Les Rois du gag

Paul and François struggle to build a career as comedians, performing in small venues and watching others rise to mainstream success. They remain determined to break through despite the obstacles and lack of recognition.

Gaëtan enjoys big TV success, but his private life suffers because his wife Jacqueline despises his work. The contrast between public glory and private dissatisfaction fuels his sense of being trapped in a path he didn't fully choose.

Paul and François call the TV station during Gaëtan's latest broadcast, pretending to be outraged viewers. The prank unsettles Gaëtan, who pretends not to care while privately fearing that his material has grown stale.

Gaëtan fires his ageing gagmen and resolves to seek input from younger talent. He decides to open the process to fresh voices in the hope of reviving his act.

Paul and François perform at a small suburban theatre, hoping for a breakthrough. Gaëtan attends, steals the spotlight from their act, and then hires them as writers, skipping Georges' set.

On the contract-signing day at Gaëtan's home, Georges intrudes with a gun and takes Alexandra hostage. François manages to intervene and save the daughter, averting a tragedy.

François begins a relationship with Alexandra, altering the personal dynamics around the group. The romance also complicates their professional collaborations.

Paul and François start working closely with Gaëtan, imagining new skits as he prepares a live show. Gaëtan gives them more prominence, signaling a potential permanent partnership.

Robert Wellson arrives in Paris to begin pre-production on his film and shows curiosity about Gaëtan. He eventually offers Gaëtan the lead role.

Gaëtan's ego grows as the prospect of stardom looms, and he becomes reluctant to be funny. He sabotages the live show and publicly announces his retirement from comedy.

Production begins on Wellson's film; on the first day, the temperamental director fires Gaëtan and decides to shoot the role himself. Jacqueline rejects Gaëtan for his failure.

Gaëtan reconciles with Paul and François and decides to start over with them as his new writing partners. The trio redoubles their collaboration, hoping to reinvigorate Gaëtan's career.