The Territory

Victor Gromov used to be Moscow's feared crime boss, nicknamed the Butcher, but he chose a quieter life tending a small farm. When a quartet of old associates arrives with a blunt request to stash the mafia’s shared fund in an offshore account, he agrees reluctantly. Months later, on the day he is meant to hand over the money, a freak accident, a falling billboard, knocks him unconscious and he loses access to the password. With hunters on his tail and his old life pressing in, he hides in a freight train boxcar. The escape lands him far from home in a remote northern town where the local rules are stiff and leaving again proves harder than it looks, and the stakes feel personal as two very different worlds collide.

This 2019 Russian comedy features Mikhail Porechenkov as Victor Gromov, with Ivan Okhlobystin and Katerina Shpitsa in supporting turns. The series blends dry humor with crime past and rural life, leaning on crisp dialogue, careful pacing, and a strong sense of place that gives the northern town atmosphere its own character. Production values are solid, with tight framing and a deliberate use of the stark winter landscape that heightens the tension and the comedy alike.

Critics note a fusion of noir mood with offbeat humor that examines loyalty, aging, and starting over after a fall from power. The tone oscillates between tense, dangerous moments and droll misdirection, using the clash of a hardened ex gangster with a wary provincial community to probe memory, resilience, and what home means. Viewers who enjoy character driven plots will appreciate the evolving dynamic between Victor and the town, and the way small town quirks sharpen the jokes without softening the danger.

The Territory has a modest footprint beyond Russia, appealing to viewers who enjoy grit with a soft heart and bright, precise dialogue. It hasn't produced viral moments, but its strong ensemble, regional flavor, and willingness to mix danger with everyday life have sparked discussion among fans of unconventional crime comedies.

There are no widely reported major nominations or wins for this series. It isn't a marquee awards magnet, but its performances and unusual premise have earned it a quiet niche following within the Russian television landscape.