Russian Doll

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 1, 2019
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 352 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 289 out of 352
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 352
  3. Negative: 31 out of 352

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  1. surfmadpig
    Feb 3, 2019
    10
    To me, perfect. Visually excellent too, almost nostalgically NY.

    Will appeal to fans of existential comedies like Adaptation, Human Nature, The Good Place etc.
  2. gillie14
    Feb 18, 2019
    1
    This is an insufferable show that only vacuous LA or New York hipsters could enjoy. We so very much wanted to like it, but it is out of touch with reality and pretentious. A loser.
  3. GrantD243
    Mar 7, 2019
    6
    Russian Doll doesn't come off as a groundbreaking show by any means. The concept isn't anything we haven't seen before, and the execution of the story leaves much to be desired. It tries to be emotional, it tries to say something about loneliness and needing people, but it fails to do really anything of note.
  4. CharlieBrown8
    Feb 19, 2019
    1
    I'm stunned by this almost universal acclaim for this useless show. I made the mistake - against my better instincts- to sit through the entire pointless eight episodes, despite being already bored to death after the first episode. Unlikable characters all around, an unattractive world, and a story that doesn't go anywhere. The hype reviews made me think the good stuff must come in laterI'm stunned by this almost universal acclaim for this useless show. I made the mistake - against my better instincts- to sit through the entire pointless eight episodes, despite being already bored to death after the first episode. Unlikable characters all around, an unattractive world, and a story that doesn't go anywhere. The hype reviews made me think the good stuff must come in later episodes, but it never did. I want these four hours of my life back!… Expand
  5. treestand
    Feb 2, 2019
    9
    Sometimes it takes the entire universe folding in on itself for people to see themselves clearly. In that same vein, Russian Dolls' otherworldly (to avoid the word magical) realism becomes an electrically charged lens through which the viewer can directly plug-in to the characters of Nadia and Alan, who work as incredibly gratifying and poetic foils to one another. One of the mostSometimes it takes the entire universe folding in on itself for people to see themselves clearly. In that same vein, Russian Dolls' otherworldly (to avoid the word magical) realism becomes an electrically charged lens through which the viewer can directly plug-in to the characters of Nadia and Alan, who work as incredibly gratifying and poetic foils to one another. One of the most fulfilling and literary Netflix binges I've had since the words Netflix and binging became synonymous. My biggest worries about this genre of show is that the innate mystery in the concept is usually torn to pieces by a need to explain the reasoning of what is an inexplicable thing, and gladly, Russian Dolls does not weigh itself down in a search for answers and focuses on the characters and their ride. A joy from beginning to end, with few narrative hiccups along the way. 6 thumbs up.… Expand
  6. AthanasiosT
    Feb 11, 2019
    1
    Sorry, but it didn't work for me. Even though the "groundhog day" concept is appealing, I got bored from the first episode. Didn't like the characters, got tired from the dialogues and did not laugh at all.
  7. AbeFroman
    Feb 17, 2019
    1
    Unbearably pretentious and trite. Not the least bit funny. and wtf is up with Poehler's weird make-up (Amy I love you but this was a huge waste of your talents)!? Terribly over-rated.
  8. Heatsink
    Feb 9, 2019
    1
    Natasha Lyonne does an impression of Mel Brooks, and that's supposed to be her character in RUSSIAN DOLL. I couldn't make it through the first few episodes because it's boring, and the characters are so unlikable and/or pretentious that I just don't care about any of it. This show is labeled a comedy, but I couldn't find anything remotely funny in what I saw.
  9. shoulderoforion
    Feb 2, 2019
    7
    Good but short of great. Glad they were 8 half hour eps rather than killing us with 10 hour longs which would have done the same thing but bored me to death. Overall interesting, amusing and entertaining. The lower east side vibe rang more true than not, though the "rules" of the overall experience weren't ever clear, and the neat tie up at the end wasn't very satisfying at all. JustGood but short of great. Glad they were 8 half hour eps rather than killing us with 10 hour longs which would have done the same thing but bored me to death. Overall interesting, amusing and entertaining. The lower east side vibe rang more true than not, though the "rules" of the overall experience weren't ever clear, and the neat tie up at the end wasn't very satisfying at all. Just want to tell Natasha to ease up on the schtick a little sometimes, it's funny/quirky for the most part, but I'd just like to see her deliver ONE character who wasn't so committed to channeling Jackie Mason 24/7.… Expand
  10. WhiskeyStories
    Apr 7, 2019
    7
    On a most basic level, I'd say that your enjoyment of Russian Doll comes down to whether you like Natasha Lyonne or not. I very much do. Her neurotic character borders on becoming a caricature at times, which can get a little overbearing for some, but rarely did it bother me. I found her dialogue and charm too irresistible for that. While she is front and centre in the show, theOn a most basic level, I'd say that your enjoyment of Russian Doll comes down to whether you like Natasha Lyonne or not. I very much do. Her neurotic character borders on becoming a caricature at times, which can get a little overbearing for some, but rarely did it bother me. I found her dialogue and charm too irresistible for that. While she is front and centre in the show, the twisty-turny mystery plot is what makes and weighs Russian Doll down a bit. I would agree that redundancy is very much present throughout some of the episodes. Many scenes felt like just a little too repetitive or simply filler, without really furthering the plot (I'd say taking it down to 6 episodes would have hit the sweet spot), and the writing feels like it's a little too up its own ass with how clever it thinks it is at times, but it's mostly fine.

