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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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!
  11. ColdplayerGabo
    Jun 4, 2019
    10
    Una de las series que ves y no la puedes dejar de ver. El inicio fue brutal.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. Erica120
    Apr 24, 2019
    10
    Such a refreshing take on an old premise! The short series early pulls you in.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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

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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.
    Read full review
  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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