Channel logo

KGB: The Sword and the Shield

Season 1
Russia, the largest country on earth. Misunderstood by many and feared by even more. For the past century, Russian history has also been the history of its security services. They were used by the Soviet state to crush dissent. Millions suffered at their hands.
20223 episodes13+
Freevee (with ads)

Prime membership required

Terms apply

Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Episode 1
    Watch on supported devices
    March 23, 2022
    52min
    13+
    Set up as a 'temporary' measure by Lenin shortly after the revolution, the early years of the KGB soon became synonymous with mass executions during the Red Terror of the early 1920s, when over 100,000 people faced firing squads or other, less subtle, ends such as being rounded up and marched in chains onto boats which were then sunk.
    Freevee (with ads)
  2. S1 E2 - Episode 2
    Watch on supported devices
    March 23, 2022
    52min
    13+
    By August 1949, at least five years earlier than expected, the USSR became the world's second superpower, thanks to its spies who had stolen America's atomic secrets. But by March 1953, Stalin is dead and KGB chief, Lavrentiy Beria, wants to run the Soviet Union. But Nikita Kruschev has Beria is arrested, tried in secret for working with the enemy, and executed.
    Freevee (with ads)
  3. S1 E3 - Episode 3
    Watch on supported devices
    March 23, 2022
    52min
    13+
    Coup d'etats, assassinations, sex scandals, radioactive poisoning - it's the stuff of a James Bond movie. But in today's Russia, this is all very real.
    Freevee (with ads)

Details

More info

Content advisory
Flashing lights
Subtitles
None available
Directors
Jamie Doran
Studio
ZDFE
By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use.