In Extr@, four attractive 19–22 year olds are thrown together to play out their romances, life crises and contrasting interests in a familiar sitcom setting. A fundamental complication in their relationship is that one of the four is an outsider, Sam, with only a very basic grasp of French. Sam’s efforts to get to grips with the language provide the central dynamic for the series’ language learning content. What makes Extr@ different is that the scripts have been carefully written so that the language is simple and accessible at all levels. Covering all the main programmes of study, the scripts combine wit, strong character identification and a good dose of physical humor.

After a childhood of abuse by his evangelistic father, misfit Oscar Hopkins becomes an Anglican minister and develops a divine obsession with gambling. Lucinda Leplastrier is a rich Australian heiress shopping in London for materials for her newly acquired glass factory back home. Deciding to travel to Australia as a missionary, Oscar meets Lucinda aboard ship, and a mutual obsession blossoms. They make a wager that will alter each of their destinies.