    I did love all the little easter eggs in the background though, and found the overall story intriguing and the way structure is tackled quite unique. There are some grade A performances: Lyonne is great, Barnett is fantastic (a real scene-stealer), Elizabeth Ashley as Ruth is wonderful, and I LOVED some of the side characters as well (Greta Lee, Rebecca Henderson, Jeremy Bobb).

    So all in all, it's a good show and I would definitely recommend it (with a few asterisks).    … Expand
  11. EFRAM
    Mar 14, 2019
    4
    So, I watched this series after seeing and hearing a lot of hype, and when I finally turned it on, hype was pretty much all I got. What was supposed to be the most interesting aspect of the series, i.e. the repeat of each moment to a further understanding of character and plot, became so unusually boring to me, that I dropped out in mid season. Groundhog day it is not, nor is it insightfulSo, I watched this series after seeing and hearing a lot of hype, and when I finally turned it on, hype was pretty much all I got. What was supposed to be the most interesting aspect of the series, i.e. the repeat of each moment to a further understanding of character and plot, became so unusually boring to me, that I dropped out in mid season. Groundhog day it is not, nor is it insightful to point of being more interesting than any other fare that Netflix throws against the wall.… Expand
  12. deadbank
    Mar 23, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's very little in this show with actual substance that is fully explored. Constantly, the characters are finding things out like that they're dying at the same time, or that time is behaving differently, or that the dude's first death was his killing himself, when ultimately they don't matter even a little bit. Why were they in the time loop (which is used in a totally unoriginal way here) to begin with? Why doesn't it at least try to answer that question?
    The cinematography, acting, etc are all perfectly fine, but everything else beyond that leaves much to be desired.    … Expand
  13. salatyel
    Jul 23, 2019
    10
    Natasha Lyonne is amazing in this show. They have succeeded in transforming a well-known premise of 'temporal prison' (as we can see in Groundhog Day) in something new, nice to watch. The cinematography is also amazing. One of the best series of the decade.
  14. d3adbeat
    Feb 18, 2019
    0
    I tried, I really did. But even after two episodes I still couldn't find a single reason to watch someone being dumb enough to kill herself 4 times walking down the stairs, insulting everyone around and generally being an absolutely intolerable ****. Not funny at all, just stupid and pretentious.
  15. Skeletor71
    Feb 3, 2019
    9
    I hadn't checked out any trailers. I just went on the title and a picture of the redhead from Orange is the New Black. Ended up binging it in one sitting. Worth checking out for the pretentious soundtrack alone. ;-)
  16. ifritforce
    Feb 2, 2019
    10
    A pesar que no es una idea original, vivir el mismo de forma recurrente, es una serie muy entretenida y gran personajes, el hecho que no sea pelicula y si serie deja desarollar mas la trama y el aue es vivir lo mismo siempre
  17. im_so_meta
    Feb 2, 2019
    9
    Great quirky take on the Groundhog day trope.
    The story has heart with good pacing, twists and turns, brilliant acting, and an excellent soundtrack.
    At only 4 hours for the whole series, its definitely worth a watch!
  18. PeterTroie
    Feb 9, 2019
    10
    Unbelievable great performance. Great script. Maybe the best Netflix production until now.
  19. dispencer187
    Feb 6, 2019
    8
    Definitely worth watching. I would say 7.5 instead of 8. The characters are shallow and narcissistic, but that makes the whole plot that much better. Kind of reminds me of a MA rated The Good Place.
  20. wantedtolikebut
    Feb 16, 2019
    1
    I turned it off at "cock-a-roach." "Russian Doll" is a pretentious, over-written, trite, badly-cast, cliche-ridden Groundhog Day clone. Unsympathetic lead actress with a phony Brooklyn accent, and a bad clone of a Maria Schneider, Last Tango in Paris hairstyle. I HATED this. One of the worst things I've ever seen on Netflix. Yes, I turned it off early. But it's THAT bad. Ugh!
  21. OlivierPiel
    Feb 3, 2019
    0
    All pretense and no real core. A totally inept rummaging on "life" in New Yawk. To draw characters to especially and desperately avoid clichés is itself the most clichéd thing i(Look,so cool, the "Russian" main character who is a master coder can speak Arabic an her drug dealer is Sikh)....maybe those writers should watch Woody Allen movies to avoid delivering some superficial New YawkAll pretense and no real core. A totally inept rummaging on "life" in New Yawk. To draw characters to especially and desperately avoid clichés is itself the most clichéd thing i(Look,so cool, the "Russian" main character who is a master coder can speak Arabic an her drug dealer is Sikh)....maybe those writers should watch Woody Allen movies to avoid delivering some superficial New Yawk life scene and find some heart and soul. Maybe this will impress teenagers in the Mid-West though....besides critics (who used to be teenagers in the Mid-West)… Expand
  22. TalulaGrey
    Feb 4, 2019
    3
    This is the summary here on Metacritic --> "Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) goes to a party as the guest of honor and ends up dead, only to awakens the next day and doing it all over again in this comedy co-created by Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland."

