Netflix has had its share of ups and downs with original series lately. Long-running favorites have ended on sour notes, and lengthy gaps between seasons have tested subscriber patience. But amid the noise, one show has quietly become a must-watch: Lupin. This French crime thriller, starring the charismatic Omar Sy, has not only maintained its quality but has actually improved with each season, earning perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes for its third and fourth installments.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Gentleman Thief
Premiering in 2021, Lupin follows Assane Diop, a chauffeur who becomes a master thief to avenge his father's wrongful imprisonment and death. Inspired by the classic Arsène Lupin stories, Assane adopts the persona of the gentleman burglar to outwit the wealthy and corrupt Hubert Pellegrini. The show's clever premise is elevated by Sy's suave performance and a writing team that knows how to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
What sets Lupin apart is its ability to evolve. Season 1 is a tight revenge thriller, but as the story progresses, the stakes grow personal. Assane's actions make him France's most wanted man, straining his relationship with his wife Claire and son Raoul. When Raoul is kidnapped, the series becomes a desperate rescue mission. Season 4 raises the bar even higher: while Assane is in prison, a cybercriminal frames him for a series of thefts, forcing him to escape and clear his name. Each season adds new layers, ensuring the narrative never feels stale.
Why Critics and Audiences Are Raving
The show's critical acclaim is well-deserved. Seasons 3 and 4 have scored a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, a rare feat for any series. The writing is sharp, the action is stylish, and the twists are genuinely surprising. But Lupin also benefits from a clever meta-narrative. Instead of directly adapting the original stories, the creators made the Lupin books a character within the show. Detective Youssef Guedira uses his knowledge of the tales to pursue Assane, adding an intellectual cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Co-creator George Kay explained this approach: "There's certain things that you may want to remain faithful to if you are to update that [original] character - but what I wanted to do was create this modern man and force him through the filter of Lupin, and running alongside that, in the earlier stages of development, I was really into the idea of the intellectual property sitting as a character within the show." That gamble paid off, making Lupin feel fresh and relevant.
A Real-Life Heist Boosts Popularity
In 2025, a real-life theft at the Louvre shocked the world—and gave Lupin an unexpected popularity boost. The irony? Assane actually robs the Louvre in Season 1. Life imitated art, and searches for heist stories like Lupin and Ocean's 11 spiked, pushing the show to the top of Netflix charts for two weeks. Even the original Arsène Lupin books saw a resurgence in interest.
For fans of smart, stylish thrillers, Lupin is a must-watch. It's a rare series that improves with age, and with its perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores, it's clear that the creative team knows exactly what they're doing. If you haven't caught up yet, now is the perfect time to dive in. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy picks, check out our weekend Netflix picks or explore other thrillers that hook you instantly.
With its blend of charm, wit, and high-stakes drama, Lupin proves that Netflix can still deliver original series worth celebrating. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is one heist you won't want to miss.
