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KVN is a Russian humour TV show and competition where teams compete by giving funny answers to questions and showing prepared sketches. The programme was first aired by the First Soviet Channel on November 8, 1961. Eleven years later, in 1972, when few programmes were being broadcast live, Soviet...

KVN

TV Show TV-14 1961 1h 55m/ep 6.5 /10 Returning

A Central Television USSR Original

Where to Watch "KVN"

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Streaming availability last verified: February 03, 2026

About KVN

KVN mixes standup-style improv with planned sketches in a team-versus-team contest, where university squads and later professional troupes answer questions, riff on current events, and stage short comedic numbers. The format prizes quick wit, timing, and the chemistry between teammates, so episodes feel part game show, part variety hour. First broadcast in 1961, it was taken off air in 1972 after censors objected to improvised jokes that crossed political lines, then returned in 1986 during Perestroika with a renewed, more open atmosphere. Over decades KVN evolved into a platform for performers to sharpen material, test satire, and build audiences without a scripted storyline or a fixed ending.

KVN premiered on the First Soviet Channel on November 8, 1961. After the 1972 ban it was revived in 1986 amid Perestroika reforms, and Alexander Maslyakov became the longrunning host who helped guide its modern era.

KVN hasn't been the centerpiece of major international award campaigns, its recognition coming more from public popularity and career launches than from trophies. Many performers who started on KVN later earned national honors, but the show itself is better known for its cultural footprint than for prize cabinets.

The programme left a clear mark on Russian and post-Soviet entertainment. It helped launch generations of comedians, created regional leagues and amateur networks, and turned November 8 into an informal holiday celebrated by players and fans. Its sketches and competitive format influenced TV comedy styles across the region, and alumni often reappear in film, television, and political satire.

Critical and audience response is mixed but historically significant, with a 6.5/10 user score from a small pool of voters. Viewers praise the spontaneity and team dynamics while noting uneven quality between acts and eras. Central themes include improvisation, satire, teamwork, and the ongoing balance between humorous risk-taking and the boundaries set by politics and broadcast standards.

Details

Release Date: November 08, 1961
Episode Length: 1h 55m
Rating: TV-14
User Ratings: 17 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 52
Episodes: 332
Network: Central Television USSR, Channel One
Status: Returning Series
Genres: Family, Comedy, Talk
Country: Russia
Studio: AMIK +1 more
External Links: View on IMDB

Seasons (52 seasons, 332 episodes)

Season 1

7 episodes - 1961

Season 2

7 episodes - 1961

Season 3

1 episodes - 1963

Season 4

1 episodes - 1964

Season 5

1 episodes - 1965

Season 6

1 episodes - 1966

Season 7

1 episodes - 1967

Season 8

1 episodes - 1968

Season 9

1 episodes - 1969

Season 10

1 episodes - 1970

Season 11

1 episodes - 1971

Season 12

1 episodes - 1972

Season 13

1 episodes - 1986

Season 14

1 episodes - 1987

Season 15

1 episodes - 1988

Season 16

5 episodes - 1989

Season 17

7 episodes - 1990

Season 18

8 episodes - 1991

Season 19

10 episodes - 1992

Season 20

1 episodes - 1993

Season 21

1 episodes - 1994

Season 22

1 episodes - 1995

Season 24

1 episodes - 1996

Season 25

1 episodes - 1997

Season 26

1 episodes - 1998

Season 27

1 episodes - 1999

Season 28

1 episodes - 2000

Season 29

12 episodes - 2001

Season 30

1 episodes - 2003

Season 31

12 episodes - 2002

Season 32

1 episodes - 2004

Season 33

1 episodes - 2005

Season 34

1 episodes - 2006

Season 35

1 episodes - 2007

Season 36

12 episodes - 2008

Season 37

12 episodes - 2009

Season 38

12 episodes - 2010

Season 39

12 episodes - 2011

Season 40

13 episodes - 2012

Season 41

14 episodes - 2013

Season 42

13 episodes - 2014

Season 43

15 episodes - 2015

Season 44

4 episodes - 2016

Season 45

9 episodes - 2017

Season 46

15 episodes - 2018

Season 47

14 episodes - 2019

Season 48

14 episodes - 2020

Season 49

17 episodes - 2021

Season 50

16 episodes - 2022

Season 51

15 episodes - 2023

Season 52

15 episodes - 2024

Season 53

16 episodes - 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

KVN is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

KVN has 52 seasons with a total of 332 episodes.

With a rating of 6.5/10 from 17 viewers, KVN is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

KVN was released on November 08, 1961.

KVN is a Family, Comedy, and Talk series.

KVN is a Russian humour TV show and competition where teams compete by giving funny answers to questions and performing prepared sketches. The programme mixes improvised responses with staged comedy rounds, and it first aired on November 8, 1961.

In 1972 Soviet censors deemed the students' impromptu jokes offensive and anti-Soviet, so the show was banned. The ban lasted until the programme was revived during the Perestroika era.

KVN was revived in 1986 during the Perestroika era when cultural restrictions were relaxed, and Alexander Maslyakov became its host. Maslyakov has been closely associated with the show since that revival.

KVN has its own holiday on November 8, the show's birthday, and players celebrate it every year. The holiday was first widely celebrated in 2001 and continues to be marked annually by fans and participants.