    How does someone, "only to awakens the next day"? No, not my kind of show. I didn't care for the atmosphere and that same awful song,    This is the summary here on Metacritic --> "Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) goes to a party as the guest of honor and ends up dead, only to awakens the next day and doing it all over again in this comedy co-created by Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland."

    How does someone, "only to awakens the next day"?

    No, not my kind of show. I didn't care for the atmosphere and that same awful song, lol. The chain-smoking ridiculousness of the main character was so completely over the top. Do people from New York really behave that way? Do they go to crappy parties with artsy, fartsy people? What a $hit $how. It's supposed to be a comedy but I never laughed. Not. One. Time.

    Lyonne, Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland, you guys suck and so does your show.    … Expand
  23. dogboy
    Feb 21, 2019
    0
    People giving this positive reviews must have very low standards for tv shows. I found this show painful to watch. The main character is extremely unlikeable and seems to be made of glass considering how easily she dies over and over. The show just doesn't go anywhere and is boring. Couldn't make it through the first season.
  24. EludiumQ36
    Mar 5, 2019
    6
    There's a certain conceit, a plot mechanism to Russian Doll that I'll try to disguise here, but other reviewers aren't so coy about it. It's interesting in ep1 but quickly tires in ep2 and I was like "are you serious?!" into ep3 but it finally expanded the storyline a bit. In fact, Nadia, our protagonist, finds another in a similar predicament so they try to figure things out. The next fewThere's a certain conceit, a plot mechanism to Russian Doll that I'll try to disguise here, but other reviewers aren't so coy about it. It's interesting in ep1 but quickly tires in ep2 and I was like "are you serious?!" into ep3 but it finally expanded the storyline a bit. In fact, Nadia, our protagonist, finds another in a similar predicament so they try to figure things out. The next few eps are mostly about meaningless encounters but some of it does tie to the end so don't dismiss it so quickly. Towards the end, things get really confusing since you're tossed into a blender of parallel lives and timelines like the Twilight Zone and the Outer Limits on steroids. And the very last scene of the final episode is like what?! I don't know about you but after I watch the conclusion of a series, I want to have a feeling of satisfaction and completion, not one of head-scratching and frustration.… Expand
  25. capt_morgan
    Feb 5, 2019
    8
    I love shows with quick and quirky dialogue but here at times it tends to be a bit over the top with the insults and rudeness. Three episodes in and comes true nature of the story, neurotic person(s) trying to find their humanity and way in morally corrupt world. Because of the quick pace and short length of the story telling makes the show very watchable.
  26. Maan
    Feb 12, 2019
    8
    The series is short, straightforward and fun to watch. You just want to watch it all at once. I really liked that it's short, because sometimes things get boring and tedious. Acting was great, also is the environment and not to forget, it's different! Worth a try. The ending was just a bit too blurry for me tho.. I want to give it a 7,5 if I could.
  27. Scoffingskeptic
    Feb 16, 2019
    9
    The show is a blatant rip-off of Groundhogs Day...until it's not.

