Empathie (season 1)

The show follows Suzanne Oreste, a 38-year-old former criminologist turned psychiatrist, who returns after two years to work at the Mont-Royal Psychiatric Institute. Despite battling a mysterious illness, Suzanne is determined to treat severe mental health cases and finds light in life's darkest moments. At the institute, she befriends Mortimer, an intriguing intervention officer, and encounters a diverse range of patients with compelling stories. The series is noted for its authentic and humane exploration of mental illness, combining psychological depth with strong character-driven narratives. Empathie is created and written by Florence Longpre, who also stars as Suzanne, and directed by Guillaume Lonergan. The cast includes French actor Thomas Ngijol as Mortimer, along with Josee Deschenes, Benoit Briere, and Brigitte Lafleur. Produced by Trio Orange in collaboration with Bell Media, the series has received critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award at the prestigious Series Mania festival in France, where it was featured in the International Competition program. Empathie stands out for its bold storytelling, expert acting, and sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, marking a significant achievement for Quebec television on the international stage.