The Russian crime thriller “Fisher” quickly carved out a niche for itself upon its debut, becoming a standout success on the Wink platform. Lauded for its intricate plot, stellar cast, and a captivating “southern gothic” ambiance, the series initially drew viewers into the dark world of a real-life serial killer. But like any compelling narrative, “Fisher” is proving that its story—and its brand—is far from over.
From True Crime to Broader Horrors: The Genesis of “Fisher”
The first season, released in February 2023, plunged audiences into the chilling true story of Sergey Golovkin, dubbed “The Fisher,” who terrorized teenagers in the Moscow region during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This season meticulously followed the relentless pursuit of investigator Evgeny Bokov, portrayed by the formidable Ivan Yankovsky, as he grappled with both professional duty and profound personal dilemmas. Alongside Alexandra Bortich and Alexander Yatsenko, Yankovsky brought to life a gritty, immersive investigation that resonated deeply with viewers, cementing the show`s place in the pantheon of successful Russian dramas.
The Expanding Universe: “Eclipse” and a Poignant Farewell
Season two, subtitled “Eclipse,” premiered on May 29, 2025, taking the narrative to a new resort town and introducing a different serial killer. While officially lacking a direct prototype, fan theories quickly linked this “Krasnodar Fisher” to Levan Aroyan, the “Kuban Strangler,” who operated in Krasnodar from 1996 to 2002. Evgeny Bokov (Yankovsky) and Valery Kozyrev (Yatsenko) returned, navigating fresh horrors and revealing deeper layers of their own fears and strained relationships. New faces like Irina Starshenbaum and Nikita Khudyakov joined the ensemble, further diversifying the cast and expanding the series` scope.
However, the conclusion of “Eclipse” on July 17, 2025, marked a significant turning point. Showrunners Natalia Kapustina and Sergey Kalvarsky announced their departure from the project. Their farewell statement, steeped in a mix of gratitude and finality, suggested they had exhausted their narrative vision for the original story:
“Special thanks to those who scolded and hindered, to those who did not believe in us – you made us stronger. Bokov will forever remain our firstborn, and we will love him, no matter what happens to him next. […] It`s time to leave, and that moment has come. We have said all we could. The further fate of this project is no longer in our hands.”
A rather definitive pronouncement, one might think, seemingly closing the book on “Fisher.” But in the dynamic world of successful television, popular characters and proven formulas often find a way to persist, often under new stewardship.
“After Fisher. The Inquisitor”: A New Chapter Unfolds
Defying expectations — or perhaps confirming the enduring appeal of its central investigator and the overall “Fisher” brand — Wink announced on July 24 that it was indeed greenlighting not one, but two new seasons. On September 23, the streaming service triumphantly confirmed that filming for the third season, now titled “After Fisher. The Inquisitor,” had officially commenced. This signals a remarkable evolution, transforming “Fisher” from a specific true-crime adaptation into a broader brand for high-stakes Russian crime thrillers.
The upcoming third season promises a fresh narrative with an entirely new primary cast, featuring Yulia Snigir and Polina Gukhman in leading roles. The creative reins have also been passed to a new team, with Olga Frenkel (“Insomnia”) directing, Levan Kapanadze (“Last Quest”) as director of photography, and Tatiana Artsyolova (“Scythe”) penning the script. Production is handled by Keystone Production, supported by NMG Studio, ensuring continuity in cinematic quality while introducing a fresh perspective.
A Shift in Scenery and Stakes
The plot for “After Fisher. The Inquisitor” moves far from Moscow`s crime-ridden suburbs and Krasnodar`s sun-drenched (but equally dark) resorts. It plunges viewers into a small Altai town bordering the taiga, where the discovery of a local official`s daughter`s body reignites the cold case of a notorious Barnaul maniac. The investigation falls to local operative Belova and Barnaul investigator Terekhov. Intriguingly, all versions and clues mysteriously converge on a peculiar “Mowgli girl” who reputedly grew up in the desolate wilderness, adding a layer of myth to the grim reality.
The Enduring Enigma: Will Bokov Return?
Despite the introduction of new leads and a distinct storyline for “The Inquisitor,” the question naturally lingers: what of Ivan Yankovsky`s charismatic investigator, Evgeny Bokov? The original article posits that his undeniable popularity might well see him return in some capacity, despite the changing landscape of the series. It`s a testament to the character`s impact that even as the show expands its universe with new mysteries and new faces, the shadow of its first, best-loved detective remains a compelling draw for audiences.
Anticipated Release Dates
With production now underway, “After Fisher. The Inquisitor” is tentatively slated for release in 2026-2027. While details for the fourth season remain under wraps, it`s reasonable to expect its debut shortly after, potentially in 2027-2028, following a similar production timeline. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for official trailers and episode release schedules as production progresses and more details emerge from the taiga`s depths.
The journey of “Fisher” is a fascinating case study in how a successful concept can evolve. From a true-crime deep dive to an anthology-esque exploration of Russia`s dark criminal underbelly, the series demonstrates a remarkable adaptability. The new creative team behind “After Fisher. The Inquisitor” now faces the exciting challenge of honoring the established brand while forging an entirely new, gripping path. It appears the `Fisher` legacy, whatever form it ultimately takes, is far from finished.