    What saves and elevates Russian Doll from it's derivative concept is it's smart, funny writing, a good twist, and Natasha Lyonne's brilliant performance. Genuinely funny and interesting show that didn't overstay its welcome (only eight half-hour episodes.)
  28. TheGiorgiaShow
    Feb 3, 2019
    10
    This series has what it takes to be the best Netflix series of 2019. The story-line is pretty clear, the two main characters Nadia Volvokov (Natasha Lyonne) and Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett) work perfectly together and every single shot is visually pleasing. The show is the perfect union of comedy and drama, along with some mystery.
    A hundred thumbs up!
  29. Deadheadbill
    Feb 7, 2019
    0
    OMG the pretension in this show. I guess if you actually are a uptight, pretentious NY hipster then you may like this. I would rather stick needles in my eyes myself.
  30. matthewmirliani
    Feb 13, 2019
    8
    Russian Doll exists in a sweet spot between Black Mirror and The Good Place. It’s smart, genuinely funny, and surprising. Natasha Lyonne is superb in an Emmy-worthy performance, and the supporting cast is phenomenal as well.
  31. viroodiem
    Feb 10, 2019
    8
    In a TV landscape increasingly being drained of originality and unable to provoke much in the way of thought, this show is an interesting diversion of derivative concepts that came before it.

    Its strongest suit is the basic but well put together visual aesthetic. Lines are usually clean or very fitting on location set pieces. The acting is reasonably strong for the most part with its    In a TV landscape increasingly being drained of originality and unable to provoke much in the way of thought, this show is an interesting diversion of derivative concepts that came before it.

    Its strongest suit is the basic but well put together visual aesthetic. Lines are usually clean or very fitting on location set pieces.

    The acting is reasonably strong for the most part with its lead actress and her quirky New Yorker charm being its most endearing quality. Even if she is functionally unable to differentiate herself from her previous role of note on Netflix.

    The weakest element is the groundhog day repeating loop premise of the show that seeks to be a convoluted "inception" of doomed timelines that ultimately share little cohesiveness between each one and as such strangles any inventiveness the show might have hoped to have. Sadly nearly every major plot point was predictably telegraphed to the point of practically beating the viewer over the head with it.

    All in all it is an overall good effort. I would rate it a 7.5 but rounded up to reflect how poor the current TV landscape is in 2018-2019 season that sees what should otherwise amount to a filler TV series get upped to a show to look forward to potentially having a second season. Hopefully capitalizing on some of the darker themes and concepts that the second half of the first season flirted with.    … Expand
  32. theirrelephants
    May 2, 2019
    5
    I find myself agreeing with some of the other reviewers. Episode one was interesting, and after that it was just... why?

    Don't bother with this, just watch groundhog day instead.
  33. realziji
    Feb 24, 2019
    6
    honestly, it isn't interesting as i expected! but the theme was good and also nice music were in there! maybe you can think about trauma or mental disease through this contents!
  34. obrmao
    Apr 17, 2019
    6
    Slightly disappointing.

    There is a lot that can be said about a well-executed concept of a time loop and that was definitely falling on the weak side on the execution (Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow are the best in terms of televised experience).
    Still, an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
  35. bartiorama
    Feb 5, 2019
    10
    Under cover of great comedy is hidden deeply touching drama - its an art to build that kind of show and not being shallow, empty and boring - chapeau bas for creators. Construction and twists in the show made me feel impressed. Complete show - contains everything to entertain a viewer, made him think and made him feel. Very recommended - its a diamond.
  36. RaduA
    Feb 6, 2019
    8
    Very interesting ! I watched it in one day so, I can say I really enjoyed it !
  37. ClariseSamuels
    Feb 18, 2019
    10
    Russian Doll is a fascinating take on the theme from Groundhog Day. The 1993 film was straightforward and philosophically unambiguous as we watched the protagonist metamorphose into a morally improved individual, who finally ends the cycle of reliving the same day. Russian Doll is far more complex. The series’ protagonist, Nadia (Natasha Lyonne), is experiencing a lost weekend that is inRussian Doll is a fascinating take on the theme from Groundhog Day. The 1993 film was straightforward and philosophically unambiguous as we watched the protagonist metamorphose into a morally improved individual, who finally ends the cycle of reliving the same day. Russian Doll is far more complex. The series’ protagonist, Nadia (Natasha Lyonne), is experiencing a lost weekend that is in danger of becoming a wasted life. She drinks too much, takes too many illicit drugs, and she is rather coarse, vulgar, and sexually promiscuous. She has just ended a recent relationship with a nice guy who left his wife for her and whom she brutally cast off mostly out of boredom, impatience, and an egocentric quest to find herself no matter what the cost. Her saving grace is her strong bond with friends who have known her for many years, many of whom show up at her 36th birthday party being hosted by her best friend, Maxine (Greta Lee).

