Having seen just the first episode, this is endearing and very funny. Zelensky is an engaging, human and funny man. A schoolteacher becomes president. And now, in turn the comedian becomes president, for real... and one of the bravest leaders in modern times. The strangeness of seeing him on screen in this role and comparing that to the heart wrenching statements shown on every newschannel in the free world is unimaginable but for the fact that it is horribly real. The world is facing such peril, the like of which has not been seen since 1945, yet this TV comedy, in a language unfathomable to most western ears brings humanity and hope, through a man destined to go down in history as both comedian and hero.
34 Reviews
Brilliant campaigning disguised as TV show
nhunka4429 April 2019
Such a light-hearted comedy. I am a big fan of Parks and Rec (another top-rated political comedy) but Servant of the People has replaced it as my favorite in the genre. The show must have been pivotal in getting the main actor elected as president of Ukraine IRL in 2019.
The show gives great insight into Ukraine's pains and worries about the rampant corruption. I was born and raised in Ukraine and watching the show from the U.S. brings nostalgia and inspires hope that one day I can return into a truly free country.
The show gives great insight into Ukraine's pains and worries about the rampant corruption. I was born and raised in Ukraine and watching the show from the U.S. brings nostalgia and inspires hope that one day I can return into a truly free country.
Pretty good even without the historical context
vadim-berman3 April 2022
Watching the series while the war is raging in Ukraine and its lead is playing a larger than life role in tectonic real-world events is surreal. But the series is pretty good in its own right.
By now, everyone knows the premise: an honest high-school history teacher Vasyl Holoborodko becomes a president through a series of improbable events (at least, back then it would be deemed improbable...). He tries to get things done in a ridiculously corrupt system, despite the odds.
There are several aspects that set Servant of the People apart from numerous "outsider fixes the system" movies though. The makers are brave enough to avoid the usual "simple folks are saints" or "power corrupts" tropes. Many of these simple folk, when given a chance, steal as much (or more) than their predecessors. At one point, Holoborodko makes an impassionate speech about how the innocent and well-meaning children step by step turn into corrupt and indifferent "khokhols" littering and corrupting and sending their own children abroad because everything is already littered and corrupted.
(Speaking of which: the Netflix translation is, put it this way, sanitised. There are homophobic and nationalistic slurs used, even though in a context that is not necessarily homophobic or nationalistic.)
Holoborodko himself does not always win, and makes silly gaffes, sometimes with disastrous consequences. His decisions are not always wise, like assigning his less than bright childhood friend to become a foreign minister.
The rest of the presidential team is played by other members of Kvartal 95, the Monty Python-esque Ukrainian comedy troupe that was headed by Zelenskyy before his ascent to politics in real life. They are okayish but aren't that interesting except Yevhen Koshovy cast as a bumbling foreign minister.
Among the supporting cast, Stanislav Boklan as Yuriy Chuyko is a standout. He is very much a Ukrainian version of Sir Humphrey Appleby from Yes Minister / Yes Prime Minister, an experienced, cynical, and corrupt veteran of Ukrainian politics playing by corrupt rules.
The nameless three oligarchs are the weakest part. It's like Kvartal 95 spent 3 seconds thinking them through. They either eat super-high-fibre food, drink champagne, or play Monopoly. When they talk to their fixers and henchmen, it's always either while eating or playing Monopoly. It's like the super-rich are stuck in a weird Groundhog Day.
Interestingly enough, Russia is looming in the background but does not prominently feature in the series, even though it was already after Crimea and Donbas. (Apart from the famous "Putin Hublot" joke, the part when he yells "Putin got overthrown!" to gain attention, and the hilarious conversation with Ivan the Terrible.) The main beef of Holoborodko is with the corruption and the mentality perpetuating it, not with anyone else.
Common comedic tropes are there but executed well. There's a pretty good "Hangover"-inspired chapter, the mismatched couples like the minister of foreign affairs and his aide, and Holoborodko's own dysfunctional family.
The lack of knowledge about overseas kinda weirded me out (folks, masala chai is delicious, Indians comfortably deal with foreigners in their foreign terms, and not everyone is transgender in the Netherlands!), but these are very minor bits.
The underlying message is that the change is hard but not impossible. That there are, after all, principled and honest people who know what they're doing and try to get things done. And if Ukraine and Zelenskyy manage to pull through the hellish ordeal Ukraine is going through now, Sluga narodu will be one of the greatest stories ever told.
Slava Ukraini!
By now, everyone knows the premise: an honest high-school history teacher Vasyl Holoborodko becomes a president through a series of improbable events (at least, back then it would be deemed improbable...). He tries to get things done in a ridiculously corrupt system, despite the odds.
