13 Russian series about the police: from Soviet classics to modern comedies

This list includes series about the police and about the police. Because the name change does not affect the profession itself.

13. Streets of broken lights

• Russia, 1998–2017.
• Crime detective.
• Duration: 16 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 6.6.

The series tells about the everyday life of the Petrograd police department of St. Petersburg. Employees and management investigate cases and counter the dominance of crime. But it turns out that even in such a gloomy work there is a place for humor.

"Streets of Broken Lanterns" can be safely called one of the main Russian TV series late 90s. The first seasons were very fond of the audience and eventually dispersed into quotes. But after 2005, almost the entire cast changed in the series, and the project began to lose its audience.

12. Experts are investigating

• USSR, 1971-1989.
• Detective drama.
• Duration: 1 season.
• KinoPoisk: 7.2.

Investigator Znamensky, Criminal Investigation Inspector Tomin and forensic expert Kibrit (of their surnames and the word “ZnatoKi” is formed) catch speculators and counterfeiters and even investigate murders. Their cooperation and friendship last for many years.

"The investigation is conducted by Connoisseurs" was created at the initiative of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the USSR in order to show the viewer a humane image of a policeman. In the series, there are practically no shootouts with bandits or chases, and the work of the main characters is shown as it was in reality: long conversations and endless paperwork in the office.

11. destructive force

• Russia, 2000–2005.
• Detective, comedy, drama.
• Duration: 6 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 7.4.

Employees of the homicide department of one of the districts of St. Petersburg are investigating all kinds of cases and even fighting against an organized crime. The main characters Igor Plakhov and Vasily Rogov cooperate with Anatoly Dukalis, who is transferred to them for reinforcement.

The series originated as a spin-off of Streets of Broken Lights and was often criticized for its second nature to some ideas. But there are several important differences in Lethal Force: the project is filmed with better quality, the plots look more diverse. And it was thanks to this series that many viewers recognized the actor Konstantin Khabensky.

10. Plot

• Russia, 2003.
• Comedy, crime.
• Duration: 1 season.
• KinoPoisk: 7.8.

Modest and executive police lieutenant Pavel Kravtsov receives the position of a district police officer in the quiet village of Anisovka. Of course, not much happens here, because all the locals know each other. Therefore, the policeman investigates the simplest cases.

This series is worth watching for those who are tired of stories about the showdown between the police and bandits. The main character, performed by Sergei Bezrukov, always behaves politely, and he works in a quiet village environment.

9. Capercaillie

• Russia, 2008–2011.
• Detective comedy.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 7.9.

Investigator Sergei Glukharev serves in the Pyatnitsky Department of the Interior. He is friends with the district traffic police officer Denis Antoshin and meets with his boss Irina Zimina. Heroes have to work for low wages and in extremely cramped conditions. But they do not lose their presence of mind.

In addition to the three seasons of the main project, the full-length continuation of the Capercaillie in the Cinema was released, as well as several spin-offs: the films of the Department cycle and the series Pyatnitsky and Karpov.

8. born of revolution

• USSR, 1974–1977.
• Adventure, detective, historical.
• Duration: 1 season.
• KinoPoisk: 8.0.

In 1917, a factory worker, Nikolai Kondratyev, went to work in the criminal investigation department. Over the years, he manages to rise to the rank of lieutenant general and solve many crimes.

The action of the series stretches over years: it begins after the revolution and ends after 50 years. Thus, the plot shows not only the fate of the protagonist, but also important events in the life of the country.

7. Policeman from Rublyovka

• Russia, 2016–2020.
• Comedy, crime, drama.
• Duration: 5 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 8.0.

The first seasons of the series are dedicated to policeman Grigory Izmailov. He works in an elite area and often exceeds his authority. The plot later switches to his boss, Vladimir Yakovlev.

Over the years of release in this series about the police, the main characters and even the scene have changed. And in parallel to the main project, several feature films were released.

6. Cop Wars

• Russia, 2005–2018.
• Detective drama.
• Duration: 11 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 8.1.

Major Roman Shilov is appointed acting head of the criminal investigation department. In the first season, a man tries to catch a crime boss, but finds out that he is connected with the corrupt elite of the police department.

Unlike many long-running series here the main character does not change throughout all 11 seasons. Although some viewers are more fond of his partner, nicknamed Jackson. But, alas, he did not appear in the last season.

5. Method

• Russia, 2015–2021.
• Detective, thriller, crime.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 8.1.

A graduate of the law faculty, Yesenia Steklova, goes on an internship with investigator Rodion Meglin. That calculates maniacstrying to understand their way of thinking. In fact, the girl hopes that the mentor will help her find the killer of her parents.

The first season of the series was directed by the famous Yuri Bykov. This story seemed like a complete story. However, six years later, another director released a sequel, showing a very strange twist. The second season, the audience took already cooler.

4. Sword

• Russia, 2009–2015.
• Detective, militant.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 8.2.

The former commander of the reconnaissance company of the Airborne Forces, Maxim Kalinin, goes to work in the department for combating organized crime. But he soon realizes that all the bosses are connected with the bandits and it is impossible to legally deal with crime. Then Kalinin creates a punitive group "Sword", which will punish the villains on their own.

The main problem of this project about the police is the low budget. "The Sword" cannot boast of coolly staged action and beautiful shooting. But a significant part of the shortcomings is compensated by the boldness of the idea, which is unusual for Russian serials.

3. Major

• Russia, 2014 - present.
• Detective drama.
• Duration: 4 seasons.
• KinoPoisk: 8.3.

The son of an oligarch, Igor Sokolovsky, trained as a lawyer, but was not going to work. After a fight with a policeman, his father sends him to serve in the police department, where a new employee is not welcome. However, this service will change Igor's character.

The plot of the series cannot boast of special originality, but "Major" instantly fell in love with the audience. And not only in our country: he became the first Russian projectbought by Netflix to show.

2. liquidation

• Russia, 2007
• Detective, crime, military.
• Duration: 1 season.
• KinoPoisk: 8.5.

Post-war Odessa was filled with bandits and marauders. The most dangerous among them are organized criminals who, under the leadership of the mysterious Academician, are robbing military warehouses. The witty Lieutenant Colonel of the Criminal Investigation Department David Markovich Gotsman is trying to figure out the case.

In addition to an interesting detective story, "Liquidation" captivated the audience with an abundance of Odessa humor and catchphrases. They also contrast interestingly with the gloomy base.

1. Meeting place can not be Changed

• USSR, 1979.
• Crime, drama, detective.
• Duration: 5 episodes.
• KinoPoisk: 8.9.

Retired officer Vladimir Sharapov after the war gets a job in the criminal investigation department. He works under the direction of Captain Zheglov, whose methods raise many questions for a beginner. Together they have to catch a gang of robbers "Black Cat".

Initially, the party leadership did not really want Vladimir Vysotsky to play the role of Zheglov. But director Stanislav Govorukhin cunningly achieved his appointment. And it was largely thanks to this actor that “The meeting place cannot be changed” turned out to be so popular.

What Russian series about the police do you like?