Description
A series produced by BANIJAY STUDIOS FRANCE in coproduction with PICTANOVO with the support of LA RÉGION HAUTS-DE-FRANCE and in partnership with LE CNC with the participation of FRANCE TÉLÉVISIONS in collaboration with RAI FICTION, SALTO with the support of LA PROCIREP - SOCIÉTÉ DES PRODUCTEURS with the support of L’ANGOA with the participation of CNC Distributed by BANIJAY RIGHTS
Germinal is the story of a miners’ strike during the Second Empire, recounting their passion, suffering, rebellion and comradeship.
At barely 20 years of age, Etienne Lantier, flees Lille after assaulting a superior. He finds refuge in the coal mining town of Montsou, where he befriends a veteran miner Maheu who secures him a job pushing the carts down the pit and offers him a place to stay.
He discovers with dread the harsh working conditions of miners and the daily humiliations endured by the workers. However, he decides to stay, partly for the beautiful Catherine, Maheu’s daughter.
As the weeks go by, Etienne becomes a good miner and is adopted by the whole community. But one day, he and his comrades are fined for deficient woodwork.
Tempers flare and Etienne plans a revolt. Etienne begins to dream of a social revolution. Trained by Souvarine, an anarchist mechanic, and Rasseneur, the owner of a local bistro, Etienne does not realise what enthusiasm and chaos his ideas will raise.
Ratings:
- France 2 - Episodes 1&2 mustered 4.9 M viewers on average for a 21.2 % share on total individuals.
- It was #1 scripted launch on France 2 since April 2019 and the best scripted performance in the slot since January on key demos.
- The series achieved a 18.1% share 4+ on total individuals and a strong 13,8% share for Individuals 25 49 morethan doubling the channel usual norm.
- Maintained this success across key demos, outperforming the slot: +71% on the commercial demo (Shop. 50) and +66% on young viewers (15 24)
- Best scripted series on Wednesdays for Shop. 50 & Ind 25 49 this season so far!
Awards:
- Winner - Series Mania Award 2021