Watching popular Russian TV shows helps you improve vocabulary and listening while learning about the culture. Luckily for language learners, Netflix and Amazon Prime are now adding many Russian TV series to their streaming lineups.
Here are some of the best Russian shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube in the US as of September 13, 2021. If you’re not in the US, click the title to check if the show is available in your country. Watch them while you can, because content disappears as licensing agreements expire.
If you’re an advanced learner, try using Russian subtitles if available as studies show it enhances language learning.
To amp up your Russian learning, try Google Chrome browser’s free Language Learning with Netflix (LLN) extension. LLN allows you to watch subtitles in two languages, listen to dialogue one line at a time, and change playback speed. There’s also a pop-up dictionary.
Also, check out my tips for how to learn Russian by yourself as well as recommended YouTube channels for learning Russian.
Table of Contents
Best Russian TV Shows on Netflix
1. To the Lake (Эпидемия)
!["To the Lake" (2019) season 1 HD Trailer [1080p]](https://i1.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/TONbZBUpkSA/0.jpg?resize=640%2C340&ssl=1)
This binge-worthy Russian sci-fi thriller hits a little too close to home these days.
When a deadly virus turns Moscow into a city of the dead, Anna, her boyfriend Sergey, and a ragtag band of relatives and neighbors decide to flee to a lake in Russia’s far north to sit out the epidemic.
But as the wave of infection expands from the capital, they encounter obstacles, hazards, and aggression, with near escapes from death as they try to survive with diminishing supplies of fuel and food.
This series reunites actors Kirill Käro and Eldar Kalimulin, who previously also costarred as father and son in Better Than Us (see below).
Based on the suspenseful bestselling novel by Russian author Yana Vagner. I read it in English and couldn’t put it down!
2. Better than Us (Лучше, чем люди)
This binge-worthy sci-fi epic is an addictive watch despite plot inconsistencies.
A family on the verge of splitting up become the owners of an escaped female companion bot being hunted by a corporation, homicide investigators, and terrorists.
The female bot is played by Paulina Andreeva, who also stars in The Method (below).
3. The Method (Метод)
Slick serial killer crime show reminiscent of Dexter and True Detective. This dark psychological thriller follows a brilliant young graduate who is elated when her idol takes her on as a trainee. But his methods are much more disturbing than she imagined.
4. Fartsa (Фарца)
This bright, energetic series provides a colorful glimpse of Russia in the early ’60s. It might have been better to choose a different English title, but the name refers to fartsovka (фарцовка), Soviet-era slang for illegal trading in foreign goods and currency.
Kostya Germanov has lost badly at cards and is heavily in debt to organized criminals. His three friends, Andrei, Boris, and Sanya, decide to help him. To save Kostya, the four are forced to become fartsovschiki, or speculators.
5. Sparta (Sпарта)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer, but there is not much dialogue
The mysterious death of a teacher who throws herself out of a window at a St. Petersburg school attracts the attention of law enforcement. A local detective interrogates the students of the deceased and learns about the addictive high-stakes video game Sparta, which blurs the line between the real and the virtual world.
Did the teacher commit suicide or was she the victim of a teenaged Sparta player?
6. Locust (Саранча)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer
A torrid affair between a passionate lowborn poet and a wealthy Moscow heiress is engulfed by class difference, criminality and, eventually, murder.
7. Masha and the Bear (Маша и Медведь)
![Masha and the Bear - Official Trailer - Netflix [HD]](https://i2.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/Q1cnJVWzrT8/0.jpg?resize=640%2C340&ssl=1)
This internationally popular Russian cartoon is loosely based on the children’s folk tale of the same name. The show follows a mischievous little girl called Masha and the fatherly bear that keeps her from disaster.
While there’s not much dialogue, there are many Russian cultural references, from the bear’s samovar and kasha to Masha’s transformation into Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden. Even the cranes from classic Soviet film Летят журавли (The Cranes Are Flying) make an appearance. Be sure to change the audio (and possibly the subtitles) to Russian.
If you enjoy this adorable animated series, there are two additional spin-off shows on Netflix.
Best Russian TV Series on Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime Video has an incredible and growing collection of Russian TV series available free to Prime members. Amazon video search by language is pretty terrible, though, so I’ve done the hard work for you.
Not a Prime member yet? Click here to start your free 30-day trial.
Rather annoyingly, Amazon is moving many popular Russian shows to the ad-supported channel IMDb TV.
Amazon Prime is also weak in subtitle options compared to Netflix and usually only offers English.
Many series are also available free on YouTube. I’ve included links below.
