Why is there such a buzz about..?

Lupin ( Netflix)

The smash-hit French series begins with Assane Diop (Omar Sy, right) orchestrating an audacious heist, stealing Marie Antoinette’s necklace from the Louvre. In flashbacks to 1995, we learn why he is so interested in this particular piece. His father, a Senegalese immigrant and a chauffeur for a wealthy couple, was wrongly accused of stealing it from them years ago and apparently committed suicide. Now Assane is determined to find out what really happened, a quest that necessitates theft, abduction and breaking into jail and out again.

The show’s title comes from Arsène Lupin, a fictional ‘gentleman burglar’ created by novelist Maurice Leblanc. Lupin and his methods are an inspiration for Assane, although it requires some suspension of disbelief to accept that he is, like his hero, a master of disguise, capable of transforming into a little old man – Sy is 6ft 2in tall and built like a tank.

According to Netflix, Lupin is among its most popular shows, up there with Bridgerton and The Queen’s

Gambit. It will have been viewed by more than 70 million households in the first 28 days since its release.

Why so popular? A huge star in France, Sy is a magnetic performer capable of both swagger and vulnerability, sometimes at the same time. His scenes with his ex, Claire (Ludivine Sagnier), are charming. Also, it’s highly entertaining and a very easy watch. Yes, it’s daft but you’re invested in Assane’s mission. So far, we just have the first five episodes, which end on a cliffhanger. We’ll get the next five later this year.