“Getting Under Your Skin” Renewed: Simon Boulerice’s Acclaimed Drama Plunges Deeper into Societal Undercurrents with Season 2
Montreal’s vibrant and often gritty urban landscape is once again set to become the backdrop for compelling storytelling as “Getting Under Your Skin,” the critically lauded undercover drama penned by the prodigious Simon Boulerice, has officially been greenlit for a second season. The news, a testament to the show’s immediate impact and potential, was confirmed by Dominique Veillet, Zero3’s astute vice-president of fiction development, creation, and production, during an exclusive conversation with Variety ahead of the much-anticipated Quebec showcase at the prestigious Series Mania Forum. This announcement not only signifies a vote of confidence in Boulerice’s distinctive narrative vision but also underscores Quebec’s growing prominence on the global television stage.
The first season, an eight-part series each spanning a concise yet impactful 24 minutes, has already begun to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and deeply human characters. It delves into the fraught world of Gaspard, a queer teenage crime-show aficionado, brilliantly portrayed by the rising star Félix-Antoine Bénard. Gaspard finds himself drawn into a dangerous liaison with a young police officer, Thomas, played with nuanced intensity by Anthony Therrien. Thomas, disguised as a high school student, is deep undercover, tasked with dismantling a insidious drug-dealing network that has tentacles reaching into the organized crime underworld. Their unlikely alliance, born out of circumstance and mutual vulnerability, forms the emotional core of a series that expertly navigates the treacherous terrain between adolescence and law enforcement.
“Getting Under Your Skin” is not merely a crime drama; it’s a profound exploration of identity, morality, and the perilous journey of self-discovery amidst extraordinary circumstances. The series distinguishes itself by merging the universal struggles of coming-of-age with the high-stakes tension of an undercover operation, creating a narrative tapestry that is both refreshing and deeply resonant. Its premiere this week on Quebec’s TV5, the very network that enthusiastically championed its second season, marks a significant moment for Canadian television, showcasing its capacity to produce sophisticated, globally appealing content. The show is also a key highlight among the seven series featured in the “Coming Next From Quebec” panel, all vying for crucial market traction at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, an essential platform for international co-production and distribution deals.
Simon Boulerice, often described as a literary wunderkind, brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to television writing. His illustrious career spans across various artistic disciplines, distinguishing him as a celebrated playwright, a poignant poet, and a beloved children’s author. This rich background imbues his screenplays with a lyrical quality, psychological depth, and a keen understanding of human emotion that transcends conventional genre boundaries. Boulerice’s ability to craft narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally stirring is evident in “Getting Under Your Skin,” where complex themes are explored through authentic, relatable characters. His creative footprint extends further into the Quebecois television landscape, as he also serves as a co-creator and co-writer for another eagerly anticipated series, “Take Care,” further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary Canadian storytelling.
The ensemble cast of “Getting Under Your Skin” is led by two exceptional talents whose performances have already garnered significant attention. Félix-Antoine Bénard, who embodies Gaspard with a compelling blend of youthful idealism and burgeoning cynicism, is rapidly becoming a recognizable face in international cinema. He gained widespread acclaim for his captivating lead performance in the multi-award-winning 2023 Venice Days head-turner, “Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person.” His portrayal of Gaspard is marked by an extraordinary emotional range, allowing audiences to connect deeply with the character’s internal struggles and external challenges. Anthony Therrien, who plays the conflicted police officer Thomas, brings a seasoned maturity to his role, drawing on his extensive experience from three seasons of the French-language Canadian adaptation of “The Red Band Society.” Both Bénard and Therrien are confirmed to return for the second season, promising a continuity of the powerful on-screen chemistry and character development that defined their initial collaboration. Their return ensures that the emotional stakes will remain high as their characters venture into even darker and more complex narrative territory.
Dominique Veillet, reflecting on the series’ profound relevance, highlighted the critical societal issues it tackles. “At a time when synthetic drugs are circulating more widely and becoming increasingly insidious, the series takes on a timely and urgent issue,” she stated, emphasizing the show’s commitment to social commentary. Veillet, who produced Season 1 alongside the equally accomplished Caroline Langlois, pointed to the show’s courageous approach to contemporary challenges, particularly those impacting youth. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the devastating real-world consequences of drug proliferation, offering a stark yet sensitive portrayal of vulnerability and exploitation within school communities. This focus on urgent, real-world issues elevates “Getting Under Your Skin” beyond mere entertainment, positioning it as a significant cultural contribution that sparks important conversations.
The unique hybrid nature of the series is a cornerstone of its appeal, a point eloquently articulated by series director Éric Piccoli, who has been instrumental in shaping the show’s distinctive aesthetic and emotional tone, and is also slated to direct Season 2. “What makes the show unique is its hybrid nature, blending a coming-of-age story with a crime drama,” Piccoli explained. “When those worlds collide, the result is a refreshing and intriguing tale that quickly draws us in and creates a strong emotional connection to the characters.” This fusion allows for a layered narrative where the personal growth and moral dilemmas of the characters are inextricably linked to the dangerous criminal investigations they are embroiled in. It’s a storytelling approach that resonates deeply with audiences who seek narratives that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant, reflecting the complexities of modern life where personal journeys often intersect with broader societal challenges.
As anticipation builds for the next chapter, script work for the second season is already vigorously underway. Simon Boulerice, with his characteristic boldness, has revealed his ambitious plans to lead Gaspard and Thomas into even more perilous and morally ambiguous terrain. His vision for Season 2 promises a significant escalation of stakes and an unflinching exploration of new, darker themes. “My wish is to see Gaspard again a year and a half later, now in CEGEP (pre-university college) and unwittingly caught up, through a series of events, in a situation just as toxic as in Season 1: a juvenile prostitution ring operating in certain bars in the Gay Village,” Boulerice disclosed to Variety. “It is in this context that he reconnects with Thomas, who has returned to the world of undercover work.” This narrative trajectory suggests a profound evolution for both characters, pushing them beyond the confines of high school into the more complex and often unforgiving adult world.
The shift in setting from a high school to a CEGEP and the focus on a juvenile prostitution ring in Montreal’s Gay Village signifies a dramatic deepening of the series’ thematic scope. Boulerice’s choice to explore such a sensitive and urgent issue demonstrates his commitment to tackling difficult realities with empathy and critical insight. The Gay Village, a beacon of community and acceptance for many, becomes a site of hidden vulnerabilities, challenging perceptions and forcing characters—and viewers—to confront uncomfortable truths. The reunion of Gaspard and Thomas under such dire circumstances promises an emotionally charged and suspenseful season, as their past experiences and evolving identities collide with the harsh realities of exploitation and justice. This narrative expansion not only enriches the characters’ journeys but also broadens the series’ societal commentary, making it an even more potent and essential piece of television.
The journey of “Getting Under Your Skin” from a local Quebecois production to a series with burgeoning international appeal is facilitated by strategic representation at key industry events. At Series Mania, the show’s global prospects are championed by Mélanie Ratte of Sphere Abacus, an entity known for its expertise in bringing quality Canadian content to a worldwide audience. Her presence at the forum underscores the series’ potential to resonate beyond its domestic market, drawing attention from international distributors and broadcasters eager to acquire compelling, socially relevant dramas. The blend of a universal coming-of-age story with a gripping crime narrative, coupled with strong performances and Boulerice’s distinctive voice, positions “Getting Under Your Skin” as a compelling export, poised to make a significant mark on the global entertainment landscape. As the series embarks on its second season, it stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the vibrant creative spirit thriving within Quebec’s television industry.