1. The Red Queen (Красная королева)
This excellent Russian-Ukrainian drama set in the Cold War era is partially inspired by Regina Zbarskaya, the first Soviet supermodel.
Young Regina flees to Moscow to escape her tragic past. There, she encounters great kindness but also betrayal. Courage and luck eventually catapult her to international fame.
But was Regina queen of the catwalk or a KGB agent seducing foreign diplomats?
2. Gogol (Го́голь)
Intense fantasy-horror series based on the work of Ukrainian-Russian writer Nikolai Gogol, often compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
In this dark Gothic tale, Gogol, a law clerk and emerging writer, encounters brilliant detective Yakov Guro. They accidentally discover Gogol has a supernatural gift for communicating with the underworld, and set off to a remote village to investigate a series of murders aided by the writer’s crime-solving visions.
Gogol was born in Ukraine, and the series is based on his short story collection Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka, tales of peasant life laced with demonic and fantastical elements from Ukrainian folklore.
The series was originally released as a popular film trilogy in Russia. Filming took place in St. Petersburg and the Pskov region, where the village set of Dikanka was built.
Expect some gore and nudity, especially in the first episode.
3. Ancestral Land (Отчий берег)
An epic historical saga set in the Russian Urals centered on the Morozov family — Aleksey, Stepan, Aliona, and Varvara — two brothers and two sisters.
As the family fights to survive the slaughter of World War II, they learn important lessons on the way, including the meaning of true love and how to cope with grief.
Also available on YouTube with English subtitles.
4. Detective Anna (Анна – Детективъ)
Note: No English subtitles available for official trailer – watch alternative trailer with English subtitles
Amazon has finally added all episodes of Season 1 of this 19th-century murder mystery about 19-year-old Anna, who unexpectedly discovers that she possesses supernatural powers. The spirits of the dead literally haunt her, begging for help.
Aided by her visions, Anna manages to investigate and solve a number of mysterious crimes that have baffled the police.
The series was filmed in the State History Museum-Reserve Gorky Leninskiye near Moscow, where an entire movie town was constructed with streets, shops, mansions, and a police station.
Also available on YouTube with English subtitles.
5. Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great (Екатерина)
![Ekaterina, Rise of Catherine The Great | TRAILER [HD] | MagellanTV](https://i1.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/z6h8u0JSrtg/0.jpg?resize=640%2C340&ssl=1)
Lavish production that traces the sensational rise of one of the most famous women in history, Catherine the Great.
Ekaterina begins her journey as an innocent young German princess who came to Russia to marry Peter III. Once she ascended the throne, this brilliant leader transformed the Russian empire. Spectacular sets and costumes.
Seasons 2 and 3 are on Prime under their own page here.
6. Sophia (Софи́я)
This historical drama set in 15th-century Russia follows Sophia, the last Byzantine princess, as she moves from Rome to Moscow to marry Czar Ivan III. Destined to become the first influential female figure of the Russian Empire, Sophia overcomes court intrigue and betrayals and helps Ivan consolidate the fragmented country, push Mongolian invaders out, and build the Kremlin.
This lush production does suffer from some factual inaccuracies and is best viewed as historical fiction.
7. Catherine The Great (Екатерина Bеликая)
Another popular version of the Catherine story. This sumptuous production was filmed in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast.
Also available on YouTube with English subtitles.
8. The Attackers (Истребители)
Important note: Amazon has split this series’ two seasons into separate listings, The Attackers (Season 1) and Attackers: The Last Flight (Season 2). Be sure to watch them in order.
World War II buffs will enjoy this series about two young air force pilots who arrive at flight training school only to find themselves going immediately to the frontline. Unfortunately the young pilots fail in their first mission, and are to be tried and executed.
On their way to the place of execution, however, the commander of the attacker wing petitions personally for their release, and our heroes are given one last chance. Now they become attackers and will have to courageously execute the most complex of orders without hesitation or fear for their own lives.
The Attackers (Season 1) and Attackers: The Last Flight (Season 2) also available on YouTube with English subtitles.
9. The Golden Horde (Золотая Орда)
Fun fictionalized story set at the end of the thirteenth century when Russia was under Tatar-Mongol rule.
Grand Prince Yaroslav dreams of uniting the scattered Russian principalities and getting rid of the hated Tataro-Mongols, but his own brother, the disgraced Prince Boris, and his eldest son Vladimir stand in the way.
10. Anna Karenina (Анна Каренина)
This newly visioned retelling of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel is set in the late 19th century, centered around the aristocratic Anna Karenina. Watch Anna’s fatal story unfold after falling in love with the dashing Count Vronsky.