    The birthday party is the focal point of what amounts to a kind of black hole that plummets Nadia into a multiverse temporal loop that gets worse every time she is hurled back into the bathroom of Maxine’s apartment, where she is washing her face at the sink. In Episode 1, she leaves the party and gets distracted by finding her lost cat, Oatmeal, who is lounging in a city park. Running across the street to retrieve the cat, she gets run over by a taxi cab and finds herself a moment later washing her face again at the sink at Max’s party. Later she finds Oatmeal again, sits with the cat on a low wall along the river only to look down and see the cat has disappeared into thin air. Startled, she falls backward and drowns in the river; a moment later she’s at the sink again, always clearly remembering what has just transpired.

    In subsequent episodes, Nadia tries to grapple with the existential implications of her plight, as she experiences multiple deaths that send her right back to the bathroom sink, the party, and Max’s eternal sweet-birthday-baby greeting every time Nadia exits the bathroom. The framework of the story stays the same, yet it is constantly changing as the multiverse keeps sending a vicious message that all is not well—each iteration indicates that the world is deteriorating. Key items disappear, fruits and vegetables are rotting, interiors start to empty out, and then people start disappearing. Nadia is frantic to understand how to subvert the loop before she loses herself.

    The tension from one episode to the next is mesmerizing. The actors deliver some of the same lines repeatedly but always with a subtle twist that indicates small changes to the universe, and the sequence of events changes just enough to inspire hope that Nadia has exited the loop, but then she doesn’t. The plot has innumerable twists and turns, all intricately related, making it innovative, intriguing, and metaphysically complex. In the role of Nadia, Natasha Lyonne’s expressive face registers all of the subtle emotions of bewilderment, fear, and anxiety, as well as a resolute determination to save herself, as she slowly evolves into a new understanding of who she is.    … Expand
  38. michaelinperson
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    Near-perfect and absolutely brilliant. It's best watched when you're not in a 'normal' mood. That's the thing about this existentialist drama. If you choose to watch till the end, it's like you'll know everything after. If you don't, then you'll be forever oblivious, forever trapped in a time loop just like Nadia and Alan's alternative selves were in parallel universes.
  39. UncleWillard
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    I don't care for Natasshia Lyonne. I don't find her engaging at all. She comes off as some kind off as a female Columbo for me, so this show has to be phenomenal because I couldn't stop watching it. I was thoroughly engaged from the first episode despite her. I'd binge another season of this just because of how much I enjoyed the story. Plus, give me more of Greta Lee any day. Hey, can youI don't care for Natasshia Lyonne. I don't find her engaging at all. She comes off as some kind off as a female Columbo for me, so this show has to be phenomenal because I couldn't stop watching it. I was thoroughly engaged from the first episode despite her. I'd binge another season of this just because of how much I enjoyed the story. Plus, give me more of Greta Lee any day. Hey, can you do a second season with her instead? Maybe she's why I got the High Maintenance vibe off of it?… Expand
  40. Eman0221
    Feb 7, 2019
    7
    It's better and thankfully shorter than most of the original Netflix fare. That said, it's not as amazing as the critics are making it, as it suffers from the same problems as the other Netflix shows: great opening and ending, bad middle episodes. It's not at all like "Groundhog Day" like everyone is saying and is more like "Edge of Tomorrow" as far as a time loop triggered by dying, andIt's better and thankfully shorter than most of the original Netflix fare. That said, it's not as amazing as the critics are making it, as it suffers from the same problems as the other Netflix shows: great opening and ending, bad middle episodes. It's not at all like "Groundhog Day" like everyone is saying and is more like "Edge of Tomorrow" as far as a time loop triggered by dying, and the lead characters trying to figure out how to stop the time loop. It's definitely not for everyone, and if watching sassy native New Yorkers like Natasha Lyonne isn't your thing (as I can see from the other Metacritic reviews, it isn't), then you should pass on this one.… Expand
  41. Octomort
