Carême: Apple TV+ announces new French drama starring Benjamin Voisin

Featuring the inspiring story of Antonin Carême - the world’s first celebrity chef - streaming platform Apple TV+ has announced a new French drama, titled Carême. 

The eight-episode series follows the life of Antonin, who started his journey from Paris and reached the height of culinary stardom in Napoleon’s Europe. Further describing the storyline, the platform stated, “While he dreams only of becoming the most famous chef in the world, his talent and ambitions attract the attention of renowned and powerful politicians, who use him as a spy for France.” 

The role of the celebrity chef is played by César Award winner Benjamin Voisin, while César Award nominee Jérémie Renier has narrated the character of political genius Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord. Among the other key characters is Henriette (essayed by César Award winner Lyna Khoudri), who is seen as Antonin’s lover and most dangerous threat.

According to Apple TV+, the series is inspired by the book Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, The First Celebrity Chef, by multi-award-winning historian and actor Ian Kelly. It is created by Kelly and the lead writer is Davide Serino. Carême is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Martin Bourboulon. 

Also read: Apple TV+ announces docuseries on legendary footballer Lionel Messi 

“Antonin is an orphan blessed with god-like culinary talent, who dreams of only one thing - to become the most famous chef in the world and to give letters of nobility to a new art, the ‘gastronomy’. His ambition attracts the attention of the most Machiavellian man of his time, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, who has elevated French politics to a fine art. Talleyrand ensnares Antonin, who could become a great chef, but must first become a spy for France. Based on the true story, Carême takes us through the harsh, miserable reality of 19th century kitchens juxtaposed with the magnificent opulence of the mansions and sophisticated aristocrats they serve, where manipulation is king. Determined to escape poverty and fulfil his dream, Antonin can choose revenge or he can have it all - women, wealth and fame - but at what cost? His love? His soul? His life?,” the note shared by the streaming platform read.