Apple TV+’s “Lent”: A Celebrity Chef Becomes a Spy in Flavorful spy Drama

⁣ Updated June 07, 2025
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Apple TV+’s new series, “Lent,” offers a playful, if not entirely accurate, take on​ the life of ‌Marie-Antoine Carême, ofen hailed as the first celebrity chef and a⁤ founder of haute cuisine. The show, a co-production with France, reimagines Carême as ⁢a spy navigating the opulent world of French politics and gastronomy.

Led by writer Davide serino, ⁤”Lent” portrays Carême⁣ not only as a culinary innovator but also ‌as an agent working for Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a Machiavellian political figure. while Carême did⁣ work in Talleyrand’s kitchen, historical⁣ evidence doesn’t support his involvement in political ‌espionage. Still,this premise fuels a captivating narrative,transforming the series into a sort of Mission: Impossible with​ cream sauces and ⁣truffled capon.

Benjamin⁤ Voisin stars ⁤as Carême, with costumes and styling that evoke​ a contemporary pop star. The show embraces multicultural casting, which adds ‍to its deliberate departure from strict realism. The plot⁤ thickens as⁤ Carême becomes entangled in political schemes, such as passing coded messages through elaborate menu arrangements.

The series doesn’t ⁤shy away from the absurd, suggesting Napoleon’s rise to power was partly influenced by a particularly delicious veal chop.Jérémie Renier plays Talleyrand, while Micha Lescot embodies the relentless police chief Fouché, adding depth to the ⁣ensemble cast.

Directors Martin Bourboulon and Laila Marrakchi maintain a brisk pace, emphasizing lavish costumes and sensuous food cinematography. ‍The series culminates at Napoleon’s coronation, ‌framing the event as a ⁣culinary and military campaign. It’s only at this⁢ point that the phrase “oui,chef!” is finally uttered,providing a satisfying moment for ⁣viewers familiar ​with culinary dramas.

The contortions each chapter’s ​script⁢ takes to show how​ Talleyrand deploys the crafty Carême —passing ‌secret code ⁤through the⁢ placement of a leg of lamb on a menu,⁣ such as—is exactly the kind of preposterousness I look for in a frothy television series.

“Lent” concludes its first season with⁤ a satisfying resolution, leaving ‌the door open for a potential second season. The prospect‍ of Carême interacting with historical figures like Pierre Bezukhov offers‌ intriguing possibilities.

What’s next

With its blend of historical fiction,​ espionage, and culinary​ artistry, “Lent” offers a unique ⁣and entertaining viewing experience. The show’s willingness to⁤ embrace the absurd and its focus on the celebrity ​chef ⁢Carême make it a standout in the realm of historical⁢ dramas.