François Uzan Goes Undercover for Authentic Comedy Series ‘Recalé’

LILLE, France — François Uzan, co-writer of the upcoming comedy series ‘Recalé,’ revealed at a press event Monday that he went undercover in a French lycée to authentically capture the complexities of modern teaching. The series, which translates to ‘Failed’ in English, follows a teacher who infiltrates a mob to uncover societal issues.

Describing ‘Recalé’ as a ‘goofy infiltration comedy,’ Uzan emphasized the need for a genuine portrayal of teachers’ lives. ‘I wanted to have some social roots for Recalé, so I went undercover in a lycée in France,’ he stated. ‘I told the teachers that this would be a goofy infiltration story, but when we see teachers on screen, I want them to be realistic.’

Uzan’s experience highlighted pressing issues faced by educators today, including budget constraints, strikes, and the challenges of managing both students and parents. ‘The show will talk about what it means to be a teacher right now,’ he said, stressing the importance of these realities in his writing.

Currently in production in Lille during the Series Mania festival, ‘Recalé’ stars Alexandre Kominek. Uzan is already drawing attention for his work, having previously co-written the hit series ‘Lupin,’ which has garnered international acclaim alongside other non-English hits like ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Money Heist.’

‘Great IP, great actor, and a great location,’ Uzan credited as the keys to the success of ‘Lupin.’ He emphasized the unique presence of lead actor Omar Sy, saying, ‘It is something about his presence, his style; he is an outcast.’

Uzan spoke at a Series Mania event alongside prominent figures such as Olympic Ceremony director Thomas Jolly and ‘Heartstopper’ executive producer Patrick Walters. The discussions underscored the evolving landscape of television and the importance of authentic storytelling.