Watch The Sniffer

The Sniffer is a Russian crime thriller series that originally premiered in 2013. The show stars Kirill K, who plays the lead character of Viktor Lavrov, a former detective who possess an exceptional sense of smell, which he utilizes to solve various criminal cases.

The show begins with Viktor Lavrov living a solitary life, having lost all of his loved ones due to the nature of his unique profession. However, he is soon brought back to the world of criminal investigations after his former colleague asks for his assistance in a murder case that has perplexed the entire police force. Viktor reluctantly agrees to help and uses his sense of smell to discover various hidden clues that the police could not find, ultimately solving the case.

From the first episode, The Sniffer establishes a unique tone that mixes elements of a traditional procedural with a unique twist. While the crime-solving aspects of the show are similar to those seen in other procedural dramas, Viktor’s superhuman sense of smell adds a new layer to the series. Throughout each episode, viewers witness Viktor sniffing various objects and scenes, ultimately piecing together clues that are invisible to the naked eye.

The Sniffer not only establishes its unique concept in its storytelling, but also in its visual style. The show is often shot in a documentary-like manner, with shaky hand-held cameras that help to create an immersive and realistic environment. This approach makes the world of the show feel more grounded, which makes the fantastic elements of Viktor's abilities feel more impactful without detracting from the realistic tone of the show.

As the series progresses, Viktor's relationships with other characters develop and deepen, with the show gradually fleshing out his world and backstory. The character of Viktor is a fascinating protagonist, with an interesting backstory and an unorthodox approach to crime-solving that makes him stand out from other detective characters.

The Sniffer also benefits from excellent supporting characters, including Viktor's former colleagues, who often seek his assistance on difficult cases. Each supporting character has their own distinct personality and is afforded enough screen time to develop their distinct personalities.

One of the strengths of The Sniffer is its pacing, with each episode featuring a self-contained story that isn’t rushed but also doesn’t drag on. Each case that Viktor solves feels satisfyingly resolved by the end of the episode. There are also some overarching elements that tie the whole series together, including an overarching mystery that Viktor becomes embroiled in.

With excellent storytelling, unique storytelling angles, strong performances, and captivating pacing, it is easy to see why The Sniffer has become a fan favorite among crime drama enthusiasts. The show's unique premise, grounded visual style, and likable characters combine to make for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience.

Overall, The Sniffer is a unique and well-crafted crime drama series that is definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre. With its atmospheric cinematography, engaging characters, and compelling storylines, the show is a standout example of Russian television.

The Sniffer is a series that ran for 4 seasons (32 episodes) between November 1, 2015 and on Janson Media