Doctor Zhivago

Doctor Zhivago

Boris Pasternak's tale of love, betrayal and revolution.

Created by Andrew Davies

On ITV1, PBS

20021 season3 episodes75 min6.7 / 10

An epic romantic tragedy set against the Russian Revolution, where a forbidden love affair unfolds amid historical upheaval and personal devastation.

Young and beautiful Lara is loved by three men: a revolutionary, a mogul, and a doctor. Their lives become intertwined with the drama of Russian revolution. Doctor Zhivago is still married when he meets Lara. Their love story is unfolding against the backdrop of revolution which affects the doctor's career, his family, and his love to Lara.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is Doctor Zhivago sad? Yes, very. More sad than 99% of series.

  • Is Doctor Zhivago violent? Yes. More violent than 81% of series.

  • Is Doctor Zhivago easy watching? Barely. Less comforting than 75% of series.

  • Is Doctor Zhivago scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 73% of series.

  • Does Doctor Zhivago leave you hopeful? Not especially. Less hopeful than 73% of series.

These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

56/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity86

How unlike any other series this one feels

Surprise41

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love44

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Doctor Zhivago

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Doctor Zhivago

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Doctor Zhivago, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Doctor Zhivago, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Doctor Zhivago, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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