Family Business

Family Business is a comedic gem that has been showcased on Netflix from 2019 to 2021. This French dramedy revolves around a family-run butcher shop that, in its quest for survival amid an increasingly modernizing and demanding market, morphs into a weed shop, following the steps of diesel-to-electric car industry transformation in France. The series presents an engaging tapestry of family dynamics, business struggles, and upheaval of societal norms while exploring the chaotic yet hilarious turn of events after France legalizes cannabis.

The story centers around Joseph Hazan, a former entrepreneur portrayed by Jonathan Cohen, who is ever keen to start new and unique ventures. Desperate to save his family's floundering traditional butchery, he devises a highly unconventional plan of converting it into a marijuana café when he mistakenly believes that France is on the cusp of legalizing cannabis. The comedic element is propelled by the fact that he hatches this plan without any guarantee. His optimism and misplaced confidence bring unexpected adventures and amusing situations.

Joseph is not alone in this endeavor. He is surrounded by his eccentric family, who contribute to both the light-hearted humor and the tense drama in their unique ways. Besides his father Gerard Hazan, played by Gérard Darmon, who once owned the butcher shop, the manifold roles of the dysfunctional family members are complete with his sharp-tongued yet fiercely loving mother, played by Liliane Rovère, his business-minded daughter, and his lovable but somewhat irresponsible brother. Each brings their own emotional baggage, quirks, personal nuances, and comedic timings, making the family unit one large absolute chaos - which is the heart of the series.

The show brings to life the Parisian culture and the morally casual norms of its characters with a touch of authenticity. The situational humor, language quirk, and fantastic rapport among the cast members highlight the French elements in the series. It’s a show that does not shy away from portraying the raw and realistic aspects of running a family business and the various quirks that families usually express when in private.

It’s worth noting that Family Business, despite its light-hearted comedic outer shell, is not just about marijuana and failed business attempts. Each episode gives out a strong slice-of-life vibe. The subject of the butcher shop serves as a symbol of hard-hitting realities of small, family-run businesses who are struggling to keep up with rapidly progressing world.

However, at its core, Family Business is about family - the sacrifices we make for them willingly, the support we lend to them unconditionally, and the madness we tolerate for them uncomplainingly. This central theme, along with the calamitous business idea, reverberates throughout the series, embodying both its comedy and its drama.

Created by Igor Gotesman, Family Business takes its audience on an extraordinary roller-coaster ride where each twist and turn, lined with humor and drama, is unexpected and adds new layers to the narrative. It's a blend of clever humor, emotional moments, and well-placed cliffhangers that keeps its audience hooked to their screens.

Embracing the multi-cultural, liberal, and edgy vibe of Paris, Family Business paints a vivid picture of the city, subtly contributing to the series' charm. The show’s camera work showcases a high-concept Paris that never ceases to lend an aesthetic touch to the storyline. The character development, narrative style, and picturesque setting all come together to create a show that caters to a wide variety of viewers, all while being thoroughly enjoyable.

The beauty of Family Business lies in its originality and authenticity that resonate through its depiction of the Hazan family and their unconventional means to save their traditional butchery. Despite being a light-hearted comedy on the forefront, the series examines relatable aspects of life, family, ambition, failure, and survival, making it a remarkable addition to Netflix’s array of international content. Consequently, it has won a wide fanbase, becoming one of the most-watched French shows on Netflix over its run from 2019 to 2021. While viewers wait to see what the future holds for Joseph and his family's unprecedented business venture, Family Business continues to garner praise for its refreshing take on the comedy genre.