Also available on YouTube with English subtitles.
11. Love In Chains (Крепостная)
Tragic, engrossing melodrama set in 1850s Ukraine.
Kateryna was raised as a noblewoman, but to the rest of the world she’s a serf, property of the richest landowner in Nizhyn. She falls in love with a nobleman who knows nothing of her origins. The young bondmaid faces terrible trials in her search for freedom and love.
The sadistic abuse endured by the serfs may be too dark and depressing for some.
The story was inspired by popular Brazilian soap A Escrava Isaura.
Season 2 is available for purchase only on Amazon.
If you enjoy this show, also try Life of a Mistress below.
12. Life of a Mistress (Вольная грамота)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer
Addictive period drama about Polina, born a lady but who becomes a slave.
After the death of her benefactor, Polina learns she is a serf and will be auctioned along with the other property of the deceased nobleman. The cruel and vicious Count Andrei becomes her new owner.
13. The Sniffer (Нюхач)
Fun Russian-language detective series shot in the Ukraine but set in an unnamed Russian city.
This popular show has been removed from US Netflix, but Season 1 is available for free with ads on Amazon. Seasons 2 and 3 are available ad-free on Prime Video. Season 4 is for purchase only.
An extraordinary sense of smell gives a crime investigator unique insight into solving mysteries, but his gift takes a toll on his personal life.
Seasons 1-2 are on YouTube with English subtitles.
14. The Romanovs (Романовы)
This docudrama covers the 300-year history of the Romanovs, the dynasty that ruled Russia from 1613 until the October Revolution of 1917.
Who were the Russian tsars? How did they come to power and what did they leave behind?
The series was produced in 2013 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty.
Also available on YouTube with English, Russian, and Spanish subtitles.
Top Russian TV Shows on YouTube
Several series in the Amazon section above include a YouTube link.
Recommended YouTube channels for Russian series, many with English subtitles:
- Star Media (English subtitles and descriptions) – a wealth of dramas and documentaries
- FILM.UA Group – Ukrainian producer, but content is mostly in Russian
- Epic Media (Russian only)
Russian Film Hub also maintains an excellent catalog of Russian TV shows on YouTube that includes many classic series.
Unfortunately, no English subtitles are available for several of these shows, but auto-translating Russian subtitles is an option if you watch through a browser (for some reason auto-translation is not available in YouTube’s mobile apps).
Some popular Russian serials on YouTube:
1. The Kitchen (Кухня)
Subtitles: After the first episode, English subtitles become spotty. If you need them, try this channel instead.
This fun comedy follows young Maksim, who dreams of becoming a great chef. But after landing a job at Moscow’s fanciest restaurant, Max finds the kitchen isn’t the place for an easy career.
Кухня was a huge hit in Russia and the post-Soviet states. It inspired several films and a spin-off.
No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the glowing reviews.
All six seasons are available here on YouTube.
2. Spies (Разведчицы)
Subtitles: English
Suspenseful Russian drama with great acting and interesting storytelling.
In World War II, Arina and Zoya are recruited by NKVD to become spies behind enemy lines in Riga, Crimea, Poland, and Germany. Their mission: to infiltrate the Germans by seducing senior military officers.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
3. Seventeen Moments of Spring (Семнадцать мгновений весны)
Subtitles: English
Classic 12-part espionage thriller from 1973 that became one of the most popular television series in Soviet history. Based on the novel of the same name by Yulian Semyonov.
The series portrays the exploits of Maxim Isaev, a Soviet spy operating in Nazi Germany. He is planted in 1927, well before the Nazi takeover. Maxim then enlists in the NSDAP and rises through the ranks, becoming an important Nazi foreign intelligence officer.
A subtle, multilayered psychological drama despite its Soviet propaganda.
4. The Brigade (Бригада)
Subtitles: None
This classic crime miniseries from 2002 was highly popular in Russia and the post-Soviet states. The story takes place from 1989 to 2000. It follows the transformation of four childhood friends from Moscow from petty thugs into a powerful gang.
While the series was criticized for glorifying violence and organized crime, it features great acting and an interesting soundtrack including classical music.
5. Snow and Ashes (Снег и пепел)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
Suspenseful four-part thriller set in 1942. With the Germans about to mount an attack, there is a dangerous saboteur in the Russian camp. It’s up to a KGB major and his team to expose the Nazi saboteur before it’s too late.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
6. The Master and Margarita (Мастер и Маргарита)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
This ten-episode adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita was a huge success in Russia in 2005.