    Jul 20, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow! I will be deemed a hater and possible an anti-Semite for deeming to say something against NY; but Russian Doll is nothing more than trivial over indulgence by a clique of people with far more money than talent. I did watch all of it simply so I could say i did so in any review i gave. it is NY BS at its most patronising and over intellectualised irrelevance. It is just a Ground Hog day for the NY know it all set! It offers nothing other than a lesson in how much the world is about who you know not what you can do! And this particular waste of time, effort and money does nothing for heart mind or soul! I have worked in a Nobel winning research lab, have spent many years as a civil right free at source advocate and am retraining in physics, I am from a genuine low income blue collar background and yet have some quite high level of intelligence and reading, Russian Doll is nothing more than a hasty pseudo-intellectual hand job, which probably spent half it's budget on buying off professional reviewers.… Expand
  42. imthenoob
    Feb 28, 2019
    7
    There is a little bit of repetitiveness to it and I feel that it easily could have been an episode or two shorter just to address the pacing issues. Aside from that, It was a good show. Great performances and I liked the plot enough to keep going. It was a great show about people finally confronting their demons and learning how to let go.
  43. Mayfieldja
    Feb 18, 2019
    9
    Nasha Lyonne and Leslye Headland give us a real treat to kick off February. Lyonne is phenomenal as the cynical woman who can’t seem to stay alive and she is surrounded by a wonderfully absurd ensemble. This show is dark, twisted, and hilarious with a brilliant story arc.
  44. Joe_Friday
    Feb 18, 2019
    10
    A brilliant show that seems to have gone over the heads of the naysayers. As a famous man once said, "Clever things make people feel stupid, and unexpected things make them feel scared."
  45. Rainbow_Dazed
    Feb 25, 2019
    10
    I rarely give anything a 10 in my reviews, but this series just hit all the right notes for me. It seems to be dividing opinions, so it's definitely not for everyone, but it worked for me perfectly. I liked the main characters very much and the plot was excellent. Some of those who critique the series claim that the plot doesn't go anywhere. From my perspective it was constantly moving andI rarely give anything a 10 in my reviews, but this series just hit all the right notes for me. It seems to be dividing opinions, so it's definitely not for everyone, but it worked for me perfectly. I liked the main characters very much and the plot was excellent. Some of those who critique the series claim that the plot doesn't go anywhere. From my perspective it was constantly moving and a lot of character development happened in eight short episodes. I hope this series gets more seasons!… Expand
  46. sourmiloko
    May 13, 2019
    9
    I absolutely lovedt his show it was very original and unlike any other show that I have seen the acting was super fresh original and modern and I hope that more shows follow the originality of this show.
  47. JessicaRobyn
    Apr 20, 2019
    9
    Russian Doll is a surprisingly interesting take on the groundhog day trope that gives us the existential crisis we all deserve. The plot a lot more life affirming than I expected it to be and Charlie Barnett as Alan seriously knocked it out of the park. For such a short series, it is worth the binge watch.
  48. BioTofu
    Apr 8, 2019
    9
    Great show that I had a hard time to stop watching. Every episode had a nice twist at the end to make me want to binge it all in one go. an interesting take on the groundhog day mechanics. the character development was very endearing. The final episode twist was quite well done. Entertaining throughout with pretty good acting. i enjoyed the ending even though I can see how some might enjoyGreat show that I had a hard time to stop watching. Every episode had a nice twist at the end to make me want to binge it all in one go. an interesting take on the groundhog day mechanics. the character development was very endearing. The final episode twist was quite well done. Entertaining throughout with pretty good acting. i enjoyed the ending even though I can see how some might enjoy it less than i did. it did take more than 1 episode for this show to shine though.… Expand
  49. Bmccormick40
    May 6, 2019
    8
    One of those rare series where you're not sure where it's going with its conceit, but gets better and better when you start figuring out what it's trying to say. Where that building awareness might offer nothing more than diminishing returns in less-skilled hands, here it becomes the beating heart of this series. There are a lot of connective threads weaved throughout this show, but noneOne of those rare series where you're not sure where it's going with its conceit, but gets better and better when you start figuring out what it's trying to say. Where that building awareness might offer nothing more than diminishing returns in less-skilled hands, here it becomes the beating heart of this series. There are a lot of connective threads weaved throughout this show, but none more significant than the simple notion that we become better people because we make mistakes, and we'll make the same ones until we learn their lesson. If that makes Russian Doll sound even the least bit mawkish or trite, it's not.

