Written by: Milica Bokšan
Are you a fan of TV shows?
We already showed you how to learn Serbian by watching Serbian movies, and now it’s time for a Serbian series!
Serbian television has produced many memorable series that show Serbian humor, drama, and different observations on everyday life.
So, in this guide, we will cover some of the most iconic Serbian series, with a short plot overview and notable actors in each.
Decide which one will be your next choice for binge-watch!
#1 Serbian Series: Otpisani (The Written-Offs)
This is a Yugoslav TV series from 1974. It has been more than 50 years since it aired, and it is still one of the most watched.
The series was based on the book Zabranjeni život (Forbidden Life) by Dragan Marković.
In addition to the book and the series, there’s a movie and the continuation of the series,’ Return of the Unwritten’.
Plot: Set in Nazi-occupied Belgrade during World War II, Otpisani follows a group of young partisans who use espionage and guerrilla tactics to undermine the occupying forces.
The war is shown from the perspective of ordinary people, and the main motive is the fight between good and evil.
The series becomes a symbol of bravery and resistance, as do the main characters, Prle and Tihi.
Notable Actors: Dragan Nikolić is one of Serbia’s most celebrated actors. His character, Prle, is the charismatic leader of the resistance group. Another famous Serbian actor, Vojislav Brajović, starred as Tihi.
#2 Serbian Series: Bolji život (A Better Life)
This is another Yugoslav TV series aired from 1987 to 1991.
Source: Gloria
There’s zero chance that you mention this series to any Serb, and that song from the intro won’t start playing in their head immediately.
Plot: Bolji život revolves around the Popadić family as they navigate the ups and downs of life in Belgrade.
This beloved series combines humor and drama to tackle family dynamics, generational conflicts, and the pursuit of happiness.
Each episode presents relatable situations, making it a timeless favorite.
Notable Actors: The Popadić family was brought to life by actors Marko Nikolić, Svetlana Bojković, and Dragomir Bojanić Gidra. Their chemistry and heartfelt performances have made this show an evergreen nostalgic piece for Serbs and the diaspora.
#3 Serbian Series: Srećni ljudi (Happy People)
Srećni ljudi is a Serbian television drama that has gained great popularity.
It was broadcast from 1993 to 1996, and children born in those years remember it as a family event when all members watch the episode together.
Srećni ljudi has been repeated several times, so even newer generations are familiar with this series.
Source: Zabavnik
Plot: The series follows the Golubović family.
This is the first Serbian series that was filmed after the breakup of Yugoslavia, when sanctions and a period of hard life followed.
Through 70 episodes, we follow the lives of the main characters, their mutual relationships, work situations and other problems in everyday life.
Regardless of the difficult times, Serbian humor and comedy elements did not bypass this Serbian series either.
Notable actors: Many famous Serbian actors starred in this series, such as Velimir Bata Živojinović, Seka Sablić, Tanja Bošković, Đuza Stojiljković, Ružica Sokić.
#4 Serbian Series: Policajac s Petlovog brda (A Police Officer from Petlovo brdo)
Although this mini-series has only 12 episodes, it has become well-known in Serbian culture. It premiered exactly 30 years ago, from 1993 to 1994.
Plot: Police inspector Boško Simić has a specific situation – four wives and five children. All of his ex-wives are successful in business and have no time for family life. They all get along great when they get together for lunch from time to time, where Boško listens to criticism and advice.
Source: IMDb
Over time, his professional life suffers because his boss does not want to tolerate constant lateness and absence from work. His unusual family life is full of comic situations, but family love helps him always find the best way out of every situation.
Notable actors: The role of Boško marked the career of actor Ljubiša Samardžić, along with many others. Branka Katić, Katarina Radivojević, Zoran Cvijanović, and other amazing Serbian actors are also featured in the series mentioned.
#5 Serbian Series: Porodično blago (The Family Treasure)
The series was filmed and premiered from 1998 to 2002.
It’s interesting that in the intro, you can see real photos of actors, but other actors from the series were skillfully inserted into them.
Plot: Porodično blago is a satirical comedy about the 6 members of Gavrilović family.
What makes the story interesting is that the grandfather is keeping the secret of the buried treasure. The whole problem arises when the son wants to sell the property where the treasure is buried.
The series cleverly uses humor to discuss greed, family values, and social change in Serbia during the 1990s.
Notable actors: Some of the most famous Serbian actors, such as Svetlana Ceca Bojković, Nebojša Glogovac, Miloš Janketić and Vesna Trivalić play the main characters.