Three storylines are interwoven, including a visit by the devil to the officially atheist Soviet Union. The series combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy. Bulgakov wrote the novel 1928-1940 in the Soviet Union during Stalin’s regime.
7. Night Swallows (Ночные Ласточки)
Subtitles: English, auto-translated Russian
In 1941, Stalin issued a secret order forming the first female aviation unit, the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment. The most highly decorated female unit in the Soviet Air Force, each pilot had flown over 1000 missions by the end of the war with 23 pilots awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union.
Similar in theme to Spies, although not quite as well-made.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
8. The Dawns Here Are Quiet (А зори здесь тихие)
Subtitles: English, Russian
A 2015 TV series remake of the beloved Soviet film based on Boris Vasilyev’s novel of the same name.
In late spring of 1942, the Great Patriotic War is in full swing. A long way off from the front line, the Germans make an air landing operation in an attempt to mount a surprise attack on Russian positions. The only thing in their way is the anti-aircraft artillery unit of Corporal Vaskov and five female anti-aircraft gunners.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
9. Three Days in the Life of Lt. Kravtsov (Три дня лейтенанта Кравцова)
Subtitles: English
When 18-year-old Lt. Kravtsov reports for active duty as a platoon commander, the average survival time for this position is only three days. During this time, he must lead his troops in a hopeless attack. The question is, can he survive these three days?
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
10. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (Приключения Шерлока Холмса и доктора Ватсона)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian (sadly, the version with English subtitles has been removed from YouTube).
This series of Soviet television films portrayed Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional English detective, starting in 1979.
The series became a cultural phenomenon and remains a legendary masterpiece of Soviet television. Actor Vasily Livanov was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his masterful portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.
A street in old Riga, Latvia doubles as Baker Street.
11. Irredeemables (Неисправимые)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
In this engaging Ukrainian crime drama, Police Colonel Stadnik dreams of repeating the nineteenth-century experiment of legendary French detective Eugène Vidocq, who staffed a plainclothes police force with former criminals.
Once given the chance, Stadnik creates a special investigative unit of convicted felons who use their unique skills to solve baffling cases.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
12. Once upon a Time in Odessa (Однажды в Одессе)
Subtitles: English
Russian series about the Jewish mafia set in Odessa, Ukraine during and after the czar. Mishka Yaponchik was a Ukrainian gangster, Jewish revolutionary, and Soviet military leader.
Soviet Jewish writer Isaak Babel based his character Benia Krik in The Odessa Tales on this legendary criminal, Odessa’s Robin Hood.
13. On the Edge (На краю)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
This political thriller follows three innocent young women tricked by terrorist recruiters who find themselves aboard the same plane to Turkey. After being smuggled into the most dangerous region of the Middle East, their destinies in captivity take different turns until one day an accident brings them together.
14. Moscow Hound (Московская борзая)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
Popular detective series set in Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.
Major Alevtina Borzova, an experienced criminal investigator in Moscow, is forced to take a job in a provincial city after her affair with a married man goes public. However, the new close-knit male team is unwilling to work under the leadership of a woman. Every day the heroine has to struggle to prove herself. But the unshakable Alevtina intends to defend her right to the new position.
Season 2 available here.
Many thanks to brilliant polyglot Dr. Gareth Popkins for his recommendation of the above two series. Don’t miss his tips on How to Learn Russian Fast.
15. Never Let Me Go (Только не Отпускай Меня)
Subtitles: English, Russian
This four-episode Ukrainian melodrama follows Natasha, a hard-working nurse who lives a modest existence with her mother. Meanwhile wealthy, spoiled Lera lives in another part of the city.
One day, when a desperate Lera is about to jump from her balcony, Natasha saves her life. Fate has thrown these two young women together, giving them an opportunity to help each other.
16. Rasputin (Григорий Р)
Subtitles: None
Russophiles shouldn’t miss this series about the mad monk Grigoriy Rasputin, who became a hugely influential figure at the court of Tsar Nicholas II.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
17. Russian Beauty (Королева красоты)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
This soapy series gets mixed reviews, but many enjoy the Cinderella story of how the beauty of a simple Russian country girl conquered the world.
Katerina Panova became the face of Soviet fashion of the ’60s. Paris and Prague applauded the Russian beauty and the press called her “the national treasure of the USSR,” but at home Soviet reality, envy, intrigue, and tragic love awaited her.
No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
18. Tatiana’s Night (Татьянина ночь)
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
Life seems great for 20-year-old university student Tanya as Moscow prepares to host the 1980 Summer Olympics, until one dark night when everything falls apart.
