User reviews

Last night I finished watching the first season on Rai1, dubbed in Italian.

This show works.

I will get into some details to explain why and how, but in a nutshell it works simply because it does what TV should always do: entertain!

Close in spirit to Monk and The Good Cop, but even closer to The Mentalist, "HPI" delivers curiosity and fun. The premise of the series may lean heavily on the unlikely looks and attitudes of Morgane Alvaro (Audrey Fleurot) who begins to work as a consultant for the police, but what keeps your interest afloat is how well the stories are crafted.

I hate it when a cop show focuses too much on the lead characters at the expense of ignoring the credibility of the crime stories. Thankfully, HPI has not fallen into this trap. The motivations and the solid mechanisms are always there for our heroes to find out, and the interactions of Morgane Alvaro with the suspects add spice to what is basically a well-thought "whodunnit".

In that sense, my favorite episode was the 5th. The nature of the crime folded out elegantly as the investigation progressed and the loose ends got tied, and I do not recall having seen this kind of a plot before in fiction. So, even if there was some influence behind the originality there, at least it was not an overused theme.

Episode 7 was the least credible in terms of the criminal's motivation and method, but still it was okay.

Toiling over storylines and characters can at times be rewarding for the creator like in this series, but there is something else that I find notable with HPI: The colors.

The realm they present is particularly colorful and even shiny at times. Having been to Lille, yes, I can confirm it is a nice city with enough interesting locations around to feed such a series with settings. However, I think Audrey Fleurot being a "red head" also helps the plastics of the show. She is a strangely attractive woman who looks both like a time-trevelled Red Sonja and a grown-up-yet-still-childish Peppermint Patty.

As her bright red hair contributes visually to the frames, her high spirits carry the show well, also thanks to Mehdi Nebbou (Adam Karadec) who is credible as a calm, serious, yet tolerant police detective. The duo is like a gender-switched version of one of my favorite shows ever, Moonlighting.

With the lead character being a single mom of multiple children, I suspect also Candice Renoir might have been among its sources for inspiration, but HPI is definitely much better paced and more rich in texture, both visually and story-wise. The humor is well-balanced, works fine in the Italian translation and dubbing, so I don't see why there would be a notable loss with a potential English edition on that front.

As for the few downsides:

The rapid, patchwork imagery they employ to show us how Morgane's mind works... I find it too fast. She connects certain dots to reach a conclusion that makes sense, and yes, she has various references (something she read on a cereal carton, a documentary she watched, etc.) and using cut out images, clips, this and that in a pop fashion is a good idea, at least better than leaning on verbal narration. But we also need things to sink in. And speeding those particular phases up so much does not help.

Another problem I notice is kind of like an Achille's heel: When you come up with such a concept and feel the need to sharpen it, some very basic things about the title character may not add up. In this case, one can find it difficult to believe a woman as smart and as attractive as Morgane Alvaro could not find a way to reach success and wealth in 21st century France, not till some police chief discovered her abilities could be used to solve crimes. Well, she could at least write a TV show, right?

"Having problems with authority" is mentioned as the excuse to how come she ended up with three kids and low paying jobs, but nowadays whole generations have "problems with authority" and it doesn't stop anyone. The Morgane Alvaro we see could well have established something great for herself, be it in the IT business or entertainment.

Well... This is why we should not dig too deep into stuff that is supposed to be "make believe" by definition.

Overall, HPI has enough potential to go on for many seasons. And I think it deserves worldwide recognition and attention as a worthy, fun, intelligent detective show.

/refers to Season 1/

Mrs. Fleurot is a really versatile actress, I have seen her in several other series (Engrenages, Un village français, Safe, etc.) and here she is so different - not frigid, not serious, but frivolous and careless... And she steals the show in every episode, even Mehdi Nebbou (a good actor as well) is not totally fitting/merited companion to her.

The cases are of different smoothness, but yet with twists, and even if you figure out the wrongdoer soon, there is always something behind until almost the very end. All in all, 8 points from me - 9 for Fleurot´s performance and 7 for script (realism included). And I am looking forward to Season 2.

PS Season 2 and 3 are as pleasant, with many unexpected twists included and an expected solution not included :) Crimes and criminals are never pleasant, but circumstances and/or people investigating them can be...