There are several aspects that set Servant of the People apart from numerous "outsider fixes the system" movies though. The makers are brave enough to avoid the usual "simple folks are saints" or "power corrupts" tropes. Many of these simple folk, when given a chance, steal as much (or more) than their predecessors. At one point, Holoborodko makes an impassionate speech about how the innocent and well-meaning children step by step turn into corrupt and indifferent "khokhols" littering and corrupting and sending their own children abroad because everything is already littered and corrupted.
(Speaking of which: the Netflix translation is, put it this way, sanitised. There are homophobic and nationalistic slurs used, even though in a context that is not necessarily homophobic or nationalistic.)
Holoborodko himself does not always win, and makes silly gaffes, sometimes with disastrous consequences. His decisions are not always wise, like assigning his less than bright childhood friend to become a foreign minister.
The rest of the presidential team is played by other members of Kvartal 95, the Monty Python-esque Ukrainian comedy troupe that was headed by Zelenskyy before his ascent to politics in real life. They are okayish but aren't that interesting except Yevhen Koshovy cast as a bumbling foreign minister.
Among the supporting cast, Stanislav Boklan as Yuriy Chuyko is a standout. He is very much a Ukrainian version of Sir Humphrey Appleby from Yes Minister / Yes Prime Minister, an experienced, cynical, and corrupt veteran of Ukrainian politics playing by corrupt rules.
The nameless three oligarchs are the weakest part. It's like Kvartal 95 spent 3 seconds thinking them through. They either eat super-high-fibre food, drink champagne, or play Monopoly. When they talk to their fixers and henchmen, it's always either while eating or playing Monopoly. It's like the super-rich are stuck in a weird Groundhog Day.
Interestingly enough, Russia is looming in the background but does not prominently feature in the series, even though it was already after Crimea and Donbas. (Apart from the famous "Putin Hublot" joke, the part when he yells "Putin got overthrown!" to gain attention, and the hilarious conversation with Ivan the Terrible.) The main beef of Holoborodko is with the corruption and the mentality perpetuating it, not with anyone else.
Common comedic tropes are there but executed well. There's a pretty good "Hangover"-inspired chapter, the mismatched couples like the minister of foreign affairs and his aide, and Holoborodko's own dysfunctional family.
The lack of knowledge about overseas kinda weirded me out (folks, masala chai is delicious, Indians comfortably deal with foreigners in their foreign terms, and not everyone is transgender in the Netherlands!), but these are very minor bits.
The underlying message is that the change is hard but not impossible. That there are, after all, principled and honest people who know what they're doing and try to get things done. And if Ukraine and Zelenskyy manage to pull through the hellish ordeal Ukraine is going through now, Sluga narodu will be one of the greatest stories ever told.
Slava Ukraini!
When life is stranger than movies
vstinga-13 March 2022
This actor is genius, he made us to think a movie is the reality and the reality is just a movie. Moreover, he made us believe in heroes, more than The Avengers, and in sacrifice, more than 300. You should see it because, sometimes, a great leader can be dressed as a clown and a clown can be dressed as a leader. Stop Putin today!
Charming, Brilliant, and More
AJ_McAninch18 March 2022
Pres. Zelenskyy's series (back on Netflix) is wonderful, and his history teacher who becomes President steps off the screen and into our hearts believably. He is just as charming with that beautiful voice and just as clearly the man his people elected and the heroic leader most of us have come to love. Strongly recommended: these are roughly half-hour episodes linked by bits and codas moving smoothly into the President becoming what he was born to be: And in real life, the time he was born for and the man we needed so much. Truly historical and also heartbreaking. Because now he must put his life on the line and save his country. The images of beautiful Ukraine now being destroyed are beyond painful, and valiant people we see everywhere in the film are now resistance fighters for democracy. Yes it has flaws in timing and predictability here and there, but I gave it the 10 not only because it is a fine series, but also because life imitated art and gave us this hero. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and moment in history. "Slava Ukraini!"
An unexpected gem
mirkobozic1 March 2022
Whoever ridiculed or doubted comedian Zelensky's ability to properly do the job of a president who's not fictional, might have had changed their mind after the recent events. And yes, it's a pretty accurate description of someone in the midst of a corrupt political system entangled with personal interests. Zelensky is genuinely funny and he's proven himself beyond the tv show too, from music to dancing. I'll never forget the video where he might as well pull off "All the single ladies", in leather and stillettos. Definitely have a look. And with the remarkable qualities he displayed recently, I bet Netflix will be streaming The Servant again. Don't be surprised if you see a film trailer with him either, I just wonder who'll play the leading man.
Almost funny fairytale
SilverOrlov4 April 2019
The first season - it is an interesting new format with funny jokes about a vital issue at that time.
