The premiere of the third season of the series “World! Friendship! Gum!” is set for May 4, with Premier streaming the new episodes for eager fans. The announcement surfaced across the service’s social channels, signaling a fresh chapter for a show that has built a steady following among viewers who enjoy bold storytelling and a distinctive blend of humor and drama.
The eight new episodes move the action into the summer of 1996, placing the characters amid the fever pitch of Boris Yeltsin’s election campaign under the banner “Vote or Lose.” In this moment of national change, the friends are on the cusp of graduation and stepping into adulthood, a period of both opportunity and risk. Meanwhile, an ambitious crime boss expands his reach into the city of Tula, introducing a fresh source of tension and danger that tests old loyalties and pushes the group to confront the realities of a shifting world.
Returning to their familiar roles are Yegor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yegor Abramov, Fedor Roshchin, and Yura Borisov, who anchor the ensemble with a mix of warmth, wit, and grit. The cast welcomes new faces as well, including Viktor Sukhorukov, known for his work in notable films, Yuri Kuznetsov from “Streets of Broken Lanterns,” Varvara Shmykova from “Quiet,” Evgeny Tkachuk of “The King and the Clown,” Fedor Fedotov of “Silver Skate,” and Alexander Khromov from “Main Field.” This blend of returning actors and fresh talent signals a season rich with character-driven stories and dynamic dynamics that deepen the world fans already love.
Earlier glimpses in the trailer for the third season of The Great teased a couple in crisis—Catherine II and Peter III—working to salvage their marriage, hinting at narrative threads that intertwine political intrigue with personal stakes. The show continues to balance historical flavor with contemporary sensibilities, offering viewers a layered portrait of life in a transforming era while maintaining its signature humor, energy, and human moments that resonate with audiences across North America.