Les Cinq Dernières Minutes (1958)
A landmark French crime series spanning nearly four decades, following sharp-eyed investigators as they unravel murder mysteries one case at a time.
Les Cinq Dernières Minutes - Series Information
- Original Title: Les Cinq Dernières Minutes
- First Air Year: 1958
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Created by: Claude Loursais
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 145
- Status: In Production
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Networks: ORTF Télévision, Antenne 2, France 2, RTF Télévision
- Alternative Titles: Les 5 dernières minutes (FR)
- Production Countries: France
Les Cinq Dernières Minutes - Plot
Les Cinq Dernieres Minutes is a crime based French television series
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Les Cinq Dernières Minutes - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Claude Loursais
Main Cast
- Marc Eyraud
- Jacques Debary
- Jean Daurand
- Raymond Souplex
- Pierre Santini
- Pierre Hoden
- Mohamed Zinet
- François Dyrek
- Gérard Dournel
- Henri Marteau
Les Cinq Dernières Minutes - FAQs
What is Les Cinq Dernières Minutes about?
Les Cinq Dernières Minutes is a French crime series following police investigators as they unravel complex murder cases. Each episode functions as a self-contained mystery, with a signature format that challenges viewers to identify the killer before the detective reveals the solution in the final minutes.
How long did Les Cinq Dernières Minutes run on French television?
The series enjoyed a remarkable run of nearly four decades, airing from 1958 to 1996. Spanning 145 episodes across multiple French broadcasters — including RTF Télévision, ORTF, Antenne 2, and France 2 — it stands as one of the longest-running crime dramas in French television history.
Who is the most iconic character in Les Cinq Dernières Minutes?
Commissaire Bourrel, played by Raymond Souplex, is widely considered the most beloved character in the series. His rumpled charm and sharp instincts made him a household name in France. His catchphrase became part of the cultural fabric of French television during the show's golden era.
Where can you watch Les Cinq Dernières Minutes?
Streaming availability for Les Cinq Dernières Minutes varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch or rent episodes, JustWatch is a reliable resource that aggregates current viewing options across platforms in your country.
Who created Les Cinq Dernières Minutes?
The series was created by Claude Loursais, a prominent figure in early French television. Loursais helped shape the format of the show into the distinctive whodunit structure it became famous for, establishing a template that would influence French crime television for generations.
How many seasons and episodes does Les Cinq Dernières Minutes have?
The series comprises 3 main seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 145 episodes. Season 1 contains 56 episodes, Season 2 the largest batch with 72 episodes, and Season 3 rounds out with 17 episodes, alongside 5 special episodes.
Is Les Cinq Dernières Minutes similar to other French crime series?
Fans of Les Cinq Dernières Minutes often enjoy other French crime productions such as Spiral, Balthazar, and The Little Murders of Agatha Christie. For international alternatives with a similar investigative tone, Deadly Tropics and A Nero Wolfe Mystery offer comparable whodunit pleasures.
What made Les Cinq Dernières Minutes a landmark of French TV?
The show pioneered the self-contained mystery format on French television at a time when the medium was still finding its identity. Its combination of theatrical storytelling, memorable detectives, and clever plotting earned it a devoted audience across multiple generations and broadcast eras.
More About Les Cinq Dernières Minutes
Explore further details about this classic French crime series on these authoritative resources.