— Can the program “League of Cities” be considered a remake of KVN?
— Not at all. Although many faces and the core humor echo KVN, this show marks a different kind of competition. The fun wins, but the format and stakes set it apart.
— What is the main difference between the series and other projects in this genre?
— There is no traditional jury handing out scores. Instead, mentors recruit and guide teams formed from participants selected in the opening stage, sharing their vast experience and unique perspectives. The prize is substantial: 10 million rubles. The atmosphere combines KVN’s energy with the ambition and scale of TNT, aiming to guide the show toward memorable outcomes.
— You began your career in KVN, like many others. Why did “The Club of the Fun and Resourceful” become a career boost for comedians in the 1990s and 2000s, and why does that relevance seem reduced today?
— For a long period, KVN stood as the premier platform for young talents seeking broad exposure. Other formats such as Comedy Club, “Laughter Without Rules,” Stand Up, or “Star Factories” did not exist yet. The path to theater or cinema felt like a lottery, and opportunities to advance were plentiful but unpredictable. In recent years, the surge of trends means fame can arrive without top-tier talent, driven by social media and algorithmic visibility rather than a single, clear ladder. The rise of trends often overshadows the longer, traditional routes to lasting recognition.
— What advice would you give to those aiming to become comedians?
— Don’t imitate. Discover your own voice. In the end, humor should spring from your personal view of the world, resonating with you as both an artist and a person.
— In a recent interview, Pavel Volya said: “We live in an era where the end of humor is its beginning.” Mikhail Galustyan called humor “toothless.” Do you agree there’s a future for humor in Russia? If so, what does it look like?
“We’ll partly agree.” This isn’t limited to Russia; the world is reshaping how jokes land. Personal irony is rare, and being offended has become a trend while apologizing is common. Yet sharp, healthy humor can still survive. In a climate where restrictions grow, wit that pushes boundaries may still find a foothold. The tougher the constraint, the more creative the response—there’s always hope that strong ideas will bear fruit.
— Which humor format feels most relevant today: Stand-up, roasts, or something else? Which do you personally prefer?
— Relevance depends on the performer. Personally, stand-up remains appealing due to its direct, honest vibe. It’s loved for cheeky, original humor that can be pointed but not relentlessly harsh. Roasts and similar formats don’t always strike the right chord for me.
— Who do you consider the best comedian in the country right now?
— The current joke of the day is the exchange rate itself—sometimes it seems more ridiculous than any punchline.
— Other projects include the travel show “Russo Expresso” with Regina Todorenko. Which cities impressed you, and which disappointed?
— People leave a lasting impression, especially those who invest time, love, and effort to improve their hometowns. Disappointing moments usually relate to service levels or a lack of attention from local authorities toward real problems. There are many architectural gems, but not everyone chooses to invest time or money to preserve them.
— In autumn, the travel program “Comrade Traveler” will air, featuring your participation. What was it like traveling the world with strangers?
— It was wonderful. Seeing ordinary people light up with joy when exploring the world is priceless. Traveling has become a luxury many cannot afford, so sharing those moments with companions brings real meaning. It was a privilege to help others experience places they’d only dreamed of, sometimes abroad for the first time.
— Which company do you prefer to travel with in real life: your wife and sons, friends, or alone?
— Traveling with family creates unforgettable memories. Yet solo travel offers tremendous mental clarity. People often retreat to their own space for a moment, even a bathroom break, to recharge. It’s fair to say the narrator feels fortunate to combine work trips with Regina and the family while also finding quiet, personal journeys that recharge energy for future endeavors.
— As an experienced travel-show host, you surely have a dozen intriguing stories. Please share one.
— There are countless tales. One standout is the Russo Expresso voyage along the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok, filming across many cities. Along the way, the host explored a variety of extreme sports—surfing, wakeboarding, hydrofoils, flyboards—and even piloted a powered paraglider 600 meters above ground, executing a loop on a dragonfly.
— In June you released the track and video “Never to Anyone” on social networks, expressing a sound you always wanted to hear. What did that signify?
— It signified a break from chasing radio plays and TV slots. It marked a return to the music that sits at the heart of the artist’s identity. When creating music, the priority is honesty: what resonates with the artist and the audience. Early responses suggest the release aligns with the mood and identity the artist has long pursued.
— What do your sons do besides studying, and what do they want to become? Do you want a show-business path for them?
— The eldest, Miguel, loves reading, writes his own pieces, plays football, volleyball, and excels in basketball. Daniel is talented in painting and has an interest in equestrian sports, recently starting to learn the violin. Both brothers have begun dubbing cartoons, TV series, and movies for platforms like Netflix and Apple TV, with Miguel voicing Uncle Fyodor in the new Prostokvashino and contributing to the program “Drawing Fairy Tales,” which earned a TEFI award. There is no fixed plan for their future, only support for whatever path they choose and the confidence that they can pursue many different talents if they wish.