Series synopsis
Putins Agenten is a German documentary crime war & politics news television series that premiered on ZDF on February 22, 2026. It stars Emmanuel Zimmermann.
This three-part investigative documentary follows former members of Russian intelligence who reveal how the Kremlin’s spy networks operate. Through insider testimony and expert analysis, it examines recruitment methods, covert missions, cyber operations, and the mechanisms used to silence opposition and project influence abroad under Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Premise
This three-part investigative documentary follows former members of Russian intelligence who reveal how the Kremlin’s spy networks operate. Through insider testimony and expert analysis, it examines recruitment methods, covert missions, cyber operations, and the mechanisms used to silence opposition and project influence abroad under Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Emmanuel Zimmermann as Narrator (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 1 | February 24, 2026 | February 24, 2026 |
| Season 1 | 3 | February 22, 2026 | February 22, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Putin’s Shadow Men – Russian agents spill the beans [Series in shortened form] Russia’s intelligence services form the backbone of Putin’s power. Putin’s Shadow Men reveals how the FSB, FSO, and other agencies dominate key industries and public institutions, enforce repression, and operate abroad. Former agents recount recruitment, coercion, cyber operations, and hybrid warfare, while experts analyze their influence on Russia’s state logic under Putin’s rule. |
February 24, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Officer Serving in the Russian secret service is a family tradition for Alexander Fedotov. He follows in his father's footsteps and joins the FSB. But reality is sobering for him. |
February 22, 2026 |
| 2 |
The Provocateur In 2024, unemployed academic Semyon Ryzhakov is given a choice by the FSB: torture and imprisonment or a life as an agent provocateur. His mission: to trap dissidents. |
February 22, 2026 |
| 3 |
The Hacker The hacker "BadB," Vladislav Khorokhorin, was once one of the world's most notorious cybercriminals. In 2000s Russia, he swindled millions of dollars through credit card fraud. |
February 22, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ZDF |
|---|---|
| First aired | February 22, 2026 |
| Last aired | February 22, 2026 |
| Status | Returning Series |