# Servant of the People

> Ukrainian television series

**Wikidata**: [Q21546165](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21546165)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant_of_the_People_(2015_TV_series))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/servant-of-the-people

## Summary  
Servant of the People is a Ukrainian political satire comedy television series that originally aired from November 16, 2015, to March 28, 2019. Starring Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a history teacher unexpectedly elected president, the show gained international attention after Zelenskyy’s real-life election as Ukraine’s president in 2019. Produced by Kvartal 95, it critiques corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency through humor.  

## Key Facts  
- **Aired**: November 16, 2015 – March 28, 2019.  
- **Genres**: Political satire, comedy.  
- **Original Title**: Слуга народу (Sluga narodu).  
- **Aliases**: Sluha Narodu, Servant of the Nation.  
- **Production Company**: Kvartal 95 (founded in 2003, based in Ukraine).  
- **Broadcasters**: 1+1 (Ukraine), TNT (Russia), Rustavi 2 (Georgia), Belarus 1 (Belarus), Arte (France/Germany).  
- **Lead Actor**: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (later President of Ukraine, 2019–present).  
- **Website**: https://1plus1.video/sluga-naroda.  
- **Related Films**: *Servant of the People 2* (2016).  
- **Sitelink Count**: 53 (Wikidata).  

## FAQs  
**Q: Who created Servant of the People?**  
A: The series was produced by Kvartal 95, a Ukrainian production company founded in 2003.  

**Q: Where was the show broadcast outside Ukraine?**  
A: It aired on Russia’s TNT, Georgia’s Rustavi 2, Belarus 1, and the Franco-German channel Arte.  

**Q: How is the show connected to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidency?**  
A: Zelenskyy’s lead role as a fictional Ukrainian president mirrored his real-life political rise, with his party adopting the show’s name.  

**Q: What themes does the series address?**  
A: It uses satire to critique political corruption, bureaucracy, and societal issues in Ukraine.  

## Why It Matters  
Servant of the People is significant for blurring the lines between fiction and politics, directly influencing Ukraine’s 2019 presidential election. The show’s popularity demonstrated the power of media in shaping public discourse, particularly in critiquing systemic corruption. Its success also highlighted the role of comedy and satire in Eastern European political culture, inspiring civic engagement and distrust in establishment figures. The series’ international broadcast further amplified its impact, offering global audiences a lens into Ukrainian societal challenges.  

## Notable For  
- Launched the political career of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose party adopted the show’s name.  
- Aired in multiple post-Soviet states and European countries, despite differing political contexts.  
- Adapted into a film (*Servant of the People 2*, 2016) during its run.  
- Unique blend of absurdist comedy and sharp political commentary.  

## Body  

### Creation and Production  
Servant of the People was developed by Kvartal 95, a Ukrainian production company founded in 2003 with 400 employees. The series premiered on Ukraine’s 1+1 channel on November 16, 2015, and concluded on March 28, 2019. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the lead actor, also co-founded Kvartal 95, which specializes in entertainment and comedy content.  

### Broadcast and Distribution  
The show was distributed across Eastern Europe and beyond:  
- **Ukraine**: Aired on 1+1, a national Ukrainian-language channel launched in 1995.  
- **Russia**: Broadcast on TNT, a Russian television channel founded in 1998.  
- **Georgia**: Shown on Rustavi 2, a station operational since 1994.  
- **Belarus**: Aired on Belarus 1, a state-owned channel established in 1956.  
- **Europe**: Featured on Arte, a Franco-German network.  

### Political Impact  
The series’ portrayal of a “common man” president resonated with Ukrainian voters, who elected Zelenskyy in 2019 under the *Servant of the People* party banner. The show’s themes—anti-corruption, institutional reform—aligned with Zelenskyy’s campaign, illustrating the intersection of media and politics.  

### Adaptations and Legacy  
A film adaptation, *Servant of the People 2*, was released in 2016, continuing the narrative. The series’ conclusion in 2019 coincided with Zelenskyy’s inauguration, cementing its legacy as a cultural artifact that transcended entertainment.  

### Genre and Style  
As a political satire and comedy, the show used absurd humor to critique Ukrainian bureaucracy, earning comparisons to Western series like *The Thick of It*. Its format balanced episodic storytelling with ongoing social commentary, addressing issues like healthcare, education, and oligarchic influence.  

### Connected Entities  
- **Kvartal 95**: Producer of the series and other Ukrainian media projects.  
- **Volodymyr Zelenskyy**: Star of the show and later President of Ukraine.  
- **1+1**: Primary broadcaster in Ukraine, launched in 1995.  
- **TNT, Rustavi 2, Belarus 1, Arte**: International broadcast partners.  

### Historical Context  
The series debuted amid Ukraine’s post-Maidan political reforms, reflecting public frustration with corruption. Its 2015–2019 run paralleled Zelenskyy’s transition from comedian to political figure, culminating in his 2019 election victory.

## References

1. [Source](https://ms.detector.media/tv_radio/1411981046/serial_sluga_narodu_yde_u_praymi_estonskogo_telekanalu/)
2. [Source](http://www.mediabusiness.com.ua/content/view/46044/126/lang,ru/)
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20190924230901/http://shot-tv.com/)
4. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uva6MOwklk)
5. [Source](https://www.lejdd.fr/Culture/Series/arte-diffuse-la-serie-satirique-qui-a-fait-connaitre-volodymyr-zelensky-devenu-president-de-lukraine-4078218)
6. [Source](https://ecchorights.com/series/servant-of-the-people)
7. YouTube API
8. FilmVandaag.nl