Since the beginning of this year, Russian streaming services have delighted audiences with a dense array of high-profile premieres — from psychological thrillers and sci-fi to sports dramas and inclusive comedies. This selection covers projects from the first half of the year that have already attracted viewers' attention with star casts, unusual plots, and high-quality atmosphere. I'll briefly explain what makes each of them interesting.

Full Compatibility (IVI)

The series is good because it shows the "other side" of a transplant surgeon's work. The main character, a metropolitan transplant surgeon, is forced to move to a hospital in the Arctic due to a scandal. This is not just a change of scenery — it's a confrontation with harsh reality, permafrost, and polar night, which become a metaphor for her internal crisis. In addition to complex surgeries, the series raises questions of morality, responsibility, and the search for that very "full compatibility" needed not only for organ transplants but also in human relationships.

Get Back on Your Feet (Okko)

An inclusive comedy that laughs at difficulties, not at people.

The series is unique in that it tells with humor and warmth the story of a former prisoner nicknamed Stary, who returns to the city after 20 years in prison and learns about his adult disabled daughter. The conflict between the father's "prison" concepts and the daughter's sharp, independent character creates an incredible comedic effect. The creators took the theme of inclusion seriously: the series features an actor with Down syndrome, and the lead actress prepared for her role by learning inclusive dance. This is a funny, life-affirming, and very human story about how one can "get back on one's feet" in the most diverse sense of the word.

Reservation (KION)

A dark sci-fi with the atmosphere of a "trapped series" based on a popular novel. This is an adaptation of Stanislav Gimadeev's novel "The Parity Principle". The main character returns to his hometown, which turns out to be cut off from the world by a mysterious anomaly. Any attempt to go beyond its borders ends in death. The series is good for its unique and tense world, which is called a "reservation". The hero must not only uncover the mystery of the anomaly but also find his family, facing the fact that children are disappearing in the city. It's a mix of detective, thriller, and social drama, where the lives of loved ones are at stake.

Fingerprints (KION)

A high-quality detective anthology from the creators of "Fisher", based on real events.

The first season tells about an investigator who returns to her hometown to investigate a series of brutal murders connected to a dark past and a local orphanage. The series is part of a "vertical franchise", where each season is a new story with new characters. The second season, "Fingerprints. Killer", starring Ivan Yankovsky, is already attracting special attention and is also based on real events.

On the Ice (OKKO)

A former figure skater returns to the rink after 10 years to find out the truth about her partner's death. A sports drama with a detective line — intrigue, ambition, and ice hiding an old secret. It is good because it immerses the viewer in the harsh and competitive world of figure skating, full of intrigue, parental ambition, and tough coaches. At the same time, behind the beautiful picture and ice performances lies a detective mystery that forces a re-evaluation of everything that happened in the past.

The Black Countess (OKKO)

A theater troupe stages immersive performances for a single wealthy spectator in a forest mansion, but during the show a murder occurs. A hermetic psychological thriller from the creator of "Dyatlov Pass" — all characters are suspects, and masks come off. The series is good for its tense "closed trap" atmosphere, where masks fall and old grievances and secrets come to light.

Time of the Happy (OKKO)

A family drama with a non-linear plot, where the story of one family is told in parallel across three eras: 1985, 1999, and 2012.

In each era, the main characters are played by different actors, emphasizing their transformation: in youth — Vadim Sosnin and Evgenia Leonova, in adulthood — Tikhon Zhiznevsky and Olga Lerman. The series captivates with its authentic atmosphere, everyday details, and poignant story about family values, while the mysterious death of a neighbor adds a detective intrigue.

First Racket (WINK)

17-year-old Katya, who quit tennis due to lack of money, gets a chance to return to the sport thanks to a former pro. A motivational drama with Danila Kozlovsky, where the actress herself played all the matches — authentic and spectacular. This is a story of overcoming, struggle, and the path to a dream.

Radar (OKKO)

1988, a Soviet town near an anti-missile defense system. Three friends witness the fall of a mysterious object, and soon people in the town begin to behave strangely. The series is attractive for its mix of adventure, thriller, and sci-fi with a strong touch of nostalgia for the late USSR. It's a story about friendship, secrets, and an encounter with the unknown.

After Fisher. Inquisitor (WINK)

Continuation of the legendary franchise with a new cast and a mystical atmosphere.

In Altai, a murder is investigated that may be connected to an old maniac. The confrontation between rational investigation and shamanic mysticism, starring Alexander Petrov and Yulia Snigir — a continuation of the legendary franchise about the nature of evil.

Also, with continuations of their stories at the beginning of this year, the series "Golden Bottom" and "Lilies of the Valley. Such a Tender Love" returned. Viewers also saw the finales of the series "Children of Change" and "Vampires of the Middle Zone".