By watching this series, you will enjoy the timeless talent of these amazing actors.
#6 Serbian Series: Vratiće se rode (The Storks Will Return)
This iconic Serbian series was filmed in 2007. Words in a poster say: ‘Serija kakvu smo zaslužili’. (= The series we deserve.)
Source: Wikipedia
The series was filmed in Belgrade and the Serbian village of Baranda, which became famous thanks to this series.
Although it has only 25 episodes, it has become iconic and one of the favorite TV shows in and beyond Serbia.
Plot: The protagonist of this story is Švaba, a young man whose mother inherits a house and estate in the Banat village, Baranda.
Švaba wants to sell the house so he and his friend Ekser can pay the debt they owe to businessman Duško Krtola, better known as Dule Pacov (Dule The Rath).
Dule wants to modernize Baranda, turning the family home into a tavern and brothel, bringing with him a series of controversial businessmen, which causes resistance among some locals.
Parallel and connected to this story, the series tells the story of the decline of a Serbian village. The belief that storks will return awake hope, as they symbolize loyalty to home.
By the way, did you know that Švaba is a word we use that someone is from Germany? 🙂
Notable actors: Dragan Bjeloglić, Nikola Đuričko, Srđan Todorović are just some of big names of Serbian scene that you can watch in this series.
#7 Serbian Series: Senke nad Balkanom (Black Sun)
Senke nad Balkanom is a Serbian crime series created by the famous Serbian actor Dragan Bjelogrlić and Serbian and Montenegrin screenwriter Stefan Koprivica.
Although newer, the series has gained great popularity outside of Serbia.
Bjelogrlić’s inspiration for filming the series was the little-known history of this period and the fact that Serbia was called the Columbia of Europe during that period.
Source: Nova
Plot: The series’ plot takes place between two world works during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
Two police inspectors from Belgrade, Andra Tanasijević Tane and Stanko Pletikosić are trying to solve the mystery of ritual murders. It all starts at a masquerade ball where the most prominent residents of Belgrade gather.
A brutal murder takes place at the masquerade. The inspector realizes the cause of numerous crimes is the desire to possess an ancient relic and tries to solve the mystery.
Notable actors: As well as in Vratiće se rode, here we can also see Serbian actors Dragan Bjelogrlić, Nikola Đuričko, but there are also Vojin Cvetković, Gordan Kičić, Nenad Jezdić, Marija Bergam and Jovana Stojiljković.
#8 Serbian Series: Ubice mog oca (My Father’s Killers)
This Serbian series started to show in 2016, and it still wasn’t over.
Ubice mog oca is a crime drama that won the Golden Antenna for Best Series, Best Direction, and Best Leading Actor in 2016.
Plot: It follows detective Aleksandar Jakovljević as he tries to resolve his father’s murder.
Each season presents a new mystery while exploring Aleksandar’s emotional journey and moral dilemmas.
Notable actors: Vuk Kostić plays the main role of Aleksandar. There also Marko Janketić, Nina Janković, and Slavko Štimac.
#9 Serbian Series: Jutro će promeniti sve (Morning Changes Everything)
Jutro će promeniti sve is a 2018 TV series that quickly gained audience sympathy.
The series follows four thirty-year-olds through all their life situations.
Source: RTS
Lack of money, jobs, love problems, family relationships, and numerous life issues represent the challenges the characters face daily.
Plot: Filip, a programmer and a promising boy, returns from America to Serbia. He represents hope for a better tomorrow for his family and friends. But, he does not find his place in the USA, so his old but, in fact, new life begins.
By watching the series, you can enjoy Serbian humor and some really great music!
Notable actors: The main roles are played by Nikola Rakočević, Andrija Kuzmanović, Jovana Stojiljković and Isidora Simijonović. Fun fact: Over 200 actors starred in the series!
A Few More Words About Serbian Series
As you can see, there is a variety of genres here, from nostalgic family comedies to intense crime dramas.
Each series captures a different aspect of Serbian culture, a historical period, or famous Serbian humor, making them favorites across generations.
Many of these series are often reruns, so if you visit Serbia and watch Serbian channels, it is very possible that you will come across one of them.
But even if you don’t visit Serbia this year, the holidays are near. So, if you are looking for a quality TV series, choose any series from this guide, and you will be thrilled.
If you want to explore more about Serbian culture and start learning Serbian, just click here to schedule Serbian online lessons. Enjoy Serbian series like locals!
