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Class Act, or the story of relentless ambition. The French Netflix show follows the larger-than-life career of Bernard Tapie, a jack of all trades, and master of some. The French businessman, who rose to prominence from a humble background, initially made a career for himself and began amassing his fortune in the late 1970s and 80s by acquiring bankrupt companies. Eventually, he came to own a majority stake in Adidas, as well as French football club Olympique de Marseille. But the businessman also wore many other hats: He was, over the years, also an actor, singer, and politician through his two terms as urban affairs minister. Tapie’s life was pervaded with controversy as he was involved in high-level legal battles — including with the state-owned Crédit Lyonnais bank over the valuation of Adidas. Tapie was also sentenced to jail over corruption allegations.

A controversial show: Laurent Lafitte brings the late character back to life with a likable performance that captures the complex nature of Tapie. He successfully captures the determination and stubbornness as well as the visionary nature of Bernard Tapie who passed away in 2021. Yet, despite this hommage, of sorts, and generally positive reception by the audience, the Tapie family is not quite enthusiastic about the portrayal of their patriarch. Bernard’s widow, Dominique resolutely rejected the entire premise saying that she not only dreads the miniseries but also “[deplores] it,” the Guardian reports. It is reported that Bernard himself also did not approve of the show which, he said before passing, was made without his consent.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- The seven episodes of the show are available for streaming on Netflix.

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