Seventeen Moments of Spring (1973) 

Watch here (with English subtitles)

Seventeen Moments of Spring is one of the most beloved Soviet TV series. The cast consists of more than a few famous Soviet actors and, as the genre implies, their performance creates an intriguing and multilayered story about a spy named Maxim Isaev (undercover name: Max Otto von Stierlitz) infiltrating the Third Reich during World War II.

Although it’s been 50 years since its release, the show’s still often referred to and quoted – for example, in a near-miss type of situation, you’ll often hear someone say: “Never before had Stierlitz been so close to failure”. 

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (1979–1986)

Watch here (with English subtitles)

This is one of the most iconic adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books, praised even by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The creators were able to masterfully recreate the atmosphere of Victorian England, which is pretty amazing, given that the show was shot in the Soviet Union – mainly in St. Petersburg and Riga. The show is a must-watch for all enjoyers of the famous detective’s adventures. More interesting facts and pictures about the series can be found on the fan website 221b.ru (in Russian).

Brigada, also known as Law of the Lawless (2002) 

Watch here (with English subtitles)

A criminal drama inspired by Sergio Leone’s gangster movies, Brigada takes place in ‘90s Russia and doesn’t shy away from showcasing the brutality of this era. Condemned by many for its alleged romanticization of an unlawful lifestyle, it remains among the most popular shows, and for a good reason – it tells a powerful story of friendship and struggle during a pivotal period of the country’s history.

Dead Mountain: The Dyatlov Pass Incident (2020) 

Watch here (in Russian) or here (in English)

This eight-episode show dramatizes the story of a real tragedy that took place in 1959 in the Ural Mountains, when nine tourists died under mysterious circumstances. To this day, people attempt to find out what really happened to them. There are several key theories and the show does a great job hinting at all of them. It forms a truly fascinating narrative that will make you empathize with its characters and wonder about their many mysteries.

For more suggestions, check out our previous article on Top Russian Remakes of Popular Shows & Series to Boost Your Russian.