Poor Nastya

Poor Nastya is a Russian telenovela set in the 19th century empire where power, romance and social intrigue collide in grand salons and provincial estates alike. The story tracks a young woman pulled into a world ruled by rank, obligation and shifting loyalties, where appearances hide complex motives and alliances are constantly redefined. Aired on STS from October 31 2003 to April 30 2004, the series immerses viewers in a lush aristocratic milieu, with lavish costumes, opulent sets and escalating conflicts that unfold across many episodes. It presents a panoramic view of a society steeped in protocol while centering on intimate emotional stakes. The drama balances sweeping historical detail with character driven moments that keep the pace engaging for viewers.

Directed by a group of Russian filmmakers, Poor Nastya aired on STS from October 31 2003 to April 30 2004. It was developed by Yelena Isayeva, Irina Pivovarova and Sergey Kaluzhanov and featured a large ensemble aimed at bringing imperial era life to the screen, backed by a then record budget.

Its international reach became a notable talking point for Russian TV at the time. After premiering in Russia, Poor Nastya was sold to and broadcast in Ukraine, China, Israel, Serbia, Georgia, Greece, Bulgaria and more than twenty other countries, helping to popularize a modern serialized drama with aristocratic settings and a taste for opulence.

Critical and audience responses were mixed, reflected in a 4.1 out of 10 average from 10 votes. The show leans into palace intrigue, romance and class constraints, exploring how duty and desire clash in a rigid society while still delivering melodramatic beats that kept viewers engaged, especially fans of costume drama and serialized storytelling.

Box office figures don't apply to a television series like Poor Nastya, so there are no worldwide box office numbers to report for cinema release anywhere today.