From Social Media Sensation to Netflix Masterpiece: Émilie Tronche’s ‘Samuel’ Makes Global Debut

In a landscape often dominated by high-budget CG spectacles, a minimalist, hand-drawn micro-series is proving that emotional honesty and simple lines can resonate louder than anything else. Émilie Tronche’s Samuel, the viral French animated hit that captured millions of hearts on social media, has officially arrived on Netflix as of February 5, 2026.

The series is now available to stream in the United States, Canada (English), Latin America, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and India, bringing its uniquely nostalgic and intimate storytelling to a worldwide audience.

The Genesis of a Viral Gem

What began as a personal project shared on Instagram and TikTok has blossomed into a full-fledged international phenomenon. Created, written, and directed by French filmmaker Émilie Tronche, Samuel first gained traction for its raw, sketchbook-style 2D animation and its poignant depiction of childhood.

“Samuel was born from my own memories of childhood and adolescence in France, from something very intimate and personal,” Tronche shared in a statement. “Knowing this story can now travel across the world through Netflix is very emotional for me.”

The series originally found success on European platforms like ARTE (France/Germany), RTVE (Spain), and 3Cat (Catalonia), where it amassed over 35 million views in just six months. Its transition to Netflix marks a significant milestone for independent “micro-animation.”

A Bittersweet Binge

Samuel consists of 21 episodes, each running roughly four to six minutes. This “micro-series” format makes it a perfect one-night binge, with a total runtime of approximately 84 minutes.

The story follows the titular 10-year-old boy as he navigates the tumultuous “first year” of middle school in the early 2000s. The plot centers on a classic childhood dilemma: a classmate named Basile claims Samuel is in love with a girl named Julie. Samuel denies it, but his diary tells a different story. Through dance, music, and internal monologues, the series explores:

• The Transition to Adolescence: The shift from primary to secondary school and the growing pains of psychological maturity.

• Early 2000s Nostalgia: Set in a pre-digital era, the show uses subtle period cues and nostalgic songs to evoke a sense of universal childhood.

• Minimalist Artistry: The black-and-white, hand-drawn aesthetic (animated at 12 frames per second) focuses the viewer’s attention on the character’s expressions and emotional depth.

Bringing Samuel to the English-Speaking World

While Tronche famously voiced every single character in the original French version—adding to its intimate, “one-person production” feel—the Netflix release features a brand-new English dub produced at La Belle Équipe.

The English voice of Samuel is provided by Eleanor Noble (Arthur, Alice in Borderland), under the voice direction of Wyatt Bowen. This localization aims to maintain the “honesty at the heart of the story” while making it accessible to a broader demographic.

Production and Future

Samuel is produced by Les Valseurs (the studio behind the award-winning Wicked Girl) in co-production with Pikkukala, Arte France, and several Spanish broadcasters. The series was a standout at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, further cementing its status as a critical darling.

For fans who find themselves wanting more after the credits roll, there is good news: Émilie Tronche has already confirmed that a second season is in development with ARTE.

Whether you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or a masterclass in minimalist storytelling, Samuel is a rare “hidden gem” that truly lives up to the hype. You can stream the full first season now on Netflix.