    The show is a testament to how sabotage is more often than not self-inflicted, yet we're intrinsically unable to realize it until it's the only option left. There's plenty of pathos, but it's of the darkly comic sort. Even better, it has a point.

    I don't think it's a stretch to say that Natasha Lyonne, always a well-equipped and enjoyable actor, vaults into another echelon altogether here.    … Expand
  50. alejandro970
    Mar 7, 2019
    9
    A new focusing of Groundhog day. Escaping from certain death is the main rule of every episode and how did it , the viewer shall trace the full season, supported by witty dark humor.
  51. KeenWatcher
    Feb 19, 2019
    8
    Decent show, not as humorous as I thought it may have been. Inter-twines the themes and story well.
  52. xortim
    Mar 7, 2019
    9
    A little slow to start, but a really clever show with good acting, dialog and impressive continuity between deaths. I believe the vast majority of people that dislike this show simply don't like Natasha Lyonne or the whole NY thing. To me, this is just lazy. The few episodes it struggles to set itself apart from being a sideways version fo Groundhog Day, but then something in episode 3A little slow to start, but a really clever show with good acting, dialog and impressive continuity between deaths. I believe the vast majority of people that dislike this show simply don't like Natasha Lyonne or the whole NY thing. To me, this is just lazy. The few episodes it struggles to set itself apart from being a sideways version fo Groundhog Day, but then something in episode 3 happens and *boom* you're in. "Pure Natasha Lyonne swagger" as one reviewer put it is one of the main reasons this show succeeds and unfortunately is also why a lot of people don't give it the time of time.… Expand
  53. Markini
    Feb 21, 2019
    8
    Russian Doll is a dark comedy that turns serious at its peak. The writing is pretty on point and it throws a couple a plot twists to keep you guessing. Natasha Lyonne does a great job of portraying the jerk with the heart of gold trope.
  54. All_ButTrU4
    Mar 23, 2022
    8
    perfectly crushing sharp wit comedy, honestly worth your time. despite a repetive plight the way each cycle plays reveals more and more growing more concerning with each episode. leaving you with so many questions.
  55. ARGzelder
    Apr 20, 2019
    8
    Excelente producción de Netflix, Natasha Lyonne consigue hacerse con la pantalla al interpretar a un personaje que esta en un ciclo temporal que la lleva desde el inicio de su festejo en su fiesta de cumpleaños hasta su muerte.
    La historia va desentrama muchos personajes y situaciones que crean el camino de la protagonista, Nadia, a situaciones crudas y delirantes. Brindando un gran drama    Excelente producción de Netflix, Natasha Lyonne consigue hacerse con la pantalla al interpretar a un personaje que esta en un ciclo temporal que la lleva desde el inicio de su festejo en su fiesta de cumpleaños hasta su muerte.
    La historia va desentrama muchos personajes y situaciones que crean el camino de la protagonista, Nadia, a situaciones crudas y delirantes. Brindando un gran drama de misterio, con una comedia única y salvaje.
    Sin lugar a dudas la producción es una de las principales causantes de la aceptación de la serie, debido a que no se repara en gastos, cada escenario esta bien construido y mantiene una línea que aporta mucho a la historia, sin mencionar la contribución de los actores que aportan mucha personalidad.
    Si hay un negativo es que quizás la serie no sea para todo el mundo, el humor puede ser muy fuerte para cierta audiencia y es necesario un público que se comprometa a esperar qué es lo que sucede en la serie.
    Para mí es una serie que vale la pena ver, es original y no requiere de muchas horas para finalizarla. Solo por lo innovadora es una recomendable.    … Expand
  56. hyunji9327
    Feb 23, 2019
    7
    interesting and nice BGM. but too many similar scenes again! it makes me little bit tired! anyway its good
  57. rambo_BB
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    I created this account just to tell you this: If you haven't still watched this show, just do it.
    The show only being 8 episodes (25-30 min per episode) it's a bless. they don't waste your time and basically every episode struck the perfect balance between the dark humor carried by Nadias jokes (and death) and the hard hitting moments: the fear after her first death and her tragic    I created this account just to tell you this: If you haven't still watched this show, just do it.
    The show only being 8 episodes (25-30 min per episode) it's a bless. they don't waste your time and basically every episode struck the perfect balance between the dark humor carried by Nadias jokes (and death) and the hard hitting moments: the fear after her first death and her tragic backstory just to name a few