No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
19. Life and Fate (Жизнь и судьба)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer
Subtitles: None
Based on the famous 1960 novel by Vasily Grossman of the same name, once banned in the Soviet Union. Like the novel, the series presents an epic saga of life in the Soviet Union in World War II during the battle of Stalingrad.
No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
20. Neophyte (Отличница)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer
Subtitles: English
Well-acted police procedural set in 1957 Russia. Brilliant young law graduate Maria Krapivina starts working for the Leningrad criminal investigation office. None of her colleagues take her seriously, and Masha is ready to quit.
Suddenly, she discovers a criminal is working undercover in the department. Masha conducts a private investigation to bring them to justice.
No longer available free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
21. Ash (Пепел)
Subtitles: None
Compelling drama with excellent acting.
One fateful day, Igor Petrov, the commander of a Red Army unit, is forced to exchange ID papers with a thief known as Ash. The incident leads both men to start their lives completely anew. Within 10 years, one will achieve acts of bravery while the other becomes a violent outlaw leader.
No longer available free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
22. Run! (Беги!)
No English subtitles available for trailer
Subtitles: English, auto-generated Russian
This action-packed Russian crime thriller reunites co-stars Pavel Priluchnyy and Denis Shvedov from Silver Spoon (Мажор).
Suspenseful storyline with many twists and turns that follows a wrongfully imprisoned computer programmer forced to escape a Siberian penal colony to save his girlfriend and child.
No longer available free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
23. Peter the Great: The Testament (Пётр Первый. Завещание)
Note: No English subtitles available for trailer
Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian
Another lush Russian historical drama that charts 18th-century czar Peter the Great’s demise, as his ambitions to seize greater power and influence in Europe lead to the threat of warfare.
No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.
Based on the novel Evenings with Peter the Great by Daniil Granin.
You may also like:
Awesome Russian TV shows on Amazon Prime… Red Queen rules.
Thank you! Amazon Prime is becoming an amazing source for Russian series, even better than Netflix.
Thanks for posting this Ingrid. I’m not learning Russian, but I commonly watch foreign films/TV and Netflix just recommended “Sparta” (aka. “Sпарта” and “S’parta”) to me. It was hard to find relevant search results for reviews/trailers using the English title Netflix assigned it, and your list was the first place I found a trailer for it, so thanks again.
In the end, I stopped watching 1 minute into the trailer, as by then it was already clear that the show is perfect for me — it seems Netflix judged correctly.
Cheers.
~a fellow software developer
Hi Corey, so glad it was helpful to you. I try to add value with these lists to help people decide what they want to watch.
The trailers for these Russian series are often quite hard to find… I have to search the title in Russian and sometimes the cast too. It’s good practice for my Cyrillic. 🙂
Enjoy your series and do let me know if you have any recommendations! Best, Ingrid
After watching the first episode of Silver Spoon I was hooked. I binged watched both seasons of 1 & 2 over several weekends. Great character development and story lines. Can’t wait to see Season 3 on Netflix.
Thanks for assembling all these suggestions for my next choice while waiting for Season 3 to begin. I was so engrossed, the subtitles never bothered me!
Thanks for your comment! Yes, hopefully Silver Spoon Season 3 will arrive soon… many of us are waiting impatiently!
And we’re still waiting! I wrote to Netflix and begged them to put season 3 up. I tried watching it in Russian on the internet without the subtitles but I have to keep stopping it to read and translate. It’s my favorite show right now!! 🙂
Can’t believe it’s been over a year! Come on, Netflix!
Ran into Anna Detective by chance. Really like it and I hope that Amazon will have all the seasons available. I’m surprise all I can understand due to the fact that I know other not all that similar languages that are derived from the same source as Russian. Still need the subtitles, but I managed to get to the point of not needing subtitles for Korean shows, so hoping the same thing will happen eventually with Russian. What is the show about? A take on British late 1800’s and early 1900’s supernatural/detective stories, with a bit of romance thrown in.
Does anyone know if or when season 2 of Anna the Detective will be out?? I can’t wait!
Unfortunately, from what I’ve read Star Media does not plan to continue the series. 🙁 Disappointed by the cliffhanger ending!
My husband and I have both watched all episodes currently available of the Russian TV series “Academia” on Amazon Prime. It is about a Russian investigator who heads up a special investigative team consisting of individuals who use scientific methods to solve crimes. With a little soap opera aspects thrown in; it is a well acted, interesting and fun show to watch. Hopefully, there are more seasons to come.
