The Sniffer

Watch The Sniffer

  • 2015
  • 4 Seasons
  • 7.2  (1,980)

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

The Sniffer
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Seasons
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
May 27, 2019
In the final episode, Sniffer will have to sort his past out. He returns to Tallinn where he is attacked by an unknown person. This event brings memories of the trauma he had suffered in his childhood. Sniffer remembers how his special abilities first manifested themselves and comes upon a trace of a mysterious crime committed some thirty years ago.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
May 27, 2019
During a conference, one of the awardees suddenly dies - an inspector of quality of produce Boris Komarovskiy. On arriving to the crime scene, Sniffer determines that the victim was poisoned with a potent allergen.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
May 27, 2019
In an elite nursing home, one of the patients die. The doctors record death due to a long disease, but the deceased's children doubt that his death was natural. Sniffer finds traces of a dangerous substance in the deceased man's dripper, and the SIB begins its own investigation.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
May 27, 2019
During an opening of an exhibition of a famous painter, the guests experience a real shock - the body of the author is molded into one of the sculptures. On examining the crime scene, Sniffer gets down to business.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
May 27, 2019
In Tallinn, Thomas is investigating the murder of a secretary of the design bureau Erika Laatz whose body had been find in the Gorhall. He hopes to get important information from the victim's girlfriend. However, somebody outruns the police officers and on coming to her house, they find her body in a loop.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
May 27, 2019
During a dangerous performance, an illusionist dies in the circus. All the evidence say that it was a murder and not an accident. Viktor and his team open an investigation. The next day, another body with traces of strangulation is found in the circus.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
May 27, 2019
Sniffer, Viktor, Irina and Gena are carrying out their own investigation and almost manage to catch the murderer. However, the SIB officers headed by Serdyukov disrupt the operation at the last moment. General gives Viktor three days to detain the criminal. Will that time be enough to find him?
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
May 27, 2019
Viktor works as a detective in a private detective agency collecting the proofs of adultery. However, a banal case takes an unexpected turn: the husband's lover is found to be cruelly killed in the house of the client, and all the evidence at the crime scene lead to Viktor Lebedev himself.
Description
Where to Watch The Sniffer
The Sniffer is available for streaming on the Janson Media website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Sniffer on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 1, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (1,980)