PPS Season 4 included more sad and confusing moments, but still - the quality is maintained. And more stuff to come, apparently.

We started watching the US version of this show and liked it so we decided to see what the original French version was like. We watched the first episode dubbed and that was not enjoyable. Then we watched the next 3 episodes with subtitles, much better. For the first couple episodes the stories are the same as the US version but there are small changes in the plot that make a big difference. For instance, the subplot about Morgane's missing boyfriend is different and much more interesting. I also feel that the interactions between the characters are subtler and more believable. Morgane's interactions with her teenage daughter are very funny and her interactions with Adam are more complex. In the French version Adam contributes as much to solving the cases as Morgane does. He is also a little more respectful of the value Morgane adds to each investigation. He seems to sympathetic to her situation, respectful of her abilities and confident in his own. This gives his character more depth than the US version.

Audrey Fleurot makes the series worth watching. The concept is somewhat old - think Holmes + Will Hunting + saucy House and you get the idea, but after a few episodes the cast chemistry begins to show and as mentioned, Fleurot goes all-in for the quirky character. If the continues to improve, definitely worth the time.

I've really loved this first season, and hope a second season is coming soon.

Although the commited crimes are serious, the investigation is anything but serious. But it doesn't matter. It's the way the main characters have to work with each other that makes it so fun to watch.

Lille's police force is, to put it gently, not presented as the most intelligent force on earth, the plot is very thin, the proofing is so far fetched that it isn't believable anymore.

But this shouldn't be seen as a French Morse or Lewis. Neither as more serious detectives like Vera. It's a comedy with murder victems as the red line for the clashing and attractiveness between the main characters.

So yes, as Lucien Stam already mentioned, it fits in the same category as Death in Paradise.

This rating is for the 3 first seasons.

I like the premises and the acting in the first 2 seasons, especially from the leading lady.

High Intellectual Potential is seen by many as an advantage in life. In this series, it is shown in an hyperbolic fashion. The main character has superior memory and associative intelligence that allows her to solve deep mysteries in an instant, when unrelated triggers are put in place. This is not very realistic.

What is more realistic is how possessing high intellectual potential can be detrimental in life. No one understands her, she is a constant misfit and a societal failure, in part because her super-smart aura makes everyone around her feel stupid. She is also unable to set her mind to a long-term task and stick to it. She is easily distracted and very easily bored, and so she has no qualification, no diploma, no job, no money and everyone who has tried to live with her has given up on her. She has no fear of consequences and does not care for anyone's feelings, even when people genuinely try to help her, and even for her own children. She is also very good looking and uses that to her advantage, yet comes across as uncouth and gaudy with a very poor sense of taste.

That should have made her a profoundly unsympathetic character, yet, the main actress manages to overcome all this and show that her character is actually trampled over and used by everyone to her detriment, in particular by her family, and most particularly by her father, who has the same problems as her, even worse in a way. So in the end, she is rather lovable in spite of many flaws. This is quite a feat.

So I feel this is rather a good show. The down side is that the rest of the cast is basically a support cast. No one else is remotely as interesting as she is. No one rises to her level even the various love interests with rare exceptions. There is a main story in addition to each of the episode storyline, and this is one of deep sadness and betrayal.

The third season, however, magnifies all the downsides to a point where it become an unfunny caricature. I recommend the first 2 season, not really the last one.

The kind of humour reminds me of Death in Paradise. Very funny, quite original, certainly not your average detective. All players perform wonderfully. Each part is great and they work together impeccably. You have to watch it in French, with subtitles, dubbed would be less funny. The voice of Audrey can't be dubbed good enough.

Morgane is brilliant and the totally chaotic, graphic and anti procedural way she figures everything out, is captivating to watch. Fleurot is a beautiful actrice, but they only thing that annoys me tremendously is the long fake shiny transparent nails she wears, that appear over a hundred times in closeup on the screen, each episode. It is really very annoying, way too much. Fleurots hands are really made ugly this way, which they aren't in real life at all.

Apart from that, the 8 episodes produced are great and I hope we will see more of them.

