The Optimists
Season 1
During the Cold War, Russian spy brings 1960s aesthetics to Khrushchev's era.Unveiling Russian-American espionage acts and personal lives impacted by the fragile geopolitical climate, opening at the 1959 American National Exhibition.
Where to Watch Season 1
13 Episodes
- Episode 1
E1Episode 11960. The Information and Analytical Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created by Ruta Karlovna Blomane, is assigned a new chief. Grigory Biryukov previously worked at the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPSU, and his arrival raises questions among the young employees. - Episode 2
E2Episode 2Biryukov is trying to find support from his patron, Head of the International Department of the CPSU Central Committee Vareinikov. But he considers the game of his protégés to be too dangerous and advises them to "sit quietly." The IAG is preparing for a reception on building relations with Cuba. - Episode 3
E3Episode 3At the cinema, Muratov secretly meets with a French producer. Biryukov raises the stakes again - the department, which has just changed the course of history, should not engage in ordinary routine work. Soon there will be a four-sided summit in Paris, and it is important for the Soviets to get a reliable ally. - Episode 7
E7Episode 7Ruta is waiting in the hospital when Bykov's operation is over. She tells the investigators that it was an accident - her husband was cleaning his weapon. A satellite flight with two dogs will take place soon. Ruta proposes to follow the line of the Western press and to properly convey emotions. The flight of dogs must be properly presented to the press. - Episode 8
E8Episode 8Vareinikov asks Biryukov to influence his former mistress, German journalist Gabi Goetz. According to the authorities, she is in to Moscow to talk about the new novel about the Stalinist migration. Gabi gives Biryukov the manuscript and says that after reading, he will change his mind. Biryukov warns Goetz that she is in trouble. - Episode 10
E10Episode 10Biryukov takes Anya to kindergarten and meets her teacher, Lena. Ruta is going out of town and giving the last instructions to Bykov. At a diplomatic, the group organizes a barbecue for their American counterparts. Marika, an American of Hungarian descent, finds out that Biryukov worked in her homeland. - Episode 11
E11Episode 11The scientist, whom Golub helped to go abroad, is seeking political asylum. Vareinikov organizes a conspiracy. He and other members of the Central Committee of KPSP are going to overthrow Khrushchev. He needs the help of Biryukov, and he calls him to hunt. Galina is worried about the gap with Biryukov.
