6.9 / 10 (based on 133 reviews)
Strange taxi driver has very strange clients and some interesting counter on his dashboard.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Kirill Käro, Ekaterina Sokolova-Zhuber, Sergey Zharkov, Sergei Gilev
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1 season, 8 episodes, 20-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Passengers (2020)
Polyot (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 248 reviews)
Six colleagues from a small real-estate firm accidentally miss their mutual flight thus miraculously avoiding the plane crash. The eluded disaster triggers the insight that none of them had a chance to live their dream. With doubts set aside, the group agrees to commit the theft. With nothing but bags full of cash, ex-clerks go on the run in pursuit of the most cherished desires and ambitions. Unfortunately, they chose to rob the wrong guy and they already became the prey. And on top of all that – there is a rat among them. The series has a unique structure with each episode introducing one of the survivors’ background and features an unprecedented, star-studded Russian cast with award-winning actors from the leading roles to the smallest cameos, thus delivering an electrifying performance.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Oksana Akinshina, Mikhail Efremov, Evgeniya Dobrovolskaya, Nikita Efremov
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1 season, 8 episodes, 48.0-minute runtime
Mediator (2021)
6.8 / 10 (based on 280 reviews)
Andrey is a professional negotiator. When people can’t agree, he helps them to – for a lot of money. For each dispute, he changes himself beyond recognition. Andrey can convince anyone of anything, anytime and anywhere, but he seems to have a hard time accepting his own self. This twisted phycological thriller tests the limits of how far people can go to get what they want. Cruel, dark, and shockingly manipulative, Andrey proves to be extremely efficient. But is it all worth it in the end? And what is the real cost of his abilities?
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Andrey Burkovskiy, Irina Starshenbaum, Yuliya Peresild, Darya Moroz
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1 season, 16 episodes, 52.0-minute runtime
Happy End (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 541 reviews)
The series depicts a young couple’s journey who have decided to turn their relationship into a sexual attraction for the whole world through the Webcam.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Lena Tronina, Denis Vlasenko, Aleksandr Gorchilin, Lyubov Tolkalina
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1 season, 8 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
Territoriya (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 534 reviews)
His parents went missing in ethnographic expedition, and now he discovers that the world of ancient forest creatures, spirits and shamans of the Russian North is no fairy tale.
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Andrey Merzlikin, Gleb Kalyuzhnyy, Kseniya Otinova, Anastasiya Chistyakova
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1 season, 7 episodes, 48.0-minute runtime
Kitchenblock (2021)
6.1 / 10 (based on 813 reviews)
While the Olympics-80 thunders in Moscow, a serene life flows in the summer camp on the Volga – with morning exercises, horror stories around the campfire and first loves. But evil is not dormant: it seems that there are vampires among the pioneers. Will an ordinary Soviet teenager Valery be able to distinguish the living from the dead in a world where falsehood and boredom reign?
Genre: Drama, Horror
Main Cast: Pyotr Natarov, Daniil Vershinin, Angelina Strechina, Maria Abramova
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1 season, 8 episodes
Nezhnost (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 196 reviews)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Viktoriya Isakova, Evgeniy Tsyganov, Konstantin Khabenskiy, Anna Mikhalkova
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1 season, 11 episodes, 20.0-minute runtime
Psycho (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 435 reviews)
In his first TV-series Fedor Bondarchuk depicts a story of a popular psychotherapist Oleg who seems to be in a desperate need of help.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Konstantin Bogomolov, Elena Lyadova, Evgeniya Gromova, Aleksandr Gorchilin
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1 season, 8 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Igra na vyzhivanie (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 641 reviews)
16 people come to shoot an extreme reality TV show in a remote place with no cellular reception. A large cash prize will go to a participant who will reach the end and stay human. The film crew disappears and a real survival game starts.
