It was formed around the commercial television channel M6, launched in March 1987 by the CLT (RTL Télévision) and La Lyonnaise des Eaux.

[1][2][3] In addition to its audiovisual and digital media presence, some of the group's television channels are operated (including M6, W9, 6ter, Paris Première, Téva, Série Club) as well as the former television channels of the Lagardères (Gulli, Canal J, TiJi, MCM, MCM Top and RFM TV), radio stations (RTL, RTL2 and Fun Radio), and film and television production and distribution companies.

Since 1999, the group has also diversified into publishing, music and show production, distance selling, and sport with the Football Club of the Girondins de Bordeaux.

On 19 March 2008, M6 launched its first catchup service, M6 Replay.

On 14 May 2024, 6play became M6+ and is now using the same platform as Germany’s RTL+ as they are developed by streaming technology company Bedrock co-owned by Groupe M6 and RTL Group.