Apple TV’s ‘The Hunt’ Resurfaces with New Premiere Date After Plagiarism Controversy
Apple TV has officially rescheduled the premiere of its French-language thriller series, The Hunt (Traqués), for March 4, 2026. This announcement follows a delay initiated in late 2025 due to plagiarism allegations concerning the show’s originality.
Background and Delay:
Originally slated for a December 3, 2025 release, The Hunt was unexpectedly removed from Apple TV’s lineup just days before its debut. The sudden withdrawal was prompted by claims that the series bore significant similarities to Shoot, a 1973 novel by Douglas Fairbairn. Notably, Shoot had been translated into French in 1974 under the title La Traque, which translates to The Hunt. This revelation raised concerns about the series’ originality and intellectual property rights.
In response, Gaumont, the production company behind The Hunt, initiated a comprehensive review to address these allegations. The investigation confirmed that the series was indeed based on Fairbairn’s work. Consequently, Gaumont took immediate steps to identify and secure the necessary rights from the original rights holders, ensuring all legal requirements were met. With these issues resolved, Apple TV has reinstated the series on its release schedule.
Series Overview:
Directed by César Award-nominated filmmaker Cédric Anger, The Hunt delves into the lives of Franck and his close-knit group of friends who regularly embark on hunting trips in the French countryside. Their routine escapades take a perilous turn when they encounter another group of hunters who, without provocation, begin targeting them. The ensuing conflict escalates rapidly, leading to a deadly confrontation. As the friends attempt to return to their normal lives, they become increasingly aware that they are being stalked by individuals seeking vengeance, plunging them into a harrowing game of survival.
Cast and Characters:
The series boasts a stellar cast, including:
– Benoît Magimel as Franck: A seasoned actor known for his roles in Pacifiction and a three-time César Award winner.
– Mélanie Laurent as Krystel: Recognized for her performance in Inglourious Basterds and a two-time César Award winner.
– Damien Bonnard, Manuel Guillot, Cédric Appietto, and Frédéric Maranber also feature prominently, bringing depth and intensity to the ensemble.
Release Schedule:
Apple TV has structured The Hunt as a limited series comprising six episodes. The release plan is as follows:
– Episode 1 & 2: March 4, 2026
– Episode 3: March 11, 2026
– Episode 4: March 18, 2026
– Episode 5: March 25, 2026
– Episode 6: April 1, 2026
This staggered release allows viewers to immerse themselves in the suspenseful narrative over several weeks.
Production Insights:
The Hunt is a collaborative effort between directors Cédric Anger and Guillaume Renusson. The series is an adaptation of Douglas Fairbairn’s novel Shoot, which was previously made into a 1976 film directed by Harvey Hart. Executive producers include Sidonie Dumas, Isabelle Degeorges, Clémentine Vaudaux, and Alexis Barqueiro for Gaumont.
Viewer Expectations:
The series is anticipated to deliver a gripping exploration of human nature under duress, highlighting themes of isolation, paranoia, and the moral complexities of survival. The narrative’s tension is amplified by the characters’ struggle to discern friend from foe, making each decision a matter of life and death.
Conclusion:
With the plagiarism concerns addressed and the necessary rights secured, The Hunt is poised to captivate audiences with its intense storytelling and compelling performances. Fans of psychological thrillers and survival dramas can look forward to this series’ debut on Apple TV starting March 4, 2026.