Power, money and second chances collide in Privileges, a six-episode limited series coming to HBO Max on March 27, 2026. Created, written and directed by Marie Monge and Vladimir de Fontenay, this social thriller unfolds behind the polished facade of an ultra-luxury hotel, where nothing is ever as refined—or as harmless—as it looks.
The Citadel: a luxury hotel where power quietly shifts
The story is set inside The Citadel, a fictional high-end hotel in Paris. In this closed, perfectly controlled environment, every hallway, suite and service corridor becomes a potential battlefield. The guests are wealthy, the staff is highly trained, and invisible hierarchies structure every gesture and every interaction.
At the center of this world stands Édouard Galzain, the hotel’s director. He runs The Citadel with a firm grip and enjoys significant influence. Around him gravitate employees eager to move up, elite clients used to getting their way, and external networks that see the hotel as a strategic place to extend their reach.
Adèle’s rise: from inmate to bellhop to player
Into this rarefied space steps Adèle, a young woman coming straight out of prison. Through a reintegration program sponsored by Édouard Galzain, she is hired as a bellhop. What might look like an act of generosity quickly turns into something far more ambiguous.
A tacit pact forms between Adèle and Galzain. Starting from a fragile position, Adèle chooses not to remain a passive beneficiary of the system. Instead, she learns how to read the codes of the hotel, deciphers who really holds power, and begins to use her job as an opportunity for social ascent.
Her trajectory brings her into contact with:
- Ambitious hotel employees ready to seize any opening
- Wealthy clients whose demands shape what is acceptable within the walls of The Citadel
- Influence networks that operate just out of sight, yet pull many of the strings
As she navigates these overlapping spheres of power, Adèle turns her precarious situation into a calculated strategy. The series explores how domination, loyalty and compromise operate within gleaming spaces that usually hide their darker side.
A creative duo returning after Vampires
Privileges brings back the collaboration between Marie Monge and Vladimir de Fontenay, who already worked together on the series Vampires. This time, they share the roles of creators, writers and directors, shaping the show from conception to execution.
The limited series consists of:
- 1 season
- 6 episodes
- Approx. 52 minutes per episode
Production is handled by Hugo Gélin for Zazi Films (Zazi Séries). Filming started on January 8, 2025 in Paris and continued through the spring, combining on-location shoots with studio work.
Behind the camera, several key artists shape the look and feel of the show: David Cailley is in charge of cinematography, Caroline Spieth designs the costumes, and Amine Bouhafa composes the music. Together, they build the visual and sound universe of The Citadel, from the discreet elegance of the uniforms to the atmosphere of the hotel’s most hidden spaces.
Cast: Manon Bresch and Melvil Poupaud in a high-stakes face-off
The tension at the heart of Privileges rests largely on the confrontation between its two leads. Manon Bresch plays Adèle, whose journey from incarceration to the corridors of a luxury hotel drives the narrative. Opposite her, Melvil Poupaud embodies Édouard Galzain, the authoritative director whose support comes with strings attached.
Around this central duo, the cast includes:
- Nina Zem
- Zar Amir Ebrahimi
- Anne Azoulay
- Sándor Funtek
- Joseph Olivennes
- Stéphanie Atala
Presented as a dramatic thriller, the series focuses on characters whose ambitions, fears and compromises are constantly tested by the micro-society of the hotel.
HBO Max expands its international originals slate
With Privileges, HBO strengthens its lineup of international original productions. The limited series is scheduled to debut on HBO Max in March 2026, with the first release set for March 27, 2026.
For viewers in the United States looking for a power-focused drama set in a contemporary, upscale environment, this show offers a contained, six-episode arc that can be watched over a weekend or spread out as a slow-burn thriller. The luxury hotel setting serves as a lens to examine social status, authority and the often unseen rules that govern prestigious spaces.
Available on HBO Max starting in March, Privileges positions itself as a tight, character-driven thriller that uses the codes of high-end hospitality to tell a story about control, vulnerability and the cost of moving up.
FAQ
When will Privileges be released on HBO Max?
Privileges is scheduled to start streaming on HBO Max on March 27, 2026.
How many episodes does Privileges have?
The show is a limited series with one season, made up of six episodes running about 52 minutes each.
Who plays the lead roles in Privileges?
Manon Bresch stars as Adèle, while Melvil Poupaud plays Édouard Galzain, the director of The Citadel hotel.
Who created and directed Privileges?
Privileges was created, written and directed by Marie Monge and Vladimir de Fontenay, who previously worked together on the series Vampires.
