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Apple Pulls New 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" (Traqués), from its Apple TV+ lineup just days before its scheduled global debut on December 3, 2025. The decision follows serious allegations that the show’s plot closely mirrors that of Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel "Shoot," 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, leaving fans and industry insiders puzzled. French studio Gaumont, responsible for producing the series, confirmed that "The Hunt" is currently on hold as they conduct a thorough review of the claims, emphasizing their commitment to intellectual property rights. This controversy highlights the increasing scrutiny on originality and intellectual property in the entertainment industry, especially as streaming platforms like Apple TV+ expand their global content offerings. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous content vetting processes and the potential legal and reputational risks associated with allegations of plagiarism. Apple’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high standards of content integrity, which is crucial for its brand reputation in a competitive streaming landscape. Recent developments in the case include the following facts: 1. The allegations were first publicly flagged by French journalist Clément Garin on his Substack, drawing attention to the similarities between "The Hunt" and the 1973 novel "Shoot." 2. "The Hunt" was part of Apple TV+’s strategic push into international content, aiming to diversify its portfolio with high-quality European productions. 3. The series was among several upcoming international titles that Apple had promoted at its 2025 global content showcase, signaling its investment in European storytelling. 4. The controversy has sparked broader discussions about intellectual property rights in the digital age, especially regarding adaptations and inspiration in television and film. 5. Industry experts note that this incident could lead to stricter content review policies across streaming platforms, emphasizing originality and legal compliance. As of late November 2025, the situation remains fluid, with Gaumont and Apple yet to release detailed statements about the future of "The Hunt." The case serves as a cautionary tale for creators and studios about the importance of originality and due diligence in content development. It also reflects the evolving landscape of intellectual property enforcement in the entertainment industry, where allegations can swiftly impact a project's release and reputation. Moving forward, stakeholders are likely to see increased emphasis on clear licensing agreements and originality verification to prevent similar controversies. Apple’s proactive stance in addressing the allegations underscores its dedication to upholding ethical standards and protecting its brand integrity in a rapidly changing digital entertainment environment.

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