    The acting is great, Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) and Alan (Charlie Barnett) have a wonderful chemestry and the side character are no slouch either (Especially the homeless guy).

    The OST has some great tracks and the the are some truly great looking shot here and there (both lightning and directing wise).

    I think this has to be one of the best netflix shows, on par with Bojack Horseman, End F**'ing world and Master of None. Just give it a try, the twisted world of Nadia will both haunt AND fascinate you    … Expand
  58. Jamedris
    Apr 10, 2019
    9
    Visually stunning show with great female protagonist who likes cat, what's not to like? It's a good thing that there is only one season (for now) because the whole story has been told in a good pace. Great show available on Netflix.
  59. Erica120
    Apr 24, 2019
    10
    Such a refreshing take on an old premise! The short series early pulls you in.
  60. ArcanaThe4th
    May 25, 2019
    10
    A show off to a very strong start. With a deep and sincere look into its characters issues with a high-concept idea and some really dark comedy behind it, I hope the show keeps this up and Natasha Lyonne kills it as she spearheads this project in writing and acting.
  61. ColdplayerGabo
    Jun 4, 2019
    10
    Una de las series que ves y no la puedes dejar de ver. El inicio fue brutal.
  62. Lucio81
    Jul 16, 2019
    8
    I think this is one of the most original shows aired on Netflix in 2019. The story has a good pacing, acting is great, and with only eight half hour long episodes, there is never a dull moment.
  63. klzb3
    Jul 10, 2019
    7
    I LOVED this series when I finished it, but it didn't really click with me until a few episodes in, not sure why. I only slogged through the first couple episodes because I had heard form others that it was a great series — and they were right, in the end!
  64. MarshallCavalli
    Aug 15, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best shows on Netflix. GO WATCH IT! Natasha Lyonne is extremely entertaining to watch and very human as well.
  65. Pokemon19
    Feb 25, 2020
    9
    In short, I personally love it, but have it be known that it's not a Groundhog Day story in the slightest. Its depiction of our daily struggles, whether it be depression/childhood trauma or obsessive disorders, are absolutely striking and shrouded in layers upon layers of interpretation, but you need to finish the entire show in order to note that.c
  66. geewah
    Jul 22, 2022
    9
    One of Netflix's best shows. This existential, time-loop comedy is driven by the brilliant Natasha Lyonne as Nadia. A tour de force.
    ps. fantastic soundtrack as well
  67. drlowdon
    Aug 17, 2023
    8
    A young woman gets caught in a time loop following her 36th birthday party one night in New York City, every time she dies, she reawakens at the same moment at the party.

    The time loop premise is hardly original, but Russian Doll has enough tricks up its sleeve to ensure things never become predictable, and Natasha Lyonne (who also helped create the show) is excellent in the lead role.
  68. KatiKnitt
    May 7, 2023
    9
    "Russian Doll" season 1 was great and without spoiling anything, the end made me cry a little. Great storytelling! It looks like a modern Groundhog Day first, but builds on the idea and goes to some unexpected places later. My only criticism is that the show has small pacing issues, with the story taking a few episodes to take off.

    Season 2 turned out great as well.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best TV Season of 2019
11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
22
#22 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    Russian Doll ultimately has an uplifting message about life, death and the importance of human connection. Fans of Brooker-style contrarian technophobia will be underwhelmed. Everyone will be too busy having their cockles warmed to notice.
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  2. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    Russian Doll is an acquired taste. But do persist: there is such a fine, idiosyncratic, impressive show nested within.
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Michael Haigis
    Feb 4, 2019
    75
    While the resolution of her predicament is somewhat vague, it remains sweetly fulfilling, because, while the series deals in opaque supernaturalism, its protagonist is easy to root for as she fumbles toward happiness.
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