Sergei Sosedov, a noted music critic and television host, remarked in a conversation with the portal that the show known as KVN has not retained its grip on viewers for a long time. He pointed to KVN as a once thriving business venture, buoyed by strong government support and robust sponsorship, yet argued that critics never formed a loyal audience for it. In his view, the program’s peak occurred long ago, suggesting that even during the latter years of Alexander Maslyakov’s life the project did not enjoy lasting, widespread popularity.
According to Sosedov, the audience connection with KVN faded over the past two decades. He recalled a period in the 1960s when the show was in its infancy and pioneered a new form of entertainment, and he allowed that it might have drawn limited appeal again in the 1990s, before gradually losing momentum in the 21st century. This perspective frames KVN as a historical phenomenon that once captured public imagination but did not sustain that momentum across generations. (Source: critical commentary reported by Mash and contemporaries.)
Alexander Maslyakov, a central figure in KVN, is noted as having passed away in the recent period. As the years progressed, Maslyakov became less visible at KVN events and games as a presenter. Health challenges attributed to Covid-19 and its lingering effects contributed to his reduced public presence, with tournaments in the major league occasionally seeing guest or rotating presenters stepping in. In the 2024 season, the consensus in the organizing circles was to formalize a single host for the role going forward, reflecting a shift in how the show would be presented. (Source: industry reporting covering Maslyakov’s later years.)
Reports from Mash indicated that after contracting Covid in 2022 Maslyakov faced a diagnosis related to his lungs that was not operable. He reportedly underwent ongoing maintenance therapy in the months that followed, a development linked to the course of his illness and his capacity to participate in public events. This health trajectory affected both his ability to appear and the scheduling of major KVN events, underscoring how leadership and on-screen presence can intertwine with public health realities in long-running entertainment franchises. (Source: Mash coverage on Maslyakov’s health journey.)
There were also notes about the broader team surrounding KVN in later years. In some public discussions, associates or contemporaries suggested that certain key figures connected with the show were not presently inside the country, which sometimes influenced appearances and guest selections. These remarks highlight the logistical and interpersonal dynamics that shape a multi-decade entertainment institution as it navigates changes in leadership, talent, and audience expectations. (Source: industry chatter summarized in trade outlets.)