It was 38 years ago today. On August 31, 1987, French television viewers discovered for the first time Jeanne and Serge, a Japanese cartoon that has become a cult classic, broadcast on the children's program Yay! School's out! on The CinqWith its stories of volleyball, passion, and teenage romance, the series immediately appealed to a wide audience, establishing itself as one of the most iconic cartoons of the late 1980s.
A Japanese cartoon imported and adapted for France
Under its original title Attacker You!, the series was produced in Japan between 1984 and 1985 and has 58 episodes of 26 minutes. Inspired by a manga by Koizumi Makimura and Jun Makimura, it tells the story of the sporting rise of a young volleyball player, Jeanne, who dreams of reaching the highest level while experiencing his first romantic feelings. Renamed Jeanne and Serge In France, the anime was dubbed and adapted for the French public, becoming a pop culture classic.
A story of sport, love and perseverance
The story follows Jeanne Hazuki, a teenager passionate about volleyball, who joined a school team and progressed through competitions. Her meeting with Serge, a talented player on the men's team, turns his life upside down. Between intense matches, rivalries and romantic stories, the series skillfully mixes high-level sport and romantic intrigue, against the backdrop of the ultimate dream: to participate in the Seoul Olympic Games.
A lasting success thanks to its multiple reruns
After its first broadcast on La Cinq, Jeanne and Serge has a second life on 2 antenna in 1990, then joined the Dorothée Club on TF1. In the 2000s, the series returned to the air on AB1, France 5 (Noon the Zouzous) and more recently Gulli, proof of its timelessness and the attachment of the French public.
A cult theme song that remains in everyone's memory
The French theme song, performed by Valerie Barrouille, contributed greatly to the series' success. Its catchy melody and simple lyrics are still hummed by those who grew up with the show. This theme song is now considered one of the most memorable in the history of cartoons broadcast on French television.
In the late 1980s, the success of Jeanne and Serge goes beyond the screen. Many volleyball clubs are seeing an increase in registrations among young people, inspired by the heroine. The series has thus helped popularize this sport in France…
