Costume drama Maison Close, set in the uncompromising world of a brothel in late nineteenth century Paris, follows the lives of three women working the mysterious and opulent whorehouse Paradise, which is renowned for entertaining Parisian barons and aristocrats. The eight-part drama will air in French with English subtitles from Sunday 15th July at 10pm on Sky Arts 2.

Comedy-drama HARD, written and directed by actress Cathy Verney, follows the misfortunes of Sophie, a middle-class housewife from a French Catholic bourgeois upbringing.  Following the sudden death of her husband, Sophie uncovers a dark secret about his lifestyle. Also broadcast in French with English subtitles, HARD will air on Sky Arts in early 2013.

James Hunt, Sky Arts director, commented: “Maison Close and HARD don’t shy away from taboo, but the exemplary writing, direction and performances put them at the vanguard of creative storytelling.”

Will you be watching Maison Close and HARD? Let us know below…