Samuel Le Bihan Wanted to Play a Slightly Crafty Lawyer: Inside the Creation of Carpe Diem

When Samuel Le Bihan spoke about his dream role for years, he envisioned a character that would combine wit, charm, and a touch of mischievousness—a lawyer with a twist. This dream has become a reality in the popular new show Carpe Diem, which premiered on TF1 on March 10, 2025, at 9:10 PM. The title itself hints at the character’s determination to live every day as if it were his last, despite being wrongly convicted of a crime he did not commit. But what really happened behind the scenes? What inspired this show, and how did Samuel Le Bihan end up playing this endearing yet morally ambiguous lawyer?

In Carpe Diem, Le Bihan portrays Tom Villeneuve, a man sentenced to seventeen years of prison for the murder of his wife—a crime he did not commit. His character is at the center of an intriguing premise: how does a man, condemned to a life of imprisonment, navigate a world that has cast him aside as guilty? Rather than accepting his fate with bitterness, Tom chooses to embrace life to the fullest, using humor and resourcefulness to win over those around him and work tirelessly to prove his innocence. It’s a fascinating character choice—one that fuses elements of courtroom drama with the bright energy of a man who refuses to be beaten down by his circumstances.

But it wasn’t just a role Samuel Le Bihan wanted to play—it was a role he wanted to redefine. The actor, best known for his work on Alex Hugo, was looking for a challenge that would stretch his range and bring a sense of levity to the courtroom drama genre. According to Le Bihan, “I wanted to play a lawyer who’s a little bit crafty. Someone who could talk his way out of any situation, who could charm people with his smile, but still have a deep sense of justice that drives him forward.”

The inspiration behind Carpe Diem came from an unusual combination of sources: courtroom dramas, the great era of French cinema, and Samuel’s long-standing collaborations with writers Julien Guérif and Pierre Isoard. Guérif and Isoard had worked with Le Bihan before, notably on Alex Hugo, and shared a mutual understanding of his strengths as an actor. When the three came together to brainstorm ideas for a new project, the result was Carpe Diem—a show that blends courtroom thrills with humor, lightness, and a sense of freedom.

The character of Tom Villeneuve embodies the themes of resilience and redemption. His bright demeanor is a direct contrast to the grim realities of his imprisonment. In the opening scenes, we see him confidently reassure his first client—an inmate he meets in the prison yard—that he will get them out of their predicament. Despite being in a similar situation himself, Tom’s faith in his ability to navigate the system never falters. As he assures his client, “Don’t worry, I’ll be out in time for your trial,” there’s a lightheartedness to the performance that keeps the audience hooked.

But beneath the charming exterior lies a man driven by an unyielding desire to reclaim his life. Tom’s determination to make the most of every day, to savor the moments of freedom he still has, gives the show its core emotional depth. It’s this contrast between the high stakes of his situation and the warmth of his personality that makes him such a compelling figure.

The influence of classic French cinema, particularly the works of Jean-Paul Belmondo, is evident in the show’s tone and style. Carpe Diem pays homage to the era of Philippe de Broca and Jean-Paul Rappeneau, directors who mastered the art of combining adventure with comedy and drama. Le Bihan’s character, with his playful charisma and refusal to be defeated, recalls the iconic roles of Belmondo, whose characters often balanced comedy and action with a deep sense of purpose.

As the show progresses, Tom Villeneuve’s charm and wit are put to the test. In the face of corrupt officials, hostile inmates, and the relentless ticking of the prison clock, he maintains his optimism and resourcefulness. He doesn’t let the unfairness of his conviction weigh him down. Instead, he becomes a symbol of hope—not only for himself but for the people around him.

What makes Carpe Diem so unique is its ability to weave humor and emotional depth into a narrative that could easily become bleak. The comedy is not simply about jokes or slapstick humor—it’s about finding joy in the darkest moments, and that’s something Le Bihan and his collaborators were keen to emphasize.

To bring this character to life, Le Bihan enlisted the help of his trusted collaborators, including Guérif and Isoard. The trio has worked together on numerous occasions, and their close working relationship was vital in creating a character as multi-dimensional as Tom Villeneuve. Le Bihan, who has always sought roles that challenge him as an actor, found the perfect balance between humor and vulnerability in this role.

The chemistry between the actors is undeniable, and it’s evident that the creative team behind Carpe Diem had a clear vision from the start. They didn’t want to create just another courtroom drama—they wanted to create a show that felt fresh, exciting, and full of life. The result is a series that not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on themes of justice, freedom, and the human capacity for resilience.

As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that Carpe Diem is not just about one man’s fight for freedom—it’s about the larger human condition. It’s about the ways in which we cope with adversity, how we hold on to hope, and how we find ways to make each day count, no matter the circumstances.

In the end, Carpe Diem is a celebration of life itself. Through Tom Villeneuve, Samuel Le Bihan shows us that even in the darkest of times, there’s always room for hope, laughter, and the possibility of redemption. The show’s message is clear: no matter how difficult life may seem, it’s always worth fighting for, and there’s always a way to make the most of every moment.

As the show airs on TF1, viewers will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by Le Bihan’s portrayal of a man who refuses to let the system define him. Tom Villeneuve may be in prison, but his spirit is free. And in the world of Carpe Diem, that’s more than enough.