, yet the investigative methods, jurisdictions, and unit structure reflect genuine French law enforcement practices, lending the series a strong sense of authenticity.
Where can you stream Research Unit?
Research Unit is available through the France Channel Amazon Channel as a subscription option. You can also catch episodes free on The Roku Channel with ads, or access it at no extra cost through Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary by region.
Why did Research Unit move from Bordeaux to Nice?
After seven seasons set in Bordeaux (2006–2013), the production relocated the unit to Nice starting in 2014. The change brought a fresh visual backdrop and new investigative dynamics to the series, reinvigorating the show with the sun-drenched Côte d'Azur setting while keeping the same core procedural format.
How many seasons does Research Unit have?
Research Unit has run for 16 seasons since its debut in 2006, accumulating 171 episodes. The series remains in production and continues to air on TF1, making it one of the longest-running French crime procedurals on television.
Who are the main actors in Research Unit?
The ensemble cast includes Xavier Deluc as commanding officer Martin Bernier, Chrystelle Labaude as Nadia Angeli, and Franck Sémonin as Lucas Auriol. Other key cast members include Kamel Belghazi, Virginie Caliari, Stéphane Soo Mongo, Jean-Pascal Lacoste, Manon Azem, and Raphaèle Bouchard.
Is Research Unit still airing or has it ended?
Research Unit is still very much alive. The series holds a Returning Series status and remains in active production, with Season 16 currently underway. Its remarkable longevity on TF1 since 2006 reflects a loyal and sustained French-speaking audience across nearly two decades.
What are some shows similar to Research Unit?
If you enjoy Research Unit, you might also like Balthazar, a stylish French crime drama with a charismatic lead investigator, or Agatha Christie's Marple for classic mystery-solving. Crime Story and Hill Street Blues offer compelling procedural depth, while The Devil's Hour delivers a darker, more atmospheric crime experience.
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