The Sniffer

A detective with an extraordinary sense of smell turns odors into evidence, picking up faint traces that point to suspects, locations, and motives. Cases unfold as he tracks subtle scent patterns and reconstructs events others dismiss, so investigations feel like careful puzzles assembled from nonvisual clues. The gift gives him a clear edge on complex crimes, but it also intrudes on ordinary life, making crowded places exhausting and private moments fraught. Episodes balance procedural puzzles with quiet scenes about trust, relationships, and the strain of living with a relentless sensory talent, showing how success at work can leave personal ties frayed without revealing any major surprises about outcomes.

Released in 2013, the series was created by Andrey Babik and directed by Artem Lytvynenko, featuring Ivan Oganesyan, Kirill Käro, Nina Gogaeva, and Nikolay Chindyaykin among the main cast.

There are no major international awards recorded for the show. While it attracted attention in its home markets and among mystery viewers, it did not rack up high-profile prizes or widely publicized festival trophies.

The Sniffer became known for its unusual procedural hook, and it found a steady online audience that enjoys talking about scent-based detection. Signature scenes where smell reveals hidden details tend to be shared by fans, and the series is often mentioned in conversations about inventive, sensory-driven approaches to crime storytelling.

The series holds a 7.5/10 average from 179 votes, reflecting steady viewer appreciation. Critics and audiences praised the lead performances and the fresh investigative angle, while some pointed out uneven pacing in places. Recurring themes include isolation that comes with a rare ability, the moral gray areas of using that talent in police work, and the personal cost of solving crimes that others cannot sense.