The comedy program Big Difference is slated to return to television without the longtime showrunners Ivan Urgant and Alexander Tsekalo. A major outlet confirms the reboot details, noting the change in hosting lineup and format. On New Year’s Day, viewers will catch the special holiday edition on Channel One, with Nonna Grishaeva and Sergei Burunov stepping into the hosting roles. The episode will begin with a playful homage that riffs on a beloved Soviet-era comedy, inviting audiences to revisit the iconic screens where those characters first sparked laughter.
Throughout the new edition, audiences can expect a parade of parodies drawn from classic Russian cinema and popular television. Jokes will reference familiar films and entanglements familiar to many viewers, offering fresh twists while paying tribute to enduring moments from the screen.
As the hosts tease the revival, they hint at a reunion of characters, jokes, and behind-the-scenes energy that many fans have missed. The format is framed as a celebratory return, with the hosts acknowledging the anticipation that comes with revisiting a cherished tradition.
Historically, the parody show first premiered on January 1, 2008, with Ivan Urgant and Alexander Tsekalo at the helm. The ensemble cast has included Nonna Grishaeva, Alexander Oleshko, Sergei Burunov, Victor Andrienko, Valentina Rubtsova, and Svetlana Galka, among others, contributing to a roster of comic talent that helped define the program.
Over the years, there were notable turning points in the program’s broadcast history. In October of 2012, Urgant announced his departure from hosting duties. The show returned to the air in January 2013, yet the final episode aired on June 15, 2014, marking the end of a particular era. The series’ legacy remains a touchstone for fans who remember its sharp parody and playful spirit.
Beyond the show itself, recent public recollections from industry personalities offer glimpses into the broader culture surrounding these programs. For instance, various performers have spoken about the rhythms of TV production and the personal dynamics backstage, illustrating how the fabric of a long-running project is woven from collaboration, timing, and personality.