Apple TV+ French Drama 'Careme' to Tell the Story of Nineteenth Century Celebrity Chef
Benjamin Voisin and the cast of "Lost Illusions"
(Photo: Canal+/Ciné+/Gaumont)
Streamer Apple TV+ isn't particularly known for its period-set offerings, which are basically limited to offbeat comedy Dickinson and the star-studded adaptation of The Essex Serpent. But, that may not be the case for much longer. A lavish remake of Edith Wharton's The Buccaneers is in the works and the streamer has also nabbed Ridley Scott's upcoming historical epic — and likely awards bait — Napoleon. It's also greenlit a new French eight-part drama about the life of the man who became the world's first celebrity chef.
Called Careme, the series follows the story of Antonin Careme, a man who rose from humble beginnings to achieve the height of culinary fame in Naopleon's Europe. Initially known for his ambitious patisserie skills — he was famous for his large pièces montées, or elaborate table decorations sculpted in sugar — he eventually expanded his knowledge to cover all aspects of cooking, and helped codify much of what we consider classic French cooking today. (If you love a good Bechamel, thank this man.)
His most notable patrons included French foreign minister Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, and the British Prince Regent. It is also said that Careme also worked as a spy for Talleyrand, ferrying back information heard at dinner tables throughout Europe, and it is this idea that the new Apple TV+ series appears to be aiming to explore.
Careme will feature a starry cast of French actors, including Benjamin Voisin (Lost Illusions) as Carême; Jérémie Renier (My Way) as Talleyrand; and Lyna Khoudri (Papicha) stars as Henriette, Carême’s lover and most dangerous threat.
Here's the description:
Carême is an orphan blessed with god-like culinary talent, who dreams of only one thing: to become the most famous chef in the world and to give letters of nobility to a new art, the “Gastronomy.” Carême’s ambition attracts the attention of the most Machiavellian man of his time, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, who has elevated French politics to a fine art. Talleyrand ensnares Carême, who could become a great chef … but must first become a spy for France. Based on a true story, “Carême” takes us through the harsh, miserable reality of 19th century kitchens juxtaposed with the magnificent opulence of the mansions and sophisticated aristocrats they serve, where manipulation is king. Determined to escape poverty and fulfill his dream, Carême can choose revenge or he can have it all — women, wealth, fame — but at what cost? His love? His soul? His life?
Careme is inspired by the book Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Careme, The First Celebrity Chef by award-winning historian and actor Ian Kelly. Created by Kelly and lead writer Davide Serino, the series will be directed by Martin Bourboulon, whose latest film The Three Musketeers: d’Artagnan is one of the highest-grossing French films of 2023.
The series is the latest French from Apple TV+, which released the contemporary thriller Liaison starring Vincent Cassel and Eva Green earlier this year. No release information for Careme has yet been announced.
