Apple TV’s thriller series The Hunt is finally set to debut after a three-month plagiarism investigation delayed its release. According to the report, the streaming service paused the six-episode French-language drama just days before its original December 3, 2025 launch.
The show vanished from Apple’s listings in late November. At the time, reports suggested it may have been incorrectly labeled as an original project. Apple removed promotional materials without offering a public explanation. Soon after, further coverage revealed that the storyline closely resembled Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel Shoot and its 1976 film adaptation.
As a result, Apple halted the premiere while producer Gaumont conducted an internal review.
Rights Secured, Credits Updated
After investigating, Gaumont identified the novel’s rights holders and secured the necessary permissions. The series now officially credits Shoot as its source material. Apple has restored updated credits on its platform and app.
The drama stars Benoît Magimel as Franck, a man whose hunting trip turns deadly when another group targets him and his friends. Mélanie Laurent co-stars as his wife. Supporting cast members include Damien Bonnard and Manuel Guillot.
The first two episodes will premiere globally on March 4. New episodes will then release weekly through April 1.
Why the Delay Matters
Pulling a finished series so close to launch can be expensive. Marketing campaigns and distribution plans are usually finalized months in advance. However, Apple chose to delay the show rather than risk legal action.
This move highlights Apple’s strict approach to intellectual property. The company positions Apple TV as a carefully curated platform, and rights clarity remains a priority.
As streaming services expand worldwide, verifying adaptation rights becomes more complex. Still, Apple’s decision sends a clear message: protecting creative ownership outweighs sticking to release dates.
Now, with legal issues resolved and credits corrected, The Hunt moves forward with a fresh start and a confirmed debut.