The second season - it is a feeling that the jokes are sucked from the finger, and the series is simply trying to sarcastic over politics. Bad trying, but somehow it will go.
The third season - you need to somehow finish it.
... After the first season, this whole sarcastic theater, in my opinion, more and more slipped into some kind of absurdity. Humor for the sake of humor, but not the plot.
Zelenskyy: a president who can act
JpT6 March 2022
Good, and the ratings are hilarious with the amounts of 0s and 10s
piercemurphy28 November 2022
Good and fun. Nothing life changing obviously but it's a generally light comedy. Baddies seem to be pretty simple, perhaps too cartoonish and one dimensional. Seem like villains from a cartoon show. Obviously this isn't a cartoon and is a comedy show and isn't meant to be taken that seriously, but any form of art, particularly those with real people(not cartoon characters) can partially affect life as has been show with Zelensky's election. Also the sheer amount of 1 and 10 ratings are brilliant, no political motivation regarding the Russia conflict whatsoever there! Dont know what else i can say. The 10s can be deemed reactionary, sure, but the 1s are reactionary too, it's just that they're edgy contrarians on top of it.
The series is bad
mitabadeev6 April 2022
The series is bad and dull, some of the scenes are stretched to the floor of the series. The series puts a lot of pressure on the problems of Ukrainian
power, thanks to which, Zelensky is now a president, people chose not Zelensky but Goloborodko !!!
power, thanks to which, Zelensky is now a president, people chose not Zelensky but Goloborodko !!!
Almost every review is positive, yet it is 7.3. Wonder why. (NOT)
SophieT518 June 2022
Watching it in 2022, I cannot sit back, relax and enjoy this surprisingly witty and funny series. It is like one of those movies that you have watched a 100 times and yet when you watch them for the 101th time, you hope and pray that the hero survives. Well, Zelensky became president and made his life hell. Nothing to do about that now. Let's hope and pray that he and his country survive.
As an American, it's a good watch
aden861 July 2022
I decided to watch the show shortly after Netflix put it on in the US. The first season was mediocre, but the second season was really good! The third season is very different pacing, but I still like it. It's great that even with little knowledge of Ukrainian culture, I was able to understand who the different characters really were.
Reality imitates Art
MB_West_Lafayette1 May 2022
I was impressed after binge-watching Season 1. It paints a picture of Ukraine, so I can now relate to a culture I knew nothing about. Furthermore, given Zelensky's rise to the Presidency and the current events on top, it is worth watching just for that.
The series is well made with very modest resorces and it is fresh. The actors, for example, who are not well known and look pretty common, do a good job. The plot line is consistent and sometimes very original. The jokes are funny. So go ahead, get entertained and informed at the same time.
The series is well made with very modest resorces and it is fresh. The actors, for example, who are not well known and look pretty common, do a good job. The plot line is consistent and sometimes very original. The jokes are funny. So go ahead, get entertained and informed at the same time.
The funniest thing about this series....
karlito76-250-60353511 April 2019
The funniest thing about this series is that the actor who's portraying the President of Ukraine has indeed became the President of Ukraine on the elections held on 31 March 2019 :)
The series itself is a lot of fun, you most likely will enjoy it a lot :)
The series itself is a lot of fun, you most likely will enjoy it a lot :)
Excellent Political Satire
MozaikAngel20 March 2022
If I were to have watched this before the Ukraine/Russia war, I would have thought this was very clever and well-acted. But viewing it within the context of the day, my opinion changes only slightly. That slight change comes in the form of admiration for Zelensky, who is clearly a skilled actor. If you enjoy such shows as MASH or Veep, or are interested in seeing Ukraine's president in his former job, then I highly recommend checking this out.
Not sure how this is working out for the Urakanians
MajBlade210 September 2020
Yes as stated the weirdest thing is the guy actually did become president of the Ukaraine. Not knowing the day to day on the ground their dont know if he is good or not. Im guessing they saw Trump win in the US and said the same thing. Tired of politicians give someone else the role. I guess when their are huge protests then he will be gone but I think he is doing the best he can in a country at war with Russia beset on all sides and corrupt as all get out.
As for the show it had its moments enjoy subtitles
Im leaning toward a 6 half way into season one will see from their
Funny only 3 seasons as he got elected president for real.
Again cant make this stuff up
Not only he can act
aykutyekeler20 March 2022
Low level political absurd comedy
hozicgoran28 April 2022
Yes, the crew tryed really hard to build plot on Monthy Python concept. But they just scratched the surface of real absurd comedy.
Scenography is pretty good. Zelenskiys acting is childish funny, with unusual deep, nice, and sharp voice.
Best from series is fact of political tv Show prequel of real power takeover.
Side characters are poor acted, uniformly.
