Fresh themes and new heroes, the return of beloved stories – read our material about what Russian series entertained us with in the first half of 2023.
The series are listed in order of their release on platforms
« Fandorin: Azazel » (Kinopoisk)
Kinopoisk has presented an updated version of the story about detective Erast Fandorin. This conspiracy thriller with shades of the 19th century, but with modern technology added, can capture the viewer's attention thanks to its unusual setting and a strong literary foundation by Boris Akunin. If you can get used to the non-obvious changes, you can easily immerse yourself in the beginning of the adventures of the Russian Sherlock Holmes.
« Fisher » (more.tv)
The plot of the series is based on real events — the nickname «Fisher» belonged to a serial killer, Sergei Golovkin, who operated in the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region from 1986 to 1992.
«Fisher» is a bold attempt to create a series without embellishment, with particular cruelty, but at the same time with respect for the victims of the events. The result is a solid psychological thriller that is not scary to compare with foreign genre «brothers».
«Anthology of Russian Horror: Red Composition» (more.tv)
Six scary stories created by different directors in different animation techniques. Each one features something eerie: a boy gets stuck in cyberspace after falling for a demon's promises; a journalist from a dystopian Moscow travels to a mysterious rural area; other characters fight ghouls and rats, and a brave prince battles nomadic ghouls.
«Anthology of Russian Horror» is a celebration for all fans of animation, Russian folklore, and horror. A kaleidoscope of genres, different art styles, and unique stories – everyone will find something to their liking.
« The King and the Jester » (Kinopoisk)
The story of one of the most famous Russian punk bands «The King and the Jester». The project tells about the formation of the band, the ups and downs on its path to success, and the complex relationships among the group members.
In addition to the real history of the band, the narrative is accompanied by the band's legendary songs and a separate mythical world of their works, which captivates with its atmosphere and costumes. This is a case where the biopic has stepped beyond the boundaries of the genre, and the eye-catching promotional campaign has prompted even those viewers who don't know (though, is there such a thing?) or have never listened to «KiSh» to watch the project.
«Actresses» (Kinopoisk, Wink)
A story that will shatter viewers' perceptions of the lives of actors and let the audience into their real lives with fears, desires, and goals. It will become clear what those whom everyone is used to imagining as carefree people actually live through. And how in the acting profession — more than in any other — the one who was everything yesterday can become nobody tomorrow.
Besides empathizing with the characters and the stylish music videos at the end of each episode, there is an opportunity to «stroll» through the corridors of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre. A special kind of pleasure, so to speak.
«Samsara» (Okko)
What would a person do if they could live their life backwards? Every day would be yesterday. You know that nothing bad can happen. Is this a curse or a way to solve problems? This is what the hero, played by Pavel Derevyanko, is trying to figure out.
«Samsara» offers beautiful views of St. Petersburg and a philosophical story that makes you think: do we even need special abilities to change our lives?
« Sergius Against the Unholy. Sabbath » (Kion)
Turning a film into a series (or returning to the roots?!) has allowed a deeper immersion into the world of modern Moscow evil spirits.
Modern witch hunters, the challenges of life in the capital, and the subtle humor of former priest Sergius (Roman Mayakin) – this is what attracts this intriguing project from Kion.
«Frozen Ground» (Kinopoisk, Wink)
One of the most popular series on Kinopoisk this spring is based on an investigative article by Taisiya Bekbulatova «Road to Askiz» about a serial killer, Dmitry Lebed.
Through this local story, one can examine global problems of the modern world: false public opinions without evidence, miscarriages of justice, and complex relationships between people who just yesterday seemed closest.
It is unusual to see Svetlana Khodchenkova in the role of a taxi driver in «Frozen Ground», and besides that, the series grips you because the solution awaits us only at the very end. And it can surprise.
«Live Life» (Start)
An adaptation of the eponymous book by Anna Boginskaya, which reflects on how difficult it is to distinguish truth from lies in modern society.
«Live Life» is a dramatic look at a luxurious but so complicated rich life with a touch of detective mystery. Throughout the entire season, the viewer watches how the roles of the characters change in what seems like a clear game of cat and mouse.
«The Volunteer's Playlist» (Okko)
The hero played by Ivan Yankovsky is experiencing the collapse of family relationships and problems at work. To find a new path, he joins a search and rescue squad. It is here that he gets rid of his problems and fights his complexes.
The series «The Volunteer's Playlist» not only helps the character and viewers find answers to questions that sometimes arise in our lives but also makes them think about important things – relationships with loved ones, saving other people, etc. Moreover, the creators treat the topics of volunteering and missing persons in our country with great respect.
«Ballet» (Wink)
Having offered viewers in March to understand the difficulties of the acting craft through the series «Actresses», the Wink service soon decided to present the behind-the-scenes of ballet in the author's vision of Evgeny Sangadzhiev (Happy End).
According to the plot, Ruta Myers, a world-class choreographer, returns to Moscow to stage a new performance. The theatrical world is going through difficult times after the COVID restrictions. The characters will have to navigate a tangle of intrigue, quarrels, and betrayals.
Sometimes They Return: Continuations of Beloved Series
In addition to new releases, 2023 has already given us the chance to meet the old familiar vampire family from Smolensk, jump from the complicated relationships of Moscow kept women to St. Petersburg, and once again marvel at the inventiveness.
Last year, we already told you about the story of fire inspector Natalia Kustova from the series «Pochka». On March 8, the continuation of the sensational show is released. What the new episodes are preparing –
Open materialWhich Russian series have you managed to watch in the first half of 2023?
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