Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe series behind the “21-episode psychological drama” headline is Samuel, a French animated coming-of-age diary series created by Émilie Tronche. ARTE lists 21 episodes of five minutes each. It follows ten-year-old Samuel through first love, friendship, secrets, and the everyday worries of growing up—not a psychological thriller.
What is Samuel about?
Samuel is ten and keeps a diary as he tries to make sense of his feelings for Julie and the complicated relationships around him. The story moves through school friendships, secrets, daydreams, music, and the shift from primary school to collège. Its focus is childhood and the small, sometimes confusing experiences that can feel enormous when you are growing up.
ARTE describes the work as animated fiction written, directed, and performed by Émilie Tronche. Netflix Spain’s synopsis likewise presents a shy ten-year-old using a diary to understand first love, friendships, and starting secondary school. Those descriptions make “coming-of-age animated diary series” a more precise label than “psychological drama” if that phrase suggests a thriller or adult-oriented subject matter.
How long is it, and what makes the animation distinctive?
ARTE’s official production listing gives the format as 21 episodes of five minutes each. The short installments make it a compact series, though ARTE also has a separate full-series compilation listing running 93 minutes. That runtime refers to the compilation, not a different episode count.
#1 Best Overall
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- The Real Ghostbusters
- The Animated Series Volume 1- 10
The pared-back 2D animation is a deliberate part of the storytelling. ARTE says the series uses twelve drawings per second to foreground emotion and the characters’ looks. Rather than relying on visual detail, the style keeps attention on faces, gestures, and the feelings Samuel is trying to put into words.
Who made Samuel?
Émilie Tronche wrote, directed, and performed the series; Netflix Spain credits her as creator and star. ARTE’s production credits name Damien Megherbi, Justin Pechberty, and Pablo Jordi as producers, with Les Valseurs among the credited production entities.
Rank #2
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- Fullscreen
- Region 1 DVD
ARTE lists awards including best series at Seriencamp Festival 2024 in the Digital Short Form category, best TV series at TOFUZI 2023, and best series from the Association of Series Critics in the 26-minute category.
Is Samuel available on Netflix in your country?
Availability depends on territory. Netflix Spain has an official page for the title, but it currently displays a notice saying the title cannot be viewed in the visitor’s country. A Netflix listing is therefore not proof that the series is playable everywhere. Check the Netflix catalog in your own country before planning to watch it there.
Rank #3
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- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - 4
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ARTE’s separate full-series page lists the 93-minute compilation as available until February 7, 2027. This is an ARTE listing and should not be confused with Netflix availability; access may also depend on where you are watching from.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is there more Samuel beyond the series?
ARTE links to Émilie Tronche’s graphic novel, Le Journal de Samuel, published by Casterman. Readers looking for a printed companion should check the edition’s language and availability before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
![Superman (1996): The Animated Series - Collector's Edition -[DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51i5tkeCOuL._SL160_.jpg)
- Region 1 NTSC
- Dolby Digital
- Collector's Edition
Where to check official details
- ARTE’s series page lists the episode format, creative credits, premise, animation details, and awards.
- ARTE’s full-series page gives the compilation runtime and its listed availability deadline.
- Netflix Spain’s title page provides a synopsis and shows the territory-specific viewing notice.
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