Genre: Thriller
Main Cast: Aleksandra Bortich, Julia Volkova, Aleksey Chadov, Igor Vernik
Creators: Slava N. Jakovleff, Yuriy Sapronov
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1 season, 24 episodes, 53.0-minute runtime
Besprintsipnye (2020)
6.4 / 10 (based on 433 reviews)
Funny and indecent stories from the personal lives of very rich Muscovites. Comedy based on stories by Alexander Tsypkin
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Oksana Akinshina, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Aglaya Tarasova
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2 seasons, 10 episodes, 47.0-minute runtime
Khrustalnyy (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 427 reviews)
Detective Sergey Smirnov returns to his hometown Khrustalny to investigate a series of violent murders of little boys. The pursuit forces Sergey to face the traumatic memories of his childhood, the very reason he left Khrustalny years ago.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Anton Vasilev, Nikolay Shrayber, Aleksandra Kiseleva, Oleg Almazov
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1 season, 10 episodes
Topi (2021)
6.7 / 10 (based on 1374 reviews)
Five young Muscovites go to a mysterious monastery in the village of Topi, hoping to find help and answers to their questions there. Each of them has their own drama: unhappy love, guilty feelings for the death of a loved one, an incurable disease – However, their trip is far from healing when they are forced to confront their own fears. They soon find out that escaping this half-dead village is almost impossible.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Ivan Yankovskiy, Tikhon Zhiznevskiy, Katerina Shpitsa, Sofya Volodchinskaya
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1 season, 7 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Introduction
When we talk about TV shows that have left a mark, “Passengers” (2020) deserves a mention. It’s not just another series on your watchlist; it’s a journey. With a unique storyline, impressive character arcs, and a setting that’s both familiar and otherworldly, “Passengers” stands out. This article aims to shed light on what makes it special, without resorting to the usual fluff.
The Premise
“Passengers” is set in a near-future where space travel has become more accessible. The show follows a group of individuals selected for a mission to a newly discovered planet. However, the journey, which was supposed to be a straightforward trip, turns into a survival challenge due to unforeseen circumstances. The passengers, each with their own secrets and reasons for leaving Earth, must come together to face the challenges ahead.
The Characters
One of the show’s strengths lies in its characters. They are not your typical heroes; they are flawed, relatable, and complex. Let’s look at a few:
- Alex Mercer: A former pilot with a troubled past, Alex finds himself as the unofficial leader of the group. His leadership skills are put to the test as they navigate through space.
- Dr. Lena Hart: A brilliant scientist with a hidden agenda. Her knowledge becomes crucial as the passengers encounter various obstacles.
- Sam Yu: A tech genius with a quirky personality. Sam provides the comic relief but also has moments of profound insight.
- Eva Rodriguez: A young mother determined to give her daughter a better life. Eva’s resilience and compassion bring the group together in tough times.
These characters, among others, drive the narrative. Their interactions, conflicts, and growth are what keep viewers hooked.
Themes and Motifs
“Passengers” explores several themes that resonate with its audience. Some of the prominent ones include:
- Survival: The obvious theme, given the circumstances. However, it’s not just about physical survival but also about maintaining humanity and ethics in dire situations.
- Identity: With the journey forcing them to start anew, characters grapple with their sense of self and what they want to become.
- Community: The necessity of forming a community and working together is a recurring motif. It highlights how people from different backgrounds can unite for a common goal.
These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making “Passengers” more than just a space adventure.
Why It Stands Out
In a sea of TV shows, “Passengers” distinguishes itself for several reasons:
- Realistic Portrayal of Space Travel: Unlike many sci-fi series, “Passengers” opts for a more realistic depiction of space travel, focusing on the psychological and physical challenges rather than just the technological wonders.
- Character Development: The show takes its time to develop each character, allowing the audience to understand their motivations and empathize with their struggles.
- Diversity: The cast is diverse, not just in terms of ethnicity but also in terms of backgrounds and personalities. This diversity adds depth to the narrative and makes the interactions more interesting.
- Moral Complexity: “Passengers” does not shy away from moral dilemmas. It forces characters and viewers to question what is right and wrong in extreme situations.
Notable Episodes
While every episode contributes to the overarching story, there are a few that stand out:
- Episode 3, “Lost and Found”: This episode delves into the backstories of some of the main characters, providing context for their actions and decisions.
- Episode 7, “Breaking Point”: Tensions reach a peak as resources dwindle, showcasing the best and worst of humanity.
- Episode 12, “New Horizons”: The season finale, which leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next season.
Impact on Viewers
“Passengers” has garnered a dedicated fanbase, thanks to its compelling storytelling and character development. It has sparked discussions on various online forums, with fans debating theories, character arcs, and potential plotlines for future seasons. The show has also been praised for its representation and handling of complex themes, making it a thought-provoking watch.
Conclusion
“Passengers” is a gem of a TV show that deserves more attention. It’s a testament to what good storytelling, strong character development, and a little bit of science fiction can achieve. Whether you’re a fan of space adventures or character-driven narratives, “Passengers” has something for everyone. It’s a series that challenges, entertains, and above all, connects with its audience on a human level. So if you haven’t watched it yet, it’s about time you did. And for those who have, the journey is far from over.