Worst is- there is nothing to make man laughing, either from fun, up to wannabe great sitcom sketches or sarcasm. Furthermore, in actual war with all his media weapons, this "comedy" is more and more just cheap popcorn daily dose of "support current thing" in order of political correctivity.
Conclusion: Good try, poor artistic execution of roles ( Except Zelenskiys own talent for absurd acting), and worth only as show for younger Zelenskiys fan Army.
Scenography is pretty good. Zelenskiys acting is childish funny, with unusual deep, nice, and sharp voice.
Best from series is fact of political tv Show prequel of real power takeover.
Side characters are poor acted, uniformly.
Worst is- there is nothing to make man laughing, either from fun, up to wannabe great sitcom sketches or sarcasm. Furthermore, in actual war with all his media weapons, this "comedy" is more and more just cheap popcorn daily dose of "support current thing" in order of political correctivity.
Conclusion: Good try, poor artistic execution of roles ( Except Zelenskiys own talent for absurd acting), and worth only as show for younger Zelenskiys fan Army.
Fantastic
ArnaudAGMeert27 November 2019
Not often do I come across something which without being vulgar or merely trying to shock you with indecency, manages to portray the (perceived?) reality of politics in such a raw fashion. The last time I was stuck to my screen with such interest was when watching Dr. Strangelove.
I'm not proud to say that (even?) as a Western European, the political incompetence and blatant corruption are very familiar, so the plot works no matter where you live.
The casting is great, the satire is splendid, the plot is amusing. I'm sold.
The casting is great, the satire is splendid, the plot is amusing. I'm sold.
Witty, clever, lighthearted
Remia11125 March 2022
I don't usually watch Eastern European production, as it's usually bad. But recent events got me curious. And I quite liked it! Good dialogues, the charm of local "culture", funny characters and almost fairytale hero, who tries to fight bad guys. It was cute. I even forgave all that hysterical screaming, which is common in Eastern European comedies. Western world may find lots of stereotypes, sexism and such, but please understand that everything takes time in different cultures.
TV-series which became reality
mochatest20 April 2019
A simple history teacher thanks to a viral video on the Internet becomes the president of the country. It would seem, how is this possible? The hero becomes the president of the country in reality.
This is a historyless case, but this is the current reality and we will have to live with it.
This is a historyless case, but this is the current reality and we will have to live with it.
An Underrated TV Show
mahshiddaie7 March 2023
I expected a shallow comedy, but it was more than that. Storyline, humor, even characteristics, perfect. Also, the great acting of the cast should not be forgotten. I laughed, I sympathized, I even got angry for the protagonist. It is amazing every characters had their back grounds, and even the antagonist and the villain were awesome. The series never failed at surprising me, the plot twists were always great. It has such a well-written script. Also, it makes good point about political corruptions.
My favorite characters were Iouri Ivanovitch Tchuiko (Vasily's friend-enemy) and Mikhail Ashotovich Tasunyan (Vasily's friend).
My favorite characters were Iouri Ivanovitch Tchuiko (Vasily's friend-enemy) and Mikhail Ashotovich Tasunyan (Vasily's friend).
Given what's happening, how can this not be a 10?
roehlbriones-8134130 March 2022
This is genuinely a LOL satire. Found myself guffawing often despite having to catch humor from subtitles. Characters are memorable, distinctly sketched, and hilarious, except perhaps the "bad guys" who are rather generically villanous. However, I have to doff my critical hat here in view of the vicious war against the people of Ukraine and the rallying leadership of the actor-president now real-president. Magical realism at its most magical, and its most realist. May justice and peace prevail!
Irony
surfingnaked12 April 2022
Zelenskyy is a SUPER STAR
7ArtDistribution2 April 2022
Sweet and brave political satire with outstanding performances and noticeable production value.
The final scene between the President and the tzar, Ivan the Terrible, is almost psychedelic in a sad way- the Ukrainian hero is trying to convince the Russian despot to leave Ukrainian people alone and "let Ukraine to evolve its way" . The Russian tzar starts strangling the Ukrainian President with his bare hands.( Reminiscence to famous picture of Repin) But Ukrainian president doesn't give up.
Beside, the president Zelenskyy has such a charm in this role, that I would vote for him the president of the World.
The final scene between the President and the tzar, Ivan the Terrible, is almost psychedelic in a sad way- the Ukrainian hero is trying to convince the Russian despot to leave Ukrainian people alone and "let Ukraine to evolve its way" . The Russian tzar starts strangling the Ukrainian President with his bare hands.( Reminiscence to famous picture of Repin) But Ukrainian president doesn't give up.
Beside, the president Zelenskyy has such a charm in this role, that I would vote for him the president of the World.
See also
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