Russian Doll season 2: release date, trailer, and cast with Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, and Annie Murphy

After nearly three years away, Russian Doll is returning to Netflix for a second series.

Natasha Lyonne and Charlie Barnett will both return as Nadia and Alan on April 20 when the new series becomes available to stream on Netflix.

Here’s everything you need to know about Russian Doll series 2.

What is it about?

Russian Doll series 2 breaks from the structure of the first series quite a bit – rather than finding themselves caught in another time loop, Nadia and Alan find themselves on a strange train journey into the past, getting in touch with their own family history.

Who is in the cast?

Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia Vulvokov, Russian Doll’s main character. You might recognise Lyonne from playing Nicky Nichols in Orange is the New Black, or from films like But I’m A Cheerleader!, Sleeping with Other People, and the American Pie series.

Charlie Barnett plays Alan Zaveri, Nadia’s friend and time-travelling companion. Outside of Russian Doll, Barnett is best known for a three-year stint on Chicago Fire, playing paramedic Peter Mills, and roles in Tales of the City and You.

Greta Lee plays Maxine and Rebecca Henderson plays Lizzy, two of Nadia’s artist friend. You might recognise Lee from High Maintenance, The Good Fight, or The Morning Show, and you might know Henderson from Inventing Anna or Single Drunk Female.

Annie Murphy – best known for roles in Schitts’ Creek and Kevin Can F*** Himself – joins the cast for series 2. Meanwhile Elizabeth Ashley, who you might recognise from The Carpetbaggers, returns as Nadia’s quasi-adopted mother Ruth.

Who writes and directs Russian Doll season 2?

The series was co-created by Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne, and Amy Poehler.

Headland (who is currently working on Star Wars spinoff The Acolyte) is best-known for writing and directing the films Bachelorette and Sleeping with Other People. She’s also directed episodes of Single Drunk Female and Black Monday, and is married to Rebecca Henderson.

Natasha Lyonne of course plays Nadia, and directs a number of episodes of Russian Doll, including the series 2 opener.

Amy Poehler acts as an executive producer on Russian Doll. She’s best known for her lead role in the sitcom Parks and Recreation, and for her years as a writer and performer on the sketch show Saturday Night Live.

Where was Russian Doll series 2 filmed?

The series is of course primarily set in and around New York, but series 2 sees Alan and Nadia visit both Budapest and East Berlin as events unfold.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, there is, and you can watch it right here.

How and where can I watch it?

All seven episodes of Russian Doll series 2 (one fewer than the first series) will be available to stream on Netflix from Wednesday 20 April.

Why should I watch it?

Because it was one of the best shows of 2019, back for round 2 – lets see if it can repeat that same feat again.