Thank you so much for the recommendation! 🙂
Hi. This is a great list but some of the links take me to films and series of the same name. I am in the UK if that makes any difference? I really want to watch the red queen but it takes me to a documentary about Mary Queen of Scots. Thanks xxxx
Hi Stephanie, thanks for letting me know about that! Unfortunately it looks like the Red Queen isn’t available on Amazon UK, and Amazon is trying to be helpful by directing you to another video with a similar name. Not ideal, I know! Just a thought, but some of my readers do use a VPN to get access to content restricted by geography. All the best, Ingrid
Hi another show I loved on amazon prime is the day after Russian series there is currently 3 seasons available. I am hoping there will be a fourth season available soon. If you like sci-fi you’ll love this show.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve added it. 🙂
I love the show «адаптация» Do you think it will ever come to Amazon or Netflix?
Hi Jael, sounds like a great show. Up til now, Netflix has only acquired Russian series by the production company Sreda, and Amazon Prime seems to mostly feature historical dramas, but hopefully both will continue expanding their catalogs!
“The Dog” on Amazon Prime is a delight. I’m hoping they will eventually offer Season 3.
Thanks so much for the recommendation, Mike! Looks like it has great reviews. I’ve added it.
Does anyone know if there will be a second season of Fartsa?
Jess, unfortunately I can’t find any references to plans for a second season, either in English or Russian.
I have become addicted to Russian movies and television series, primarily the WWII era offerings. They are well done, well acted, and provide me with some Russian history I am unaware of. Reading sub-titles has become second nature now. My favorites to date are “Once Upon a Time in Odessa”, “Spies”, both seasons of “The Attackers”, “Demoted”, “The Tolstoy Defense”, “Night Swallows”…and I guess the list is very long! Thank you Amazon Prime!
Thanks so much for the additional recommendations, Terry. I’m overseas right now but will add these when I get back.
I’ve added your suggestions, Terry. Since “Demoted” and “The Tolstoy Defense” are movies, I didn’t add them to this list of TV shows, but they look like great recommendations for fans of this genre. Thanks again.
Thank you. I’m half-way through Метод, and have added a lot of the others to my lists. I’m UK, and some, eg Red Queen, don’t show up, but there’s plenty to keep me going. Congratulations on escaping from IT, by the way 🙂
So glad the list has been helpful, Kevin! Hopefully Red Queen will become available in the UK soon. Amazon Prime should add a request page for TV shows and movies like Netflix, but unfortunately they lag far behind them in this regard!
Hello! Thanks for this great list… Do you think that any of the series would be appropriate for kids (8 & 6)? My children are spending the summer with their Russian grandparents at the cottage, and I would love them to spend some quality time watching TV in Russian. Thanks again!
Hi, it’s a great idea to get them started at such an early age. Definitely check out “Masha and the Bear” and “Kikoriki” in the Netflix list above. Here in the US Netflix has quite a few Russian kids’ cartoons… to see the full list of Russian shows on Netflix, go to this link: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/1769574.
Just switch the audio to Russian when watching. Note: I recommend skipping the kids’ show Booba since it doesn’t have any dialogue!
I love Anna Detective and have been so hoping it would come back on. What a lovely girl she is and he is so attractive as well. But tonight my heart was broken as The Dog which I adore has lost its content rights just BOOM, yesterday here gone today. Now I will never see the rest of the shows.
Oh no! That’s so frustrating. I have seen shows be added back though, so I’ll wait a while before removing it from my list. Fingers crossed it returns.
Hi! Great list. I just watched GOGOL on Amazon. What an amazing series! Definitely worth a watch.
What a great find, Robin! Thank you so much… I’ve added it.
Robin, thanks for the recommendation as well. Just started watching and it’s creepy, but fun…plus interesting to learn about the folklore.
You should definitely add House Arrest (Domashniy Arest – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8968158) to your list. It is a very good satirical show about middle class authorities in Russia. And it is very real as Russians think about it.
Sounds like a great show. Looks like it’s not available on Amazon Prime or Netflix in the US yet, but there are episodes on YouTube.
Highly recommended series is ‘the brigade’. Explains a lot about russian during the 90’s and early 2000’s. Great acting.
Thanks so much for this recommendation – looks like a classic. I’ve added it.
Update Oct. 11, 2020: Unfortunately, it’s been removed from Amazon Prime, but it is available on YouTube without subtitles (see my YouTube section).
Anyone know the name of the Russian detective series that was on Amazon Prime last year? The lead detective was Male. His partner was a beautiful, young rookie.
