Going Big in Japan: International French Hit ‘Bright Minds’ Season 7 Heads to Tokyo (EXCLUSIVE)
French crime drama “Bright Minds” is filming part of its seventh season in Tokyo, a first for the series, through a co-production between France’s JLA Productions and Japan’s NHK Enterprises. The move reflects the show’s strong Japanese following and extends its international reach.
Known in France as “Astrid et Raphaëlle”, the series follows a neurodivergent police archivist and an impulsive inspector solving crimes. It recorded 24 million video views on france.tv in 2025, has sold to more than 130 countries, and its sixth season achieved the series’ highest-ever ratings on Japan’s J:COM in February 2026. Season seven will also follow the leads as they face upheaval at work and personal challenges.
- “Bright Minds” will film part of season seven in Tokyo.
- Japan’s NHK Enterprises is co-producing with France’s JLA Productions.
- The series drew 24 million views on france.tv in 2025.
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Bright Minds, known in France as Astrid et Raphaëlle, is a French crime drama about a police archivist and an inspector who investigate crimes together. The series has been sold to more than 130 countries and has built a following in Japan.
JLA Productions is the French company behind the series, while NHK Enterprises is a Japanese media company. Their co-production brings the show to Tokyo for filming for the first time, reflecting its audience in Japan and extending its international reach.