The French series "HPI - Haut Potentiel Intellectuel" ("High Intellectual Potential") debuted in 2021 - the year that most of us spent at home with very limited entertainment opportunities. This was actually a chance for shows and series of television and streaming companies, and I think that this series also benefited from this conjuncture. "HPI" is a French detective series, but not a classic one, with as its main character an investigator like we have never seen before. The combination of the detective riddles and character and situational comedy works very well, especially when some romance is added. "HPI" is now in its fourth season in France, I have seen and am writing these reviews after watching the first three seasons. The producers have succeeded to keep the acting team intact - as the five police officers and six family members of the main heroine and this contributes to the popularity of the series. The cases plots are quite interesting, the characters become familiar and we follow their romantic adventures in addition to the detective ones. The leading idea is funny and outrageous enough to create escapist interest in these uncertain times.

Each episode features an investigation by the Lille criminal police team, composed of a sympathetic and competent female boss, a skilled but dry-witted investigator (Inspector Adam Karadec), a younger policeman and a policewoman learning the secrets of the trade. They are joined, by a comical coincidence described in the pilot episode, by Morgane Alvaro, an extraordinarily intelligent and extraordinarily flamboyant girl. Morgane has a fabulous IQ of 160, well above the limit that describes a person with High Intellectual Potential, that is, possessing a much higher cognitive intelligence than people in their age group. But she also has a difficult personality, doesn't accept authority, dresses like a punkist and behaves worse. She is divorced, actually after a second marriage, the first husband having disappeared under unexplained circumstances. She is raising three children and is forced to do all kinds of menial jobs. In the first episode we find her working as a cleaning woman in the police HQ, but by the end of the episode she is already employed as a counselor. The formidable memory, the encyclopedic knowledge, the ability to make unexpected connections between the details of the investigation and the world of science make Morgane a decisive factor in solving the most complicated cases. The problem is that her reasoning intelligence is accompanied by social immaturity and a total lack of respect for social conventions. For this reason, she is considered a 'difficult character' and will have to constantly face problems both at her new job and in her personal life.

Almost every episode in the three seasons I've watched so far begins with a body being discovered, usually in the wee hours of the morning. It's the case that Inspector Karadec and Morgane will solve by the end of the episode's hour. In parallel, we follow the complications of Morgane and her family's life, including the mystery of her first husband's disappearance, and we witness the rapprochement between Karadec and Morgane that has the chance to turn into an unlikely love story. It all takes place in and around the northern French city of Lille, which eventually becomes a familiar setting. Throughout the three seasons, the police intrigues - without disappearing - decrease in interest and more attention is paid to the romantic and comedic side and the family problems of Morgane, which from a moment on become part of the cases. Those who will watch the series will find it difficult not to fall in love with the detective who is too intelligent for the world around her. Actress Audrey Fleurot is sparkling and captivating as Morgane, while Mehdi Nebbou gives an excellent emotional and professional counterpoint as Inspector Karadec. The fourth season of "HPI" has started airing in France, I haven't seen any episodes of it yet, but I'm looking forward to them. A recommended series, just right for those looking for a little escapism in dark times.

Story: well, not all the episodes are perfect (a couple are exaggerated, I mean on investigation side and some things on the investigation process is taken lightly), but this show does really entertain! There is the background story which is very intriguing and keeps the interest alight, and there also is the romance, funny, drama, and serious side!

Actress & Actors and Acting: personally, I really like the cast, they all are very good. Very well done, guys!

Conclusion: if you are searching for something not very difficult, funny and with some romance along, well, this show will probably suits you! If you can't stand even the slightly mistake, well, I advise you to go watch other stuff as Orphan Black.

I'm an American who binge watched 3 seasons in French w/subtitles before I even found out they had dubbed it in English. I watched 1 of the episodes that was dubbed in English & I actually prefer it in it's original French w/subtitles. It loses something w/the voice actors they chose for the dub.

The premise is awesome bc it's actually kinda spot on. I've seen things that police/prosecutors have missed that are obvious to me (& are kinda common sense), that should've been picked up by someone along the way. Doesn't matter who.

The characters are fun & work together. Of course you're going to gave the push/pull at first, due to the egos being bruised. Viewers will enjoy watching the relationships of the unit grow.

Of course there's not only the weekly murders to solve, but there's also character backstory, which of course brings it's own drama, misunderstandings, warmth, friendship, and love.

