On March 10, 2025, the premiere of the highly anticipated series "Univer. Young" took place on the TNT channel, marking the return of the beloved franchise originally launched back in 2008. The new iteration brings fresh faces and contemporary storylines, exploring the lives and challenges faced by students living on campus.
The original "Univer" has paved the way for several successful spin-offs, including "Univer. New Dorm," "Univer. 10 Years Later," "Univer. 13 Years Later," and "SashaTanya." This reimagining introduces audiences to the next generation of students who grapple with typical university hurdles like coursework and finances, but also strive to stay relevant amid rapidly changing cultural trends.
The primary cast features several promising actors, including Vlad Prokhorov as Fedya Sychev, a young stand-up comedian and student at Moscow State University. He is joined by Ilya Sigalov, Alina Voskresenskaya, Ekaterina Channova, Kirill Meshalin, and Marina Fedunkiv. Familiar faces from the previous series such as Sergei Pioro, Grigory Kokotkin, Yulia Frants, and Vitaly Gogunsky also return, helping to bridge the narrative between the old and the new.
Vlad Prokhorov shared insights on his preparation for the role, stating, "I believe I can be a great stand-up comedian. I aim to develop my skills. I attended stand-up shows around Moscow, and my favorite is Victoria Skladchikova; I think she is a fantastic comic." His background makes him relatable to young viewers, as he recalls watching the original series when he was just ten years old, engaging with the comedic experiences portrayed.
Filmed predominantly at a set modeled after student dormitories, the situational comedy aims to create the illusion of authentic campus life. Prokhorov recounted how immersed he felt during filming: "You spend nearly every day living there. You have your bed, shelves, and posters. It’s easy to forget you’re not actually living the student life but acting out these situations as characters.”
Adding to the show’s star power is Evgenia Medvedeva, the two-time figure skating world and European champion. While she has made cameo appearances before, her role as herself introduces viewers to her exaggerated, popular persona. Medvedeva expressed excitement about her transition to acting, stating, "For me, ‘Univer. Young’ is not just another series but a whole universe I’m thrilled to be part of." This hints at the broadened horizon for celebrities crossing over from other fields, like sports, to entertainment.
The production team behind "Univer. Young" is Norm Production, commissioned by Comedy Club Production. The series comprises 20 episodes, each lasting approximately 24 minutes, efficiently delivering engaging content across multiple platforms.
Throughout the series, audiences will encounter not only student-related antics but also character developments reminiscent of timeless university dilemmas. Students from diverse backgrounds come together under one roof with unique ambitions, problems, first loves, and the typical joys and pains of university life. With themes relevant to today's youth, the narrative emphasizes coping methods and social dynamics within this vibrant environment.
Prokhorov candidly described the atmosphere during filming, saying, "Getting to know the cast felt like finding humor and positive energy, which made the process enjoyable and feasible. We found joy and support among each other, which reflected the ideal teamwork.”
The series premiered at 8:00 PM on TNT, captivating both new viewers and long-time fans of the franchise. Preparing for the debut, Prokhorov expressed gratitude: “The crew and cast have become like family. The chaotic yet lively essence of dorm life is captured beautifully, and I believe viewers will resonate with the energy we created.” More than just laughs, the issues faced by the characters serve as poignant reminders for real-world challenges young people encounter today.
Vlad Prokhorov's reflections on partnering with legendary actress Lyubov Polishchuk, whom he greatly admired, reveal lasting inspiration. "If I had the chance to work with her using modern AI technology, I wouldn’t hesitate for even one moment,” he stated. This admiration resonates deeply with the audience, showing the personal passions of the cast beyond the realms of acting.
The relationships developed among cast members during the shoot added layers to the storytelling and enhanced performances. Bore witness to their on-screen charm, fans eager to see both the familiar and fresh experiences embodied within "Univer. Young" can tune-in for relatable, joyful content. Much like its forerunners, the new series promises to balance humor with heartfelt moments, appealing to the aspirations and tribulations of university life.
Fans are encouraged to enjoy the premiere and witness how "Univer. Young" creatively captures the spirit of student life through the lens of its new characters, along with the beloved figures from its nostalgic origins. With laughs, relatable challenges, and budding romances, the show is set to become another staple of modern Russian television.