Research Unit

Research Unit is currently streaming in the US on France Channel Amazon Channel and Amazon Prime Video, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. 16 seasons in, and the quality has not slipped. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Xavier Deluc sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on France Channel Amazon Channel and see for yourself.

Research Unit arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. The plotting gives Research Unit its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. The Section de recherches is a special unit of the Gendarmerie nationale, responsible for the most complex cases. In Bordeaux (from 2006 to 2013) and then in Nice (since 2014), child abductions, disappearances, heinous or sexual crimes are the daily lot of the investigators in this research unit. In the search for witnesses, the team is authorised to extend its investigations beyond France's borders. Xavier Deluc leads a cast that never lets the mystery feel thin. 16 seasons (2006–2025) gave the story room most shows never get. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Research Unit passes that test consistently. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

Viewers who think they have seen every crime drama tend to find Research Unit proves them wrong. If you have already watched Nemesis, Research Unit is a natural next step. 16 seasons in, there is no shortage of material once you get started. Xavier Deluc anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.

Research Unit is currently airing new episodes, created by Steven Bawol and Dominique Lancelot — so there's no better time to catch up before the story moves forward. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro's free voice app makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just say the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.