Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Hook Up Plan, which completely charmed me with its witty take on modern dating, friendship loyalty, and the beautiful chaos of Parisian romance.
Released on Netflix on December 7, 2018, The Hook Up Plan (originally titled “Plan Coeur” in French) is a French romantic comedy series that ran for three seasons until January 1, 2022. The show features 24 episodes in total, with each episode running approximately 25-30 minutes. Created by Noémie Saglio, Julien Teisseire, and Chris Lang, this Parisian-set series follows Elsa, a woman stuck on her ex-boyfriend, and her well-meaning friends who decide to hire a male escort to help her move on.
The series perfectly captures the essence of contemporary French comedy with its blend of romantic mishaps, genuine friendship dynamics, and the picturesque backdrop of Paris. The Hook Up Plan explores themes of self-discovery, the complexities of modern dating, and how sometimes the best intentions can lead to the most complicated situations.
When Good Intentions Go Beautifully Wrong
The central plot revolves around Elsa, on the verge of turning thirty and stuck in an uninspiring job, who finds herself still hung up on her ex-boyfriend two years after their breakup. Her friends, hoping to help her break out of her rut and find some confidence, decide to hire a male escort to take her on a few dates. What starts as a seemingly simple plan to boost Elsa’s confidence quickly spirals into something much more complex when she begins developing genuine feelings for Jules, unaware of the arrangement. The series brilliantly explores how deception, even with good intentions, can create unexpected emotional complications.
Zita Hanrot as Elsa: The Heart of Parisian Confusion
Zita Hanrot delivers a captivating performance as Elsa “El” Payette, bringing depth and authenticity to a character who embodies the struggles of millennial dating culture. Elsa’s journey from a woman stuck in emotional limbo to someone rediscovering her own worth is beautifully portrayed. Hanrot masterfully balances Elsa’s vulnerability with her strength, making her both relatable and endearing. Her character’s evolution throughout the series showcases the universal challenge of moving on from past relationships while remaining open to new possibilities, all while navigating the discovery of her friends’ well-intentioned betrayal.
Marc Ruchmann as Jules: The Escort with Hidden Depths
Marc Ruchmann brings complexity to Jules, the male escort whose professional assignment becomes personally complicated. Jules represents more than just a plot device; he’s a fully realized character dealing with his own emotional baggage and moral dilemmas. Ruchmann’s portrayal shows Jules wrestling with genuine feelings for Elsa while maintaining the facade of their artificial relationship. His performance highlights the ethical complications of their situation while maintaining the character’s likability and emotional authenticity.
The Truth Comes Out: Emotional Reckoning
The series reaches its most compelling moments when Elsa discovers the truth about Jules and the arrangement her friends made behind her back. This revelation doesn’t just affect the romantic storyline but fundamentally challenges the friendship dynamics that form the show’s foundation. The fallout forces all characters to confront their assumptions about love, friendship, and personal autonomy. The show handles this emotional reckoning with surprising maturity, exploring how good intentions can sometimes cause more harm than good, while also examining the path to forgiveness and understanding.
Supporting Cast: A Circle of Complicated Friends
Sabrina Ouazani as Charlotte “Cha” Ben Smires and Joséphine Draï as Émilie round out the core trio of friends, each bringing their own romantic complications and personal growth arcs. Charlotte deals with her relationship with Antoine while managing the guilt of orchestrating the escort plan, and Émilie navigates her own dating challenges. These supporting characters aren’t just sidekicks; they represent different approaches to love and relationships, creating a rich ensemble that reflects the diverse ways people handle romance in modern Paris.
Success on Netflix
The Hook Up Plan became a standout success as Netflix’s second original French series, running for three complete seasons with a dedicated fanbase. The show’s format of shorter episodes made it perfect for binge-watching, while its authentic French setting and culturally specific humor translated well for international audiences. The Hook Up Plan received praise for its realistic portrayal of friendship dynamics and its refreshing take on romantic comedy tropes, proving that French television could capture global attention with local stories that resonate universally.
A Parisian Romance That Hits Different
If you love French romantic comedies with authentic friendship dynamics, The Hook Up Plan is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show manages to be both culturally specific and universally relatable, offering viewers a genuine look at contemporary Parisian life while exploring timeless themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and beautiful Parisian cinematography, this series proves that the best romantic comedies are those that don’t shy away from the messier aspects of human relationships.
Why This French Gem Deserves Your Time
The Hook Up Plan delivers a refreshingly honest take on modern relationships wrapped in the charming aesthetics of contemporary Paris. With its authentic characters, genuine emotional stakes, and perfect balance of comedy and heart, this French series proves that the best romantic comedies are those that find humor in life’s most complicated moments while never losing sight of the human connections that make it all worthwhile.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 24 (across 3 seasons)
Platform: Netflix
Release/End Year: 2018-2022
Current IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, French Drama
Status: Completed series
Protagonists: Zita Hanrot (Elsa), Marc Ruchmann (Jules)
Antagonist: No traditional antagonist (internal conflicts and past relationships serve as obstacles)