Apple TV+ to Offer Russian-Language Content Through New First-Look Deal

Russian-language shows are likely headed to Apple TV+, as Variety reports that Apple has signed a first-look deal with AR Content, a production company led by Ukranian and Russian producer and director Alexander Rodnyansky.

loveless 2017 film

A scene from Russian film "Loveless" produced by Alexander Rodnyansky

The deal will reportedly provide Apple with an opportunity to secure Russian-language and multilingual shows for Apple TV+, set both inside and outside Russia, with both Russian and international writers and directors.

"Apple is extremely interested to explore the possibilities in that part of the world," said Rodnyansky, who received Academy Award nominations for the 2014 film "Leviathan" and 2017 film "Loveless." "It's going to be the very first of all the global streaming platforms to sign a strategic partnership with a company with Russian roots."

Apple TV+ is gradually expanding its non-English content. Israeli spy thriller series "Tehran" has primarily Hebrew dialogue, and last month, Apple greenlit contemporary thriller "Liaison" as its first French-language series.

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Top Rated Comments

LeadingHeat Avatar
49 months ago
As long as it’s top tier production quality, I’m all in for this! I loved Tehran and welcome more international series and films.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I@beck Avatar
49 months ago
I am glad to see that Apple is going multilingual/series. Good Jobs Apple. ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alexandr Avatar
49 months ago

While good move for their business with getting more regional conent in local languages available, I hope that theres going to be some quality stuff, which Russian and Ukraine content has never brimmed with, same cheap police series, soap operas of low quality like the ones from Mexico, basically low budget low quality series and movies.
When they do get some more money they just make some horrible cliche stuff copied from Hollywood without the production and performance quality of Hollywood and with plot being so horribly cheesy together with horrendous acting.

Heres hope that Im going to be wrong and they(Apple) will push for more original, world class quality content, because, IMHO, its always interesting to see good quality arts coming from different parts of the world, different cultures with different views on the world were living.

why don't you watch "loveless" first and then share your insights.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Agrailag Avatar
49 months ago

While good move for their business with getting more regional conent in local languages available, I hope that theres going to be some quality stuff, which Russian and Ukraine content has never brimmed with, same cheap police series, soap operas of low quality like the ones from Mexico, basically low budget low quality series and movies.
When they do get some more money they just make some horrible cliche stuff copied from Hollywood without the production and performance quality of Hollywood and with plot being so horribly cheesy together with horrendous acting.

Heres hope that Im going to be wrong and they(Apple) will push for more original, world class quality content, because, IMHO, its always interesting to see good quality arts coming from different parts of the world, different cultures with different views on the world were living.

As russian i should say, that we have enough good quality stuff, but most are art-films.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jimbobb24 Avatar
49 months ago
I welcome more Russian content. Netflix has some great stuff and for awhile I was only watching Russian shows. “Better than Us” I thought was more interesting than Ex Machina.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VaruLV Avatar
49 months ago

Implying American tv is brimming with quality lmao

careful with that last comment the jannies here don’t take to kindly to reasonable thought

tbh I hope they bring us season 3 of silver spoon. Netflix really dropped the ball on that one.
Haha, lol, no, I dont think that all western content is quality, but you got the picture I think :D !
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)