Advertise Now
Publication timing and channel details remain unclear for the TV-3 project.
Kostya, long tied to the ad world, started as a temporary assistant to an ad producer about a decade ago. Time has passed, and he now stands as the second-in-command on a production crew. She is resourceful and ready to tackle any obstacle, even if that means an overnight reshoot with Christina Asmus after the source files vanish and the deadline looms. Kostya convinces herself and her colleagues that advertising is a transient phase, and that she will soon quit. Yet she proceeds to shoot her own film, balancing ambition with the pressures of the industry. Advertise Now remains a focused comedy aimed at advertisers and media professionals, but its presence signals that niche projects may still find an audience even when the market leans toward broader offerings.
Poor People
Publication plans: Premier and 2×2 in Fall 2022.
Three roommates tackle daily problems that spiral into absurd events, from alien invasions to clashes with an ancient Egyptian god and even a brush with the afterlife. In the pilot, they set out to locate a neighboring resident, a sequence marked by a grandiose directorial touch. The setting expands into a layered world that nods to bold, surreal storytelling. The show is the brainchild of Nikita Tamarov, a filmmaker known for satirical humor and a nod to classic variety shows. It blends satire with a modern sensibility and echoes the playful spirit of The Muppet Show and The Dolls, delivering a fresh take on comedic drama with a distinctive local flavor.
Friend for an Hour
Publication: TNT in 2023.
Nikolai Sergeevich, a respected pediatrician with a long career, retires and faces a sense of purposelessness. His wife passed away the previous year, leaving a pile of letters meant to offer comfort on meaningful occasions. He contemplates ending his life, but a chance meeting with a younger man changes the course of his thinking. The concept centers on a service in which older people pay for companionship. This leads to a significant debt that must be repaid, forcing the protagonist to rethink his choices. The drama explores tenderness and vulnerability, with a performance by Sergei Shakurov and Boris Dergachev delivering a powerful on-screen connection that fuels the story’s emotional strength. The dynamic between the two leads is a standout, infusing the series with lively, genuine dialogue and a warmth that keeps the narrative engaging even as it dives into heavy themes.
Incoming
Publication status: Start service unknown.
The Danilovsky Posad parish faces the sudden loss of its rector during a service. His son, a young deacon named Peter, appears as a temporary replacement, only to be confronted by a church full of questions. A new rector from Moscow, Father Dmitry, arrives after a troubling incident involving a courier. Peter and the parishioners grow wary as secrets unfold. Written by Ekaterina Surovtseva and Ruslan Doshchanov, and directed by Rezo Gigineishvili, The Parish blends mysticism, suspense, and drama into a tense, atmospheric tapestry. The show invites comparisons to Sorrentino’s style and the mood of Midnight Mass, presenting a Russian countryside setting where religious and supernatural themes blend with a slow-burning intrigue. The premise raises questions about whether stories involving domestic clergy and controversial topics can find a contemporary audience, yet the framing suggests a rich, character-driven experience that could resonate with viewers seeking dark, contemplative drama.
Alice’s Dreams
Publication status: Unknown.
Alice, a girl from a northern town played by Alina Gvasalia, experiences vivid dreams about a future she feels compelled to influence. In one vision, a fair-skinned girl is brutally murdered, prompting Alice to intervene when she meets a living counterpart who resembles her. The town hides strange happenings that push the story into a far more complex trajectory. Alice’s Dreams is a highly atmospheric and stylish series that prioritizes mood and texture, with a mosaic of scenes that feel intentionally fragmentary. The project invites a bold approach to episodic storytelling, with room for expansion if a full season is produced. This rare example of Russian horror earns attention for its creative daring and potential to carve out a unique niche within the genre.