The Teachers

Sergei, the father of Masha and Tanya, holds the high post of Deputy Minister for Education and constantly sees new women—some of whom are the same age as his own daughters. His youngest daughter, Masha, is a school teacher and an idealist. She is categorically against her father helping her with her career, and wants to reach success on her own. His older daughter, Tatiana, works in an institute and is happy use her father’s connections to get ahead. She also has no qualms about accepting bribes from the parents of her lazier students. Pushing boundaries to their limits, she embarks on a string of affairs with various men, as if to fill the emptiness inside herself.

Directed by Ilya Kulikov, The Teachers leans on a strong ensemble — Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Irina Starshenbaum, Anna Kotova — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2019.