The second series of hit French drama The Returned, will air on Channel 4 in 2014.

The Returned – Channel 4

The Returned first series draws to a conclusion on Channel 4 on Sunday July 28.

On average, some 1.8 million UK viewers have tuned into the show’s debut series each week, with a 7.1% audience share during its 9pm Sunday slot.

Season two of the supernatural thriller will begin production in early 2014, and will consist of eight hour-long episodes.

“The Returned” (original French title: Les Revenants) is a critically acclaimed French supernatural drama series that first aired in 2012. Created by Fabrice Gobert and inspired by the 2004 film of the same name by Robin Campillo, the series is set in a small, eerie mountain town where several people, previously thought dead, mysteriously return to life.

These “returned” individuals appear exactly as they did before their deaths, with no memory of what happened to them. Their reappearance brings emotional turmoil and confusion, not only to them but also to their families and the entire community. As the town grapples with the strange phenomenon, other inexplicable events begin to occur, including power outages and a sudden drop in water levels at the local dam.

The show is lauded for its atmospheric tension, slow-building suspense, and deep exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and the fragility of human relationships. The cinematography and haunting soundtrack by the Scottish band Mogwai contribute to its eerie and unsettling mood.

The Returned received widespread acclaim and won several awards, including an International Emmy for Best Drama Series. Its success led to an American adaptation in 2015, although the original French version remains highly regarded for its originality and emotional depth.