Hm… not sure, but maybe another reader will remember. If you watched some of it, you could try checking your Amazon Prime watch history (under Your Account, Prime Video Settings, Activity tab, then Watch History).
I’m hooked on love in chains. Will season 2 be shown on Prime?
Thanks for this great recommendation… I’ve added it. Looks like Season 2 was broadcast on TV in Poland and Ukraine late last year. Hopefully, Amazon will release it when English subtitles are complete.
Update: Season 2 has been added, but unfortunately not yet free on Prime – purchase only right now.
I would recommend Neophyte Season 1 on Amazon Prime.
Thanks so much, Frank! I’ve added it.
Have a question – I love the music in Spies – where can I get it? Thank you.
Hi Betty, it’s a great soundtrack, isn’t it? Looks like all the music is by Russian composer Darin Sysoev.
You can find all the tracks in this YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmXgLXSHQ7rkUqC7FTQVsWEPsRQrkcCcD
Hello, good morning, but here in Italy, it is not available. How can I get it on DVD?
I would try searching on Amazon or eBay. If there’s a Russian community where you live, you may be able to find Russian DVDs for sale there.
This is a great list, thanks.
For me, the main advantage of Netflix is they have the subtitles in Russian as well as English whereas there don’t seem to be any Russian subtitles on Amazon as far as I can see?
Hi Greg, that’s right, unfortunately, Amazon Prime is weak in subtitle options compared to Netflix and generally only offers English. Hopefully this will improve in future with the growing popularity of non-English-language media.
Hi I’ve been watching Film.UA’s The Sniffer on Amazon Prime. Great series btw. According to their FB feed last week, season 4 was being ported to Amazon Prime too. Haven’t seen anything on UK version and have tried other nations’ Prime services as well – nothing! Have you got any info please?
Hi Rich, as I’m sure you saw, it’s not available yet in the US either. They may have jumped the gun a bit on that announcement. 🙁
Life of a Mistress is the first Russian series I’ve watched. It’s a good show, which is why I’m here, got me interested in some other Russian dramas. Thanks for the list.
Glad it’s useful. Let us know if you find other series you like that aren’t on the list yet.
Hi Ingrid,
Just thought I’d leave a word of advice to people looking for Russian TV shows, and that is in my experience, you’ll sometimes be watching a show or series and then almost out of nowhere you’ll be suddenly hit by an episode or scene that is jaw-droppingly disturbing.
I’m provoked to write this as I’m currently watching the series ‘Fartsa’ on Netflix, which is otherwise an enjoyable, sometimes mildly amusing and fairly mild series. However almost out of nowhere in episode 4 comes one of the most disturbing scenes I’ve ever seen on television. I won’t go into details except that it was way, way over the top and compounded by the female character then behaving in the next scene almost as if the enormity of the previous scene hadn’t happened.
‘Method’ is a fairly dark series anyway, but there was one episode about a child killer, which again went way, way over the top and was profoundly disturbing – to the extent that you were concerned for the psychological well-being of the actors involved.
And ‘Gogol’, the very opening scene stopped me continuing to watch anymore, although I returned to it later and thought the rest of the series was enjoyable, although again, one episode stood out as being very exploitative and disturbing.
I think it’s worth people being aware of this as they might otherwise be caught unawares.
best wishes
Hi Greg, that’s a really good point and something for more sensitive viewers to keep in mind. I agree that the amount of graphic violence can be disturbing. That first episode of Gogol in particular is especially shocking.
Star Media is filming the forty episode second series now. See https://www.starmediafilm.com/ru/project/Anna_Detective_II. Who knows when it will air in Russia and get distributed here, but I’m happy they’re working on it!
Thanks for the update, Steve! I found some more information in Russian: Filming of the second season started March 2020, but was suspended due to the pandemic. Work resumed June 2020.
The release date of the second season is planned for 2020-2021.
Are there any lighter/comedic type shows you are aware of? I’ve heard of several people learning English from watching “Friends” and was curious if there was something similar in Russian. I’m interested in the language, but only marginally interested in crime dramas and historical series.
Hi Jeff, the comedy series The Kitchen is very popular, but unfortunately it’s not available on Amazon in the US right now. It’s on YouTube though (check my YouTube section).
Can anyone help me find a Russian TV series which is set in the 1920’s with some great period cars, including a red Jaguar convertible. A detective story with the lead being a middle aged actor. Cossacks are also featured…I’ve lost it and (obviously) can’t remember the title or if I watched it on Amazon Prime or Netflix. I’m in the UK.
