Highlights of Russian TV: Famous Programs from Yesterday and Today

For over 80 years, television has held a cherished place in Russian homes. Since the first puzzling broadcast flickered over the Soviet airwaves in 1931, TV has informed, entertained and sometimes even confounded generations of Russian viewers.

The screens may have gotten flatter and more colorful, but many of the beloved shows remain deeply embedded in the cultural consciousness. From the wise owls of Spokoynoy Nochi, Malyshi to the raucous laughter of KVN, Russian television has provided a shared experience that connects the past to the present.

Famous Soviet TV Programs

For many Russians, Soviet television invokes nostalgic memories of gathering around the TV set with family to enjoy beloved shows and learn about events in the country and world. Some of the most iconic Soviet programs that still resonate today include:

“Время” (Vremya) – This daily television news program first aired in 1968 and became a staple in millions of households. The familiar ticking of the clock preceding the start of Vremya became synonymous with getting the day’s news from around the Soviet Union and the globe.

“Голубой огонёк” (Goluboy Ogonek) – Premiering in 1962, this weekly pop music show featured famous Soviet performers and the latest musical hits. Viewers loved tuning in to see glamorous musical numbers and production pieces set in exotic locales.

 

“КВН” (KVN) – Launching in 1961, the comedy game show KVN pitted teams from universities against each other in satirical competitions. With its witty parodies and emphasis on humor, KVN gained a cult following among Soviets seeking comic relief from daily life.

“Спокойной ночи, малыши” (Spokoynoy Nochi, Malyshi) – For over 50 years, this nightly children’s program wished Soviet children sweet dreams with animated bedtime stories. The soft-spoken host Tatyana Vasilyeva created a sense of comfort for millions of little viewers.

These and other classic Soviet shows became beloved cultural treasures and still carry deep nostalgic meaning today. They offered entertainment, music, news, and even gentle education to generations growing up across the Soviet Union.

Post-Soviet Period and New TV Formats

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 ushered in a brand new era for Russian television. Commercialization and privatization led to profound changes in both the structure of television networks and types of programming.

Glamorous new reality and talent competition shows like “Последний герой” (Last Hero) and “Минута славы” (Minute of Fame) captivated post-Soviet audiences eager for interactive entertainment. Viewers could vote for their favorite contestants while watching them sing, dance, and complete outrageous stunts.

Late-night political talk shows also gained popularity in the 1990s, providing an alternative to dry news programs. Shows like Itogi hosted lively debates on economic shock therapy, government corruption, and social problems.

Post-Soviet television saw domestic sitcoms adapted from America like “Моя прекрасная няня” (My Fair Nanny) along with gritty crime dramas like “Бандитский Петербург“. Russian viewers developed a taste for glossier television productions.

Reality romance shows like “Давай поженимся” (Let’s Get Married) or “Холостяк” (Bachelor) became recent hits. Broadcasters blended tried-and-true game show formats with relationship stories to attract broad audiences.

While a few Soviet classics never lost their allure, the post-Soviet period opened up Russian television to flashy new styles and Westernized genres. Reality competitions, late-night talk shows and sitcoms changed the channels forever.

Popular Russian TV Channels

Russia has a diverse TV landscape with many options for viewers. Some of the most prominent channels include:

• Channel One – Known as “Первый канал” in Russian, this is one of the most watched nationwide channels. It airs popular shows like Evening Urgant along with news and original films.
• НТВ – Owned by Gazprom Media, NTV focuses heavily on news and political commentary programs. It gained attention in the 1990s for its critical coverage of the government.
• СТС – This privately-owned channel broadcasts many comedy shows, reality programs, TV series and family entertainment. Some of its hit shows are “Папины дочки” (Daddy’s Daughters) and “Кухня” (Kitchen).
• ТНТ – Part of Gazprom Media, TNT is known for showing popular Russian comedies, TV series, and entertainment programs. Some of its most watched shows have been Univer, Real Guys, and Nasha Russia.
• Russia-1 – As a state-owned broadcaster, Russia-1 mixes entertainment with news and analysis.

The diversity of offerings represents the eclectic tastes of the Russian viewing public while also reflecting political and corporate agendas. Most households have a menu of preferred channels.

Unfortunately, lately, due to current events, Russian television has become very restricted. Many programs and channels have ceased to exist for political reasons. It has become simply impossible to watch the main federal channels due to the abundance of propaganda.

Most Popular Modern Programs

While cherished Soviet classics still have a place in Russian hearts, a new generation of shows has taken the spotlight. Some current favorites give a modern twist to time-tested formats, while others break new ground.

“Вечерний Ургант” (Evening Urgant) – Hosted by Ivan Urgant, this popular late-night show combines celebrity interviews, comedy sketches and musical performances. With its edgy humor and viral video segments, Evening Urgant has become a hit akin to America’s Tonight Show.

“Поле чудес” (Field of Wonders) – The long-running game show, airing every Friday at 19:50 and serving as a partial analogue of the American TV program ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ The unchanged host, Leonid Yakubovich, has aged over 30 years on air, yet the program remains popular.

“Давай поженимся” (Let’s Get Married) – This is a TV show where a woman chooses a groom, or a man chooses a bride from three proposed candidates. Throughout the show, we hear the stories of the participants, and often there’s a lot of trash to maintain high ratings. In most cases, people come to this show not to arrange their personal lives, but for popularity.

Other modern favorites cover genres like travel shows, police procedurals, situation comedies and music competitions.

While some are adapted from Western formats, Russian television has evolved to balance audiences’ interest in globalized entertainment with uniquely post-Soviet perspectives. The variety of popular modern programming reflects the diversity of the new Russia.