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The Optimists

Season 1
The Optimists is a Russian spy drama series that brings a 1960's "Mad Men" aesthetic to the Nikita Khrushchev-era, set during peak Cold War. The show opens during the 1959 American National Exhibition in Sokolniki and continues to unravel the Russian and American acts of espionage and the personal lives affected by the fragile geopolitical picture.
201713 episodes13+
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Episode 1

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    April 28, 2017
    1 h 13 min
    13+
    1960. The Information and Analytical Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created by Ruta Karlovna Blomane, is assigned a new chief. Grigory Biryukov previously worked at the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPSU, and his arrival raises questions among the young employees.
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  2. S1 E2 - Episode 2

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    May 5, 2017
    51min
    13+
    Biryukov is trying to find support from his patron, Head of the International Department of the CPSU Central Committee Vareinikov. But he considers the game of his protégés to be too dangerous and advises them to "sit quietly." The IAG is preparing for a reception on building relations with Cuba.
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  3. S1 E3 - Episode 3

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    May 10, 2017
    53min
    13+
    At the cinema, Muratov secretly meets with a French producer. Biryukov raises the stakes again - the department, which has just changed the course of history, should not engage in ordinary routine work. Soon there will be a four-sided summit in Paris, and it is important for the Soviets to get a reliable ally.
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  4. S1 E4 - Episode 4

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    May 17, 2017
    49min
    13+
    Biryukov and Ruta are in Paris as part of the Soviet delegation. Everyone is waiting for the results of the negotiations. Biryukov meets German journalist Gaby Goetz, with whom he had an affair many years ago.
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  5. S1 E5 - Episode 5

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    May 26, 2017
    52min
    13+
    The Americans rescued Soviet sailors who have been lost at sea for 49 days. Biryukov receives a task - IAH must figure out how to calm the Western press. Shuiko suggests that this will be presented as a great victory for the Americans.
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  6. S1 E6 - Episode 6

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    May 31, 2017
    44min
    13+
    Ruta agreed with the Izvestia correspondent that he would do an interview with Bykov. She sees that something is happening to her husband. At the hippodrome, Muratov introduces his comrades to fartschik Ilya. That tells them the "correct" horse.
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  7. S1 E7 - Episode 7

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    June 7, 2017
    53min
    13+
    Ruta is waiting in the hospital when Bykov's operation is over. She tells the investigators that it was an accident - her husband was cleaning his weapon. A satellite flight with two dogs will take place soon. Ruta proposes to follow the line of the Western press and to properly convey emotions. The flight of dogs must be properly presented to the press.
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  8. S1 E8 - Episode 8

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    June 14, 2017
    51min
    13+
    Vareinikov asks Biryukov to influence his former mistress, German journalist Gabi Goetz. According to the authorities, she is in to Moscow to talk about the new novel about the Stalinist migration. Gabi gives Biryukov the manuscript and says that after reading, he will change his mind. Biryukov warns Goetz that she is in trouble.
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  9. S1 E9 - Episode 9

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    June 23, 2017
    53min
    13+
    Golub takes the initiative at a meeting of the Soviet leadership with the Chinese comrades, and now he is charged with coming up with a new gift for Khrushchev's visit to America. Pokrovsky comes to Galina with the request to urgently destroy the manuscript of his poems.
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  10. S1 E10 - Episode 10

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    June 28, 2017
    53min
    13+
    Biryukov takes Anya to kindergarten and meets her teacher, Lena. Ruta is going out of town and giving the last instructions to Bykov. At a diplomatic, the group organizes a barbecue for their American counterparts. Marika, an American of Hungarian descent, finds out that Biryukov worked in her homeland.
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  11. S1 E11 - Episode 11

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    July 5, 2017
    44min
    13+
    The scientist, whom Golub helped to go abroad, is seeking political asylum. Vareinikov organizes a conspiracy. He and other members of the Central Committee of KPSP are going to overthrow Khrushchev. He needs the help of Biryukov, and he calls him to hunt. Galina is worried about the gap with Biryukov.
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  12. S1 E12 - Episode 12

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    July 12, 2017
    50min
    13+
    Ilya is arrested in Cranes. Everyone is surprised that Ruta went to work. Golub brings Klava home to introduce her to her parents. Golub is arrested after Ilya.
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  13. S1 E13 - Episode 13

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    July 19, 2017
    45min
    13+
    Ruta suspects Biryukov of treason. Golub decides to return Klava. Ruta and Biryukov, with the help of Boris, warn Khrushchev of the impending coup. Korneev meets with US agent Casey.
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Details

More info

Content advisory

Violencesmokingsexual content

Subtitles

None available

Directors

Aleksey Popogrebskiy

Producers

Valeriy TodorovskiyAnton Zlatopolskiy

Cast

Vladimir VdovichenkovSeverija JanusauskaiteRinal MukhametovYuriy KuznetsovEgor KoreshkovViktoriya IsakovaAleksandr Feklistov

Studio

Janson Media
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