French Belgian Crime Series HIP Now Fully Available for Streaming
As anticipation builds for the third season of the American crime drama High Potential, viewers have a compelling alternative to explore. All episodes of the original French Belgian series HIP: High Intellectual Potential, which served as the direct inspiration for the US adaptation, are now available for streaming on Disney Plus. This provides fans with an opportunity to delve into the source material that sparked the hit show starring Kaitlin Olson.
The Premise and Characters Behind HIP
The series shares a strikingly similar premise with its American counterpart. In the French version, actress Audrey Fleurot portrays Morgane Alvaro, a highly intellectually gifted housekeeper who becomes a consultant for a police division investigating serious crimes in Lille. Her sharp mind and unconventional methods allow her to solve complex cases, mirroring the storyline of High Potential, where Olson plays Morgan, a single mother and cleaner recruited by the LAPD due to her exceptional problem-solving abilities.
Currently, there are 32 episodes spread across four seasons that have been broadcast in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. These are now fully accessible on Disney Plus, the same platform hosting the US adaptation. From the very first episode, viewers will notice familiar scenes, such as Morgane dancing while cleaning a police department or correcting a supermarket worker on pricing. However, while some plot elements and love interest storylines may overlap, the two shows diverge in specific cases and narrative details.
Viewer Reception and Recommendations
Although HIP lacks enough reviews to secure a score on Rotten Tomatoes, early viewers have described it as "captivating and compelling." Many fans emphasize the importance of watching the series in its original French language with English subtitles to fully appreciate its humour and character nuances. As one enthusiast noted, "The kind of humour reminds me of Death in Paradise. Very funny, quite original, certainly not your average detective. Each character 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."
Another viewer added, "Morgane is brilliant and the totally chaotic, graphic and anti-procedural way she figures everything out is captivating to watch." This sentiment is echoed by others who have compared both series, with one stating, "After watching all episodes of HIP I have to say: HIP is so much better. For me, it is a more interesting take on the subject than High Potential. The original gives a version that is just more; more unique, more extreme, more politically incorrect and overall more fun."
Why HIP Stands Out
The appeal of HIP lies in its chaotic and unconventional approach to crime-solving, which fans argue offers a fresher and more engaging experience than the US adaptation. The series has been praised for its unique character dynamics and witty dialogue, which are best experienced in the original French to capture the full essence of the performances. With all episodes now streaming, it presents an ideal binge-watching option for those seeking to explore the roots of High Potential while enjoying a distinctively European take on the crime drama genre.
As viewers await further developments in High Potential Season 3, diving into HIP provides not only a deeper understanding of the story's origins but also a standalone entertainment experience that has garnered a dedicated following. Whether you are a fan of crime procedurals or simply looking for a new series to stream, HIP: High Intellectual Potential offers a compelling and chaotic journey into the world of intellectual giftedness and detective work.
