Russian television network NTV is launching new seasons of two major crime drama series this autumn, with the eighth season of Nevsky premiering on September 28 and the third season of Tverskaya following on October 19. Both action-packed detective series will air in the evening slot at 20:00 as their lead characters confront new criminal investigations while dealing with the fallout of past decisions.
The upcoming eighth season of Nevsky follows the dramatic events of the seventh season, in which protagonist Pavel Semenov, played by Anton Vasilev, was promoted to lieutenant colonel before being transferred to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs alongside Andrey Mikhailov, played by Andrey Gulnev. While continuing his long-running battle against the Architect criminal network, Semenov faced threats to his family and surrendered to law enforcement to protect his son. However, Semenov suffered fatal injuries during his arrest and was officially declared dead, leading his wife Tatyana Belova, played by Viktoriya Maslova, to flee Russia after surviving an assassination attempt and an investigation by the Federal Security Service. Belova sought refuge on a remote island with criminal figure Foma, played by Dmitriy Palamarchuk.
Nevsky is a major Russian television police procedural set in St. Petersburg that focuses on the ongoing struggle between law enforcement officers and complex criminal organizations operating across the city.
Reflecting on the central dynamic of the show, Palamarchuk said that screenwriter Andrey Tumarkin crafted a compelling narrative centered on two main figures positioned on opposite sides of the law, with one representing the police force and the other the criminal underworld. Palamarchuk noted that despite the circumstances that continually pit them against one another, the two characters remain bound by a deep friendship and mutual loyalty, adding that he believes this enduring bond is the primary reason viewers continue to follow the project.
In the new season, General Kondratev, played by Andrey Korovnichenko, returns to his former post, igniting a fresh conflict with Colonel Andrey Mikhailov and Colonel Yuriy Okunko, played by Nikolay Gorshkov. At the same time, a series of brutal crimes shakes St. Petersburg, but investigators are unable to identify the killer. After obtaining operational intelligence regarding the suspect's location, Mikhailov attempts to make the arrest personally, only to walk into a deadly trap.
Discussing his role in the new episodes, Gulnev said that the season will show how Mikhailov copes with the pivotal events that have transformed his life while retaining the reflective character traits that audiences appreciate. Gulnev added that despite holding a high-ranking position in public service as a department chief, Mikhailov maintains humanity, compassion, and love in his heart. Although these personal qualities often run counter to police service, Gulnev noted that they surprisingly assist Mikhailov during crucial moments.
Meanwhile, investigators from the Federal Security Service are nearing the conclusion of their case against the Architect syndicate. Although every member of the criminal group has been identified, FSB investigators remain convinced that unresolved questions remain that can only be answered by Semenov and Belova. The FSB launches a search for Belova, unaware of the hidden secrets contained within the Architect's legacy or the far-reaching consequences that the struggle over it will cause.
Director Denis Neymand described the central theme of the eighth season as retribution for the past and the price of personal choices. Neymand stated that every action carries consequences in the new storyline, forcing the characters to address the legacy left behind by the Architect and answer not only for their own errors but also for the actions of their loved ones. Neymand also highlighted the role of St. Petersburg itself, noting that filming takes place on location across the real city and that Nevsky Prospect has effectively become an independent character in the drama.
Moscow Setting and Plot Developments in Tverskaya
On October 19, NTV will shift its autumn line-up from St. Petersburg to Moscow for the third season of Tverskaya, which begins two years after the conclusion of the second season. Main character Ivan Sobolev, played by Ivan Kolesnikov, returns to the capital after resolving the circumstances surrounding the death of his parents and subsequently leaving Moscow.
While Sobolev's former colleagues investigate a high-profile murder, Sobolev works independently to track down a dangerous gang of touring robbers. The investigation reveals that the criminal ring operates under the protection of an influential general and officers from a specialized unit within the operational search department. As Sobolev searches for the high-ranking official directing the operations, his suspicions unexpectedly fall on the father of his former lover Luiza, played by Lukerya Ilyashenko.
Kolesnikov said that Sobolev's return to Moscow is driven by an overarching storyline connected to his friend, alongside major developments in his personal life. Kolesnikov explained that Sobolev's former partner chose not to follow him north and remained in the capital, leading to a new romantic relationship for Sobolev upon his return, though the actor declined to share further details to avoid spoiling the plot.
The creators of Tverskaya promise to expand the roles of other key team members in the new season. Actor Aleksandr Krasovskiy said the central characters will gain greater depth, supported by new figures and frequent plot twists. Krasovskiy added that his own character, Bondarev, will remain stable and faithful to his principles, describing Bondarev as a fair man who promotes traditional values.
Actor Kirill Zaporozhskiy said that the storyline for his character Lazarev will feature more romantic episodes, though new investigations and professional duties remain central to the narrative. Zaporozhskiy noted that Lazarev receives increased authority and trust with each passing season, while continuing to struggle against internal passions, including a persistent weakness for women.
Real-Life Inspiration and Production Details
Like St. Petersburg in Nevsky, Moscow functions as a full character throughout Tverskaya. Filming for the third season took place across historic Moscow locations, including Tverskaya Street, the Arbat, Manezhnaya Square, Prechistenka, Ostozhenka, and surrounding alleyways. Director Sergey Krasnov said that these real urban settings play a key role in shaping the atmosphere of the series.
Screenwriter Aleksandr Samoylov said that the writing team relied on the real-life experiences of former police officers and crime journalists when developing the scripts, adding that several storylines were inspired by actual criminal cases and contemporary law enforcement reports.
Creative producer Nataliya Ivanova described Tverskaya as a story primarily centered on good people and male friendship, comparing the four lead characters to reckless musketeers guided by a one-for-all principle. Ivanova added that as the project matures alongside its characters, past choices exert a stronger influence on present events, but friendship, honesty, justice, and a willingness to help remain the core foundation of the series.
