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. 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."
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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!
  9. PeterTroie
    Feb 9, 2019
    10
    Unbelievable great performance. Great script. Maybe the best Netflix production until now.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Erica120
    Apr 24, 2019
    10
    Such a refreshing take on an old premise! The short series early pulls you in.
  13. 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.
  14. ColdplayerGabo
    Jun 4, 2019
    10
    Una de las series que ves y no la puedes dejar de ver. El inicio fue brutal.
  15. 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.
  16. 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. ;-)
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.)
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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.
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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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