Make way for Scandi, as Gallic producers give crime a French touch.

Beloved at home and lucrative abroad, a new breed of audience-inclusive procedurals has taken the international market by storm. Indeed, fueled by the earlier success of the long-running series “Candice Renoir,” and taken stratospherically by the hits “HPI” and “Tandem,” the so-called “light crime” genre has become a new French delicacy.

"The genre skillfully combines criminal investigations with everyday moments, creating a balance between mystery and a light, familiar tone," said Mediawan Rights President Randall Broman. "[We've] seen a growing demand for lighter, more comforting content, while viewers appreciate engaging plots without excessive violence. This ability to combine intrigue and humor makes French producers leading players in the genre."

Megahit “HPI” drew 11 million viewers at home and has sold to more than 110 territories, with the U.S. remake set to premiere later this month on ABC and Hulu. Other recent successes in this space have had a similar domino effect, drawing attention to big-budget French productions while showcasing new potential in the U.S., Latin America and Japan, as well as established territories in Europe.