Available on Prime Video since Friday, October 23, 2026, "Le Charles" immerses viewers in the heart of the famous French nuclear aircraft carrier. Starring Alban Lenoir, Élodie Yung, and Jacques Gamblin, this six-episode series blends criminal investigation, espionage, and geopolitical tensions. Its unique feature: a large portion of the filming took place aboard the actual Charles de Gaulle , with the collaboration of the French Navy. An ambitious production, also slated for broadcast on M6 in 2027.
The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle becomes the stage for a particularly disturbing criminal investigation. In this new drama directed by Julien Despaux, the French Navy vessel sets sail for a strategic mission in the Eastern Mediterranean , amidst heightened international tensions. But shortly after its departure, a servicewoman is found dead and another crew member mysteriously disappears. While military operations must continue, an investigator, Paul Fischer, played by Alban Lenoir, is sent aboard to solve the case. The discovery of a new victim gradually transforms the ship into a veritable closed-door drama, where everyone can become a suspect. Between naval air maneuvers, defense considerations, and internal rivalries, the series unfolds a plot that blends police procedural suspense with a military thriller.
To bring this story to life, the production relies on a cast featuring several familiar faces from French film and television . Alban Lenoir, notably seen in Lost Bullet , shares the screen with Élodie Yung, who plays a senior officer on the ship, while Jacques Gamblin portrays the aircraft carrier's commander. Constance Labbé and Patrick Mille round out the cast. Created by Henri Debeurme, Mathilde Arnaud, and Yoann Legave, the series comprises six 52-minute episodes. The project is based on an environment rarely explored in French fiction: that of a military vessel housing approximately 2,000 crew members, where living spaces, technical installations, and air operations impose constant constraints. This unique organization reinforces the sense of confinement, as the characters are unable to freely leave the ship during their mission.
An exceptional filming session on the real French aircraft carrier
One of the main strengths of the Charles de Gaulle series lies in its production conditions. After obtaining authorization from the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the film crews were able to embark on the actual aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in November 2025, while it was still engaged in military operations. Around thirty technicians and several actors participated in the filming, which was organized around the ship's operational constraints. The crews had to regularly adjust their schedule, as certain areas became temporarily inaccessible due to exercises or security requirements. Military personnel also accompanied the actors to teach them the technical skills, procedures, and codes specific to the French Navy. According to information released by the production, approximately 70% of the sequences were filmed on location, including on other military vessels, while several areas had to be recreated in a studio. This approach made it possible to depict the takeoffs and landings of the Rafale fighter jets, as well as the daily life of the sailors, with a realism that would be difficult to fully reproduce in an artificial setting.
Beyond its plot, Le Charles also represents a strategic project for Prime Video and M6. Produced by Next Episode, a subsidiary of the UGC group, the series is benefiting from initial exposure on Amazon's platform, where all six episodes have been available since October 23, before its scheduled broadcast on M6 in 2027. This timeline allows both broadcasters to promote the same production to different audiences. For Prime Video, the series enriches its French catalog with an action thriller boasting spectacular scenery and a renowned cast. For M6, it represents a major event program likely to find its place in prime time. The project also reflects the growing interest of French productions in worlds previously more associated with major international series. With its criminal investigation on the high seas, its military operations, and its geopolitical tensions, Le Charles aims to offer an immersive experience at the heart of one of the most impressive symbols of French naval power.
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