01/07/2026 19:25 - Entretenimiento
Netflix is expanding its catalog with "Summer of 1936" (originally "Verano del 36"), a French period miniseries arriving on the platform in July 2026. The series combines historical drama with a classic whodunit investigation in the style of Agatha Christie, set on the French Riviera during a pivotal moment in European history.
The series features just 6 episodes of 52 minutes each, an ideal format for viewers seeking a concise yet intense story that can be binge-watched in a single day. The recreation of the 1930s was a meticulous effort: more than 74 sets and over 1,500 period-accurate costumes were designed to transport viewers to this era of striking social contrasts.
Set in Nice during the summer of 1936, a historically significant period marked by a revolutionary change for French workers: the implementation of the first paid vacations. This reform allowed thousands of working-class families to visit the French Riviera, a destination that until then had been the exclusive domain of high society.
This clash of social classes creates the perfect backdrop for a mystery story. When a prosecutor is found dead at the exclusive Hotel Riviera, the police investigation begins revolving around four women whose worlds—seemingly distant—become inextricably linked by the crime.
Each protagonist carries personal secrets, family conflicts, and past decisions that fuel suspicion. As the investigation progresses, relationships between them grow increasingly complex, revealing that nothing and no one is quite what they seem.
The series' writers have stated that the investigation relies on observation, deduction, and clues, fundamental elements of Agatha Christie's style. Christie was the legendary British author who revolutionized the mystery genre with iconic characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
The absence of modern technology (no DNA testing, security cameras, or digital analysis) forces characters to solve the crime using only intelligence, intuition, and classic detective work. This approach creates a different kind of narrative tension, where every detail and every word could be the key to solving the mystery.
Historical Context: The summer of 1936 in France was a time of profound political and social tensions that would precede dramatic changes across Europe. The rise of Popular Front governments and labor reforms created a climate of social upheaval that the series leverages narratively to explore class divides.
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Julie de Bona | Blanche Akermann |
| Sofia Essaïdi | Eugénie Berthier |
| Nolwenn Leroy | Giulia Vincent |
| Constance Gay | Léonie Morel |
| Miou-Miou | Marthe Pontavice-Caron |
| François-Xavier Demaison | Alphonse Raven |
| Pascal Elbé | Raoul Delaunay |
| Sam Karmann | Henri Pontavice-Caron |
| Simon Ehrlacher | Jean Berthier |
The production has received positive reviews from both French and international media outlets. Critics have particularly praised the meticulous 1930s atmosphere and the blend of historical drama with mystery storytelling.
The series was created by Marie Deshaires, Catherine Touzet, and Iris Bucher, who have crafted a proposal that will appeal both to fans of Agatha Christie's novels and those who enjoy period dramas with narrative depth.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
