What if The Bear, but in Revolutionary France? Apple TV’s upcoming drama Carême follows the life of the real-life culinary wunderkind who became the world’s first ‘celebrity’ chef Antonin Carême, played here by Benjamin Voisin. Born to humble origins, we first meet Carême working with his father as a chocolatier, concocting the large decorative dishes he became famous for, whilst playing Don Juan to a coterie of Parisian women. After saving the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, he’s summoned to work for the aristocracy. From there, he’s en route to international fame, albeit with pitfalls on the way.

Created by Ian Kelly and Davide Serino, and directed by Martin Bourboulon, the series is exquisitely shot and feels a fitting addition to Apple’s recent roster of high-quality programming. Like many period dramas since The Favourite, the entire show is bulky with sex – the opening scene alone sets us off on this trend where Carême feeds different whipped creams to a girl in the backroom of his father’s shop before things go a lot further. Carême spends much of the first episode entangled in the throes of some romance or other, which feels fitting given the backdrop, and is bound to get viewers tuning in.

Benjamin Voisin, fresh from his 2022 César win, feels impeccably cast in the lead role. You need a strong actor to take on a performance like this, so it works well – he has a touch of Chalamet about him, but with more swag. Evidently just as comfortable in a chocolaterie as a Regency palace, he struts about commanding consideration in every scene he’s in. A character like this could become obnoxious in seconds, but in Voisin’s hands, you already look forward to rooting for him as the series progresses.

With its regency setting and rags-to-riches premise, there are echoes of many things that came before it – particularly Mary & George, and Bridgerton – and deftly explores the eat-the-rich themes that have dominated 2020s TV. That said, it still retains a uniqueness that’s commendable and worth your time.

Carême comes to Apple TV+ from 30 April, watch here: tv.apple.com/Careme