Carême Storms Back to Paris as Apple TV Revives Napoleon‑Era Spy Drama

Apple TV has greenlit a second season of the French‑language drama *Carême*. The series follows the life of Antonin Carême, the world’s first celebrity chef in Napoleonic Europe.

The announcement comes after the show earned a nomination for the international Emmy Award for drama.

Directed by Martin Bourboulon, who helmed *The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan*, *Carême* returns to the screen with César‑winning actor Benjamin Voisin in the lead. Jérémie Rénier (My Way) reprises his role as Bonaparte’s chief diplomat Talleyrand, while Alice Da Luz (Hanami) comes back as the accomplished chef Agathe Guichardet.

The ensemble is set to begin filming next week in Paris.

The second season will start shooting next week in Paris, a move that follows the release of last week’s international Emmy nominations. The first season debuted on Apple TV in April 2025 and quickly garnered rave reviews at home and abroad.

This new season promises to deepen the story of Carême’s rise from humble beginnings to culinary stardom amid Napoleon’s reign.

Carême’s story is one of ambition and intrigue, as his culinary talent draws the attention of powerful politicians who use him as a spy. Determined to escape poverty and achieve fame, he faces a choice between revenge or a life filled with wealth, women, and power—at the cost of love, soul, and life.

The series is based on Ian Kelly’s book *Carême: Cooking for Kings* and was created by Kelly and Davide Serino.

## Background & Context

The drama draws its inspiration from the true life of Antonin Carême, who rose from modest Parisian origins to become the first celebrity chef in Europe during the Napoleonic era. The series is rooted in Ian Kelly’s award‑winning biography *Carême: Cooking for Kings: The Life of the First Celebrity Chef*.

Kelly, along with screenwriter Davide Serino—known for *Mussolini: Son of the Century*—crafted the screenplay.

Executive producers Vanessa van Zuylen (Eiffel) and Dominique Farrugia (Shine Fiction, Banijay France) oversee the project for Apple TV. The production is backed by VVZ Production and Shine Fiction.

Filming will take place on location across iconic Paris sites such as the Tuileries Palace, Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Chantilly and Château de Compiègne.

## What People Are Saying

The first season debuted on Apple TV in April 2025 and quickly earned rave reviews at home and abroad. Its nomination for the international Emmy drama prize last week further highlighted its critical acclaim. Critics have praised the series for its historical depth and strong performances.

Returning actors Benjamin Voisin, Jérémie Rénier, and Alice Da Luz continue to receive commendation for their portrayals. The show’s fusion of culinary artistry with political intrigue has struck a chord with global audiences. Industry insiders note that the Emmy nomination underscores both its artistic merit and international reach.

## What Happens Next

Filming for the second season will commence next week in Paris, with the cast and crew poised to capture scenes across historic landmarks. The production team plans to shoot at the Tuileries Palace, Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Chantilly, and Château de Compiègne, ensuring authenticity.

The series is being produced under the guidance of executive producers Vanessa van Zuylen and Dominique Farrugia, with VVZ Production and Shine Fiction as co‑producers for Apple TV.

While no official release date has been announced, fans can anticipate that filming will wrap before the fall, paving the way for a potential premiere later this year. Apple TV has not yet disclosed the premiere date, but insiders say post‑production is slated for early next year.

The show's creators have indicated that the new season will delve deeper into Carême’s complex relationship with political figures and his struggle between ambition and morality. This focus is expected to intensify the dramatic tension already present in the first season.

With a strong critical foundation and a fresh shooting schedule underway, *Carême* is poised to deepen viewers’ fascination with the chef who cooked his way into history. Viewers can look forward to a season that builds on its proven blend of historical intrigue and culinary flair.