Hi Mike, I don’t think that series has been on Netflix, at least not here in the US. Hopefully another reader will chime in, but perhaps try checking your Amazon Prime watch history if you haven’t already (under Your Account, Prime Video Settings, Activity tab, then Watch History).
Eureka! Thanks for the advice Ingrid. I found it straight away. Strange that Amazon ‘Chat’ never came up with the Activity Tab’, even after half an hour….The series is called “Black Sun”.
Hi Mike, so glad that worked. Sometimes Amazon support is not the best.
Here’s the link in case some of my other readers want to check it out. It looks like it’s in Serbian, not Russian, but should interest fans of historical dramas.
Ah yes, Serbian. I knew it wasn’t Russian, but had no idea what. It’s excellent in atmosphere, acting, cars and costume.
Probably thinking of The Method
I chanced on the Russian series, Detective Anna, and became engrossed in it. Aside from the storyline, the acting was good, and the setting and costumes are great. However, it seems I only have 2 episodes left, and from what I’ve gathered on the internet, the last episode is a Cliff hanger, and Season 2 is nowhere to be found. Do you know if Amazon Prime or Netflix or YouTube will pick it up?
Hi Connie, a 40-episode second season is being filmed now. The release date for Russian TV is 2020-2021, but not sure how it will be distributed outside of Russia.
On UK Prime ‘Black Sun’ is now into Series 2
Russian – Ukrainian TV series “Matchmakers” 6 seasons. Great Comedy series for family viewing. It is very popular in Russia. Available for free on YouTube with English subtitles.
https://youtu.be/nzQPgXGkUAg
Thanks for the recommendation, Татьяна! Looks like it’s also known as The In-Laws (Сваты).
Hi there! Have you watched the show “Call DiKaprio”? I speak Russian fluently but my partner does not. The first episode was super intense and it is shaped to be a glorious series. Any advice on finding it with subtitles anywhere? I’ve failed thus far. Thanks a bunch and happy holidays!
Hi, Kamilla, looks like a great show; thanks for the recommendation. Too bad only the first episode is available free on YouTube (you can stream the full show on this premium site with a 30-day trial). I found some information indicating English subtitles exist, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like they’re available online yet. 🙁
Ingrid,
Interesting list. While I have not seen all of them, I will disagree on one set. I liked them both, but I liked Night Swallows better than Spies. Didn’t seem to be a Season 2 for either one of them, though
I also liked both “The Attackers” and Attackers: The Last Flight”.
“Three Days in the Life of Lt. Kravtsov” was not too bad, The first episode was a little slow and I almost quit watching, but the next episode picked it up and I watched the series..
Thanks for your feedback, Darrell. Yes, unfortunately despite their popularity both Night Swallows and Spies seem to have been intended to be completed in a single season.
I an trying to learn Russian and this website was super helpful 👍
Glad it’s been helpful! Я тоже учу русский.)
Thank you for the recap. I am looking for something I watched previously but cannot seem to find easily. I was a Russian crime/murder drama assuming in the crimea. The publisher of a newspapers wife accidentially killed someone late at night and it was covered up. There were journalist in and out of the paper who collaborated and it was a great series, fairly modern. I watched it on Netflix or Amazon. Anyway shot in the dark. Main character Guy lots of debriefings at the bar, a editor change at the paper shook things up….
Hi John, I don’t think that series has been on Netflix. You could try checking your Amazon Prime watch history (under Prime Video, Settings, then Watch History tab)?
The Method is not a Russian version of Dexter, there are no similarities at all between the two programs.
Thanks for your comment. When I added the show a couple of years ago, many interpreted it as inspired by Dexter. It sounds like that’s not the case, although the show’s creators confirm some commonality with the True Detective series.
This is a great list, Ingrid, thank you. I lived in SPb for a few months and studied some Russian there a few years ago, but I’m at a beginner’s level, although I can read it quite well.
Anyway I liked all of the ones I’ve seen. I recommended Ancestral Land to my retired sister and she loved it too. Fartsa was very good, very interesting, and loosely based on real events and characters. Locust was fantastic, I thought, as was To the Lake. Method was often very good, although I found the quality somewhat inconsistent, and it seemed to lose its way a little in the later episodes before rebuilding for the conclusion.
Even the various “propagandist” series on some. YouTube channels about events in WW2 are still watchable, and sometimes still quite good, even if they are a little overly patriotic.
All in all these productions beat the majority of English language productions hands down, except for the very best, and some of these Russian series are right up there.
Thank you
Hi Ronan, thanks for your thoughtful comment. That’s great you had the opportunity to live and study in SPb. Это моя мечта – изучать русский язык в Питере. Hopefully next year! 🙂