“Last Divorce of Communism” Series: ‘Soviet Jeans’ Team Returns with Latvia-Set Drama

The team behind the breakout hit “Soviet Jeans” is heading back to the late Soviet era, this time with a six-part drama titled “The Last Divorce of Communism.” Production is now underway on the series, which centers on a couple in 1988 Latvia who stage a fake divorce to protect their apartment from nationalization under the USSR’s rigid property laws.

Created by Teodora Markova and Stanisļavs Tokalovs – the duo who brought the audience and best actor awards home from Series Mania in 2024 with “Soviet Jeans” – the new series promises a blend of comedy and tension as the couple navigates surveillance from informants and nosy neighbors even as attempting to conceal their enduring love. The project, initially announced in early 2026, has already generated buzz after winning awards at several European co-production markets, including NEM Zagreb and the Heart of Europe TV Festival in Warsaw. Series Mania remains a key platform for the project.

A Familiar Creative Team, A New Era

“Soviet Jeans” distinguished itself with its offbeat approach to a politically charged setting, and “The Last Divorce of Communism” appears to be following a similar path. The original series, set in 1979, explored the underground jeans market in Latvia, a story that resonated with audiences and critics alike. As Cineuropa noted in its review, “Soviet Jeans” gently mocks the absurdities of life under the Communist regime. The success of “Soviet Jeans” – including Karlis Arnolds Avots’ Best Actor win at Series Mania – has clearly paved the way for this new project.

Aija Bērziņa of Latvian production company Tasse Film is producing “The Last Divorce of Communism.” She described the series as “our love letter to everyone who’s ever bent the rules for the people they love,” highlighting the core emotional stakes of the story. Bērziņa too emphasized the unique ability of Markova and Tokalovs to find humor within complex historical contexts.

Setting the Scene: Late Soviet Riga

The series will be shot across locations in Latvia and Lithuania, with a focus on meticulously recreating the atmosphere of late-Soviet Riga. Production will incorporate both archival footage and newly filmed scenes to achieve an authentic visual representation of the period. This commitment to historical accuracy reflects a broader trend in recent television, where period dramas are increasingly valued for their immersive detail. The setting itself – a city on the cusp of significant political change – is integral to the narrative.

The story unfolds in 1988, a pivotal year in the lead-up to the collapse of the Soviet Union. As the series synopsis details, the couple’s staged divorce is a desperate attempt to hold onto their home amidst a system undergoing profound upheaval. The backdrop of impending freedom adds another layer of complexity to their already precarious situation.

A Co-Production with Baltic Roots

“The Last Divorce of Communism” is a co-production involving Latvian Public Media, Lithuania’s Magic Films (led by Greta Akcijonaitė), and Bulgaria’s Agitprop (with Martichka Bozhilova). Danna Stern of In Transit Productions serves as executive producer. The project also benefits from financial backing from the Lithuanian Film Centre and the Bulgarian National Film Center, demonstrating a collaborative effort to showcase Baltic storytelling on an international stage. This pan-Baltic collaboration is noteworthy, reflecting a growing trend of regional partnerships in television production. Ara.cat highlights the increasing visibility of Baltic fictions.

The Cast and Creative Team

The ensemble cast includes Ieva Segliņa, Edgars Samītis, Chulpan Khamatova, Ieva Estere Barkāne, Kaspars Znotiņš, and Vilis Daudziņš. Tokalovs will co-direct alongside Markova and Lithuanian filmmaker Tomas Vengris. The combination of Latvian and Lithuanian directorial talent suggests a shared artistic vision for the project. Khamatova’s involvement is particularly compelling, given her prominent career in Russian cinema and theatre. her casting adds a layer of intrigue to the story.

What’s Next for “The Last Divorce of Communism”?

Currently in production, “The Last Divorce of Communism” is slated for a 2027 premiere. The series is set to be showcased at Media Play in Sofia this May, providing another opportunity to generate further interest and secure distribution deals. The project’s strong track record at co-production markets suggests a high level of industry confidence. Following the success of “Soviet Jeans,” expectations are high for this new series to continue the momentum and bring Baltic storytelling to a wider audience.