About Cherif
Cherif is a French light police series that premiered on France 2 in 2013 and ran for six seasons, set in the sunlit streets and neighborhoods of Lyon. It follows Kader Cherif, a sharp and disarmingly charming police detective whose encyclopedic love of crime films and B-movies doubles as his investigative toolkit. Where colleagues see dead ends, Cherif sees a plot twist he has watched a hundred times, and he cracks cases by reading people, spotting the detail everyone else missed, and keeping his cool with a wink and a movie reference.
The series pairs its breezy case-of-the-week rhythm with the warmth of a man trying to be a good father, a steady partner, and a reliable friend. Cherif juggles the demands of the squad with co-parenting alongside his ex-wife Deborah and building an easy, sparring rapport with his by-the-book partner Adeline Briard. The crimes are treated lightly rather than grimly, with the focus staying on deduction, banter, and the small human moments that keep the team close.
Anchored by Abdelhafid Metalsi as the irresistibly likable lead, Cherif became one of France 2's signature feel-good procedurals, blending mystery, humor, and family drama. Its sunny Lyon backdrop, cinephile hero, and gently comic tone made it a comfort-viewing favorite across its run, proving that a detective story can be clever and lighthearted at the same time.