You have fun, quirky characters, along with the prerequisite stick in the mud characters. You have cute kids and some pets. All blended together to make a great cast.

Give this little show a watch. I recommend this wholeheartedly. The American version is also cute, but don't discount the ORIGINAL. It's the best one.

Based on the premise and how it's advertised, this seems like it would be in the light hearted, cozier sub-genre of murder mysteries but it's not. Most of the time the tone, look, and music score feels more like the very serious, dark, police centered mysteries.

On the plus side, it was unexpectedly higher quality than what I was expecting in various ways but I am more of a fan of the light hearted style and was hoping for that. The main character doesn't seem to fit with the dark, serious style and it's harder to believe she has has such an extraordinary gift and so much random knowledge in the setting of the show while these qualities would be easier to accept in the light hearted, less realistic style.

The premise of the show and the show itself are actually pretty good. Some interesting stories and crimes with interesting, although sometimes outlandish, results. But, as good as the show is, Morgane is endlessly annoying. She's not a team player, she whines too much, has a "world revolves around me" attitude, and is just an overall irritating person. I know this is supposed to be part of the show and a part of her character but they need to tone it down a bit (a lot) to focus on some of the other characters as well as prevent the show from being cliché and predictable. You always know that she's about to do something stupid or crazy and it causes the viewer to lose interest.

This is just great cinema, and pure fun.

The plots are interesting, but don't expect them to be bulletproof - this is not the aim here.

The characters are great, and developing.

The story is also developing all the time.

Great fun, not a dull minute, very creative and cinematic shots that are artistic and makes it a lot of fun.

But there is a lot of thought put in this show, too.

It's very clever and you can see it in the plot, in the character development, in every aspect of the show.

Loved the acting, too.

The characters are very likable.

Nice humor, too.

I give it a 10/10, great fun.

First, do yourself a favor and watch the French version with subtitles. The English voices are terrible! I get that they're trying to sync the voices to the video but it makes the characters sound like imbeciles. The added laughing and "oh ho" every time Morgane speaks is ridiculous. Makes her sound like a lunatic.

I found the subtitled version and it's much better. The voices are authentic. Those dubbed ones don't remotely match the personality of the character.

It's a very good show and I'm rewatching with subtitles. Makes a whole lot more sense and not as annoying. I love the characters. You can actually learn something from watching this show. The way Morgane explains her process is quite fascinating.

I super love this series in the beginning and then it started gravitating towards comedy between her bus at the police station. Frankly I see no chemistry and they keep pushing these two together till they have a baby and it still hasn't got any better. The most enjoyable parts or the reason I love this show before War is because of her intellectual ability or rather high IQ and how she approaches and solves cases. That's what makes this show good. Quit taking it to a part where I want to fast forward. It's like a person at a party that's not funny, nobody laughs, but they still think they're funny and won't stop. That's what you run into on this show. Her husband and her are very odd and it's almost cringy to see these two together. However it still a show worth watching and please be better.

This french version truly shine thanks to Audrey Fleurot's portrayal of Morgane, She can play the cheap, bad smart chick in an absolute cool unique way.

And its exactly that what I am missing in the US remake. The actress is NOT reaching by far the way Audrey Fleurot is interpreting this role. Just watch the first 5 Minutes of the US and the french version and you see the difference.

Its two complete diffrent interpretations of a similar character. For example, the US Morgan changes gere shoes when cleaning. The french Morgan would never do that...

So if you want the real fun of a smart cool underdog, take this french otriginal with subtitles or synchronized, you will not regret it!!

An excellent and amusing way to practice hearing a little French. There's also a dubbed version, of course. It's good enough that Kaitlin Olson is making a US version, which is how I learned about the original.

The French actress seems even more flamboyant than Olson, but maybe it's just being French. It's also interesting to see the differences in French television production and US television production. The French are a bit like the British, always with the interesting little villages rather than just going with skyscrapers.

Very clever show. As usual, those who don't think it's clever probably aren't clever enough to enjoy it.

I started watching this after watching some episodes of the Greek remake. I quickly got more and more drawn to it because of the strong performance of the actors. Yes, the main character would be extremely annoying in reality, but Audrey Fleurot somehow manages to make her character likable and fun. She is loud most of the time, but she also nails the brief moments when the character is hurting inside, cares about somebody else, shows empathy, pity etc.

