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Apple Pulls Controversial Thriller 'The Hunt' Amid Plagiarism Allegations

Source: Apple yanked a brand-new TV show just days before it was scheduled to air amid allegations of plagiarism (2025-11-26)

In a surprising move, Apple has abruptly removed its highly anticipated French thriller series, "The Hunt," from its platform just days before its scheduled debut on December 3, 2025. The decision follows serious allegations that the show’s plot closely mirrors the 1973 novel "Shoot" by Douglas Fairbairn, which was adapted into a 1976 film. The series, created and directed by Cédric Anger, was set to premiere with a two-episode launch, followed by weekly installments, but all promotional materials have been quietly taken down. French studio Gaumont, responsible for production, has confirmed the series is on hold pending a thorough investigation. This controversy highlights the increasing importance of intellectual property rights in the streaming era, especially as major platforms like Apple TV+ continue to expand their global content offerings. Recent developments in this case include the following facts: 1. The allegations were first publicly flagged by French journalist Clément Garin on his Substack, sparking widespread attention. 2. "The Hunt" was part of Apple's broader strategy to bolster its international content portfolio, especially in Europe, where local productions are gaining prominence. 3. The novel "Shoot" by Douglas Fairbairn, which is at the center of the controversy, has seen renewed interest, with some literary scholars citing its influence on crime and thriller genres of the 1970s. 4. Apple’s decision to pull the show reflects a growing trend among streaming platforms to preempt legal disputes by removing content under scrutiny for intellectual property violations. 5. The controversy has prompted industry-wide discussions about the need for stricter vetting processes for original content, especially when adapting works inspired by older or obscure sources. As of late 2025, this incident underscores the evolving landscape of content creation and distribution, where intellectual property rights are more scrutinized than ever. Apple’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to maintaining legal and ethical standards, even at the expense of high-profile releases. The case also highlights the importance for creators and studios to conduct comprehensive due diligence when developing new series, particularly those inspired by existing works. With the global streaming market becoming increasingly competitive, such controversies could influence future policies on content approval and copyright enforcement. Industry experts predict that this incident will lead to more transparent collaboration agreements and clearer attribution practices to prevent similar disputes. Meanwhile, fans and viewers await further updates on the show's status, as Apple and Gaumont continue their investigations. This episode serves as a reminder that in the digital age, originality and respect for intellectual property are paramount for success and reputation in the entertainment industry.

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