Cain (2012)

A wheelchair-bound Marseilles detective and his sharp young partner tackle homicide in this compelling French crime series spanning eight seasons.

Cain - Series Information

  • Original Title: Caïn
  • First Air Year: 2012
  • Last Air Year: 2020
  • Created by: Alexis Le Sec, Bertrand Arthuys
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Mystery, Crime
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 52 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 8
  • Number of Episodes: 68
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: French
  • Spoken Languages: French
  • First Air Date: October 5, 2012 (United States - TV-14), October 5, 2012 (Germany - 12), October 5, 2012 (France - 12), October 5, 2012 (India - U), October 5, 2012 (Brazil - 16), October 5, 2012 (Italy - T), October 5, 2012 (Spain - 13)
  • Networks: France 2
  • Alternative Titles: Detective Cain (UK)
  • Production Countries: France

Cain - Plot

A cynical experienced homicide detective based in Marseilles, France is crippled in the line of duty and depends on a wheelchair to get around. He is accompanied by a young ,vivacious female detective who's been forced on him to train as a condition of his ability to continue to work as a field detective.

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Cain - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Alexis Le Sec
  • Bertrand Arthuys

Main Cast

  • Davy Sanna
  • Julie Delarme
  • Frédéric Pellegeay
  • Smadi Wolfman
  • Mourad Boudaoud
  • Anne Suarez
  • Sara Martins
  • Bruno Debrandt
  • Natacha Krief
  • Avy Marciano

Writers

  • Bertrand Arthuys
  • Alexis Le Sec
  • Claude Scasso

Cain - FAQs

What makes Cain stand out among French crime dramas?

Cain distinguishes itself through its central character: a seasoned homicide detective confined to a wheelchair following an on-duty injury. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Marseilles, the series blends sharp procedural storytelling with an unconventional dynamic between its gruff lead and his energetic young partner, giving it a distinctive identity within French crime television.

Where can you stream Cain online?

Cain is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for free and through the France Channel Amazon Channel as a subscription option. You can also catch it on The Roku Channel with ads. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms for the latest options.

Who plays the lead detective in Cain?

Bruno Debrandt originated the role of Capitaine Fred Caïn, the wheelchair-bound Marseilles detective at the heart of the series. Later seasons saw Julien Baumgartner take over the same role, bringing a fresh interpretation to the character while maintaining the show's core dynamic with his younger partner.

Is Cain based on a true story or real cases?

Cain is a work of fiction created by Alexis Le Sec and Bertrand Arthuys. While the series draws on the gritty atmosphere of real-life Marseilles and reflects authentic police procedural elements, its characters and cases are entirely invented. The show's realism comes from its setting and character dynamics rather than any specific true events.

How many seasons and episodes does Cain have?

Cain ran for 8 seasons and 68 episodes in total, airing on France 2 from 2012 to 2020. Early seasons featured 8 episodes each, while middle seasons expanded to 10, before the final season wrapped up with 6 episodes, bringing the series to a complete and deliberate conclusion.

What is the content rating for Cain?

Cain carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series deals with homicide investigations and mature crime themes, though it generally avoids gratuitous violence, keeping its focus on character dynamics and investigative storytelling.

What are some shows similar to Cain worth watching?

If you enjoy Cain, you might love Candice Renoir, another French procedural with a strong lead character, or Inspector George Gently for its atmospheric British crime drama. Deadloch and Bloodlands also offer compelling detective storytelling with distinctive settings and character-driven plots that fans of Cain tend to appreciate.

Why did Cain end after Season 8 in 2020?

Cain concluded after 8 seasons in 2020, with France 2 choosing not to commission a ninth run. The final season's reduced episode count of six suggests a planned wind-down rather than an abrupt cancellation. After eight years and 68 episodes, the series had run a full and substantial course on French public television.

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