I am also most impressed with the co-lead, Mehdi Nebbou. It's a difficult role, as he has to show emotions with almost zero facial expressions, due to the character being reserved. And yet, the character he created is very likable: serious, respectful, polite, caring, tolerant, understanding. Even when he is angry, he doesn't come off as a jerk but rather as a person that deeply cares. Unfortunately, this is very much missing in the remakes.

And there is a very strong chemistry between the two, an intensity and palpable tension that is unfortunately again missed in both the Greek and US remake. This is also helped by the direction, which insists on this. Karadec is shown to look sideways at Morgane every 3 seconds, and she also sneaks glances at him often.

Of course, the necessity for the underlying romance to be extended for as long as possible is frustrating. But it has worked well up to now (4 seasons in) and I am interested to see what will happen to the two characters at the end. While there is development in Karadec's character (he became less stiff and more open and tolerant), Morgane's character has not changed up to now. Hopefully she will also grow, and they will eventually meet somewhere in the middle.

Heads off also to Bruno Sanches, for providing brilliant comic relief. Gilles is the best of the supporting characters by far.

The police stories are interesting and keep you engaged. I am not sure how realistic they are, and how accurate is the information that Morgane provides, but I don't mind this at all. Since the episodes are entertaining overall.

Starting out, I really enjoyed the series, it has a certain flair that seems very absent from the US copy (of which I only have seen 2 episodes so far).

The characters are a bit rougher, the settings are grittier and less polished and the whole show seems quite honest and set in the real world.

The key to the series is of course the main character Morgane being quirky and fun. This impression continues for a few episodes, unfortunatley it starts to wear off after a while.

I am currently approaching the end of season 2 and over the past few episodes, it becomes clear there is no development in her character whatsoever.

Morgane's quirks just become annoying over time, her "high intellect" does not translate to any emotional intelligence or selfawareness. She's ignorant, selfish, demanding, egocentric, sucks the life out of everyone and treats them like her personal servants. She behaves exactly the same at this stage than she did in the first episodes. It is to an extent that it's just not cute anymore. I wonder why the creators of the series did not think about developing her personality further over time.

I am not sure if I will continue the next two seasons, tbh. Luckily, there is no significant story arc that would be sad to miss.

I initially started watching the English version of, High Intellectual Potential aka High Potential, but once I found the original, I was completely drawn in. While the English adaptation does a decent job, there's something about experiencing a show in its intended language that makes it even more compelling. From the first episode, it was clear that this was not just another series-it was an intellectual and emotional journey that also happens to be absolutely hilarious.

One of the biggest strengths of this show is its storytelling. The narrative is well-paced, with just the right balance of comedy, drama, and social commentary. The humor is sharp and witty, seamlessly blended into the storyline without ever feeling forced. Whether it's a clever exchange of dialogue, an over-the-top situation, or a perfectly timed reaction, the comedy is always on point. There are moments in this series that had me genuinely laughing out loud, something that's rare in many modern comedies.

A major highlight is the phenomenal performance of the lead actress. She carries the series with her ability to mix humor and depth so effortlessly. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she delivers even the most absurd lines with such sincerity that they become even funnier. She has a natural charisma that makes every scene she's in enjoyable, and she fully embodies her character in a way that makes her both relatable and irresistibly entertaining. Even in more serious moments, she keeps just the right amount of humor present, making the character feel layered and real.

Aside from the lead, the supporting cast is just as strong. Each character brings their own brand of humor, whether it's through exaggerated reactions, deadpan delivery, or completely ridiculous situations. The interactions between the characters are some of the funniest parts of the show. The chemistry among the cast is undeniable, making every scene flow naturally. The writing is sharp, and the dialogue is packed with quick-witted exchanges that often catch you off guard in the best way possible.

Visually, the series is well-crafted, with vibrant cinematography that enhances the comedic elements. Whether it's a perfectly framed awkward situation or a brilliantly executed physical gag, the attention to detail makes even the smallest moments shine. The set design and costumes also add to the humor, with exaggerated or unexpected elements subtly reinforcing the comedic tone.

