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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User Reviews

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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.

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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