Another thing that really stood out to me is the soundtrack. I have been introduced to some incredible music through this show. The way music is incorporated into scenes adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Whether it's an upbeat, playful track during a funny moment or a perfectly chosen song that elevates an emotional scene, the show uses music masterfully. I've even gone back to look up songs I heard in certain episodes, which is something I don't often do. It's always a great surprise when a show not only entertains you but also broadens your musical taste.

Beyond the humor, Haute Potentiellement Intellectuel is also refreshingly smart. It's not just about making people laugh-it also weaves in clever social commentary and deeper themes that make you think while keeping you entertained. The show never underestimates its audience, offering humor that is intelligent and layered rather than relying on cheap jokes.

This is the kind of series that sparks conversation. It's the type of show you'll want to talk about with friends, quoting the funniest moments and debating the deeper meanings behind some of the more satirical scenes. It's a perfect blend of comedy and thought-provoking storytelling, making it stand out from typical sitcoms or surface-level comedies.

Adding more words to meet the 600 minimum :/

I truly hope they bring us another season in 2025. The show has so much potential to keep delivering hilarious and meaningful content, and with such a talented cast and creative team, I have no doubt that they would do it justice. If you haven't watched Haute Potentiellement Intellectuel yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance. It's rare to find a show that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely smart. Plus, you might just discover some great new music along the way. Definitely worth the watch!

I tried to watch the recent US version and found it just annoying. The lead is nowhere near as interesting and suited to the task as Audrey Fleurot.

This one, the original is engaging, fun, well cast and hits the right notes to make the premise work well. Audrey Fleurot is marvelous, I can't help thinking the role was created for her. The character is all chaos and charm. I often laugh out loud (which i don't always do watching TV comedies) at the interactions between her and her male lead, "Karadec" who, as her opposite has chosen (& was cast...?) to go subtle and introverted. It's a terrific dynamic that works really well. The attraction between the characters is fun to watch amongst all the crime cases as well. In the US version, even after seeing 2 episodes, I can't remember the male lead at all.

I'll miss watching this when it ends after Season 5 (I believe).

I've seen some other series bought by the US (from the UK mostly) that come nowhere near the level of the original. The original is pretty much always far more worth the time.

Beyond the plot, I love the acting, including the supporting roles. Gilles and Daphné, among others, make me laugh out loud. The depressed and sometimes overwhelmed commissioner is not left out either.

Unfortunately, the remake doesn't do them justice.

And many plots and secondary characters are missing.

I'm French and this is one of the best French shows ever. It ended this year after 5 amazing seasons and the ratings here were absolutely amazing. I'm not surprised though to see it's not working as well in other countries, especially outside of Europe. Morgane is loud, chaotic, deeply flawed, you can be annoyed with her: yes, it's on purpose. This is typically French, with French characters and French humor. If you don't get French people, if you find us annoying, you'll find the show annoying. If you don't get French humor, you won't find it funny. The most hilarious negative comments are about Morgane's clothes. You need to chill out.

I get the highly intelligent one has her own way of doing things, but her character is SOOOOOO ANNOYING!!! Breaking protocol, putting lives in danger. She's smug, arrogant, insufferable and EXTREMELY careless, ridiculous and immature. Why?? She could've been intelligent and have some integrity and understanding. Why make her so unlikeable? I don't understand. Have to suspend reality to just get through how the cops would handle this sort of behavior...ummm because they wouldn't! Can't take evidence home, break into places, steal things and almost set a restaurant on fire full of civilians and still be working with the police. This was just the first 2 episodes but she does this childish stuff over and over. Hopefully her behavior gets better because this isn't funny or cute. She's a damn grown up, write her as one.

After season 2 I took away a star. I won't be watching the next seasons. I really like the other characters and am invested in them. But the lead, woman, OMG she is an absolute moron! I don't care that she's supposed to be smart. High IQ with ZERO self awareness. Loud pushy and moronic in every single way. Zero regard for her coworkers, their problems, feelings or lives. She is so infuriating and immature. An absolute basket case. Why would they make her character SOOO unlikeable and utterly ridiculous? I just don't get it. If she was a real person, I would hate her with every fiber of my being. Oh and her BF and daughter suck too. Youngest kids seem to be fine. Mainly because one of them doesn't talk yet. This is just a train wreck. Could've been a great show.