Watch The White Guard

The White Guard is a historical drama series produced by Janson Media that follows the lives of a group of middle-class civilians living in Kiev during Ukraine's civil war in the early 20th century. Based on a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, the show depicts the struggles and tensions of the three Turbin siblings, their parents, and their extended family as they navigate the chaotic and violent upheaval of war.

Set in 1918, the show takes place just after the Bolshevik Revolution and the German occupation of Ukraine. The Turbin family, consisting of brother Alexei, sister Elena, and brother Nikolka, are part of the White Guard, a group of Ukrainian nationalists who are fighting to oust the Germans and the Bolsheviks from their country. Their father is a retired officer who is respected in the community, but now spends his days drinking and reminiscing about his military career. Their mother, a former society beauty, is struggling to make ends meet and keep the family together in the face of danger and uncertainty.

As the war rages on, the Turbins find themselves caught up in a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and personal tragedy. Alexei, the eldest sibling and a former officer, is unaware that his former lover, Elena's husband, has been spying on him for the Bolsheviks. Elena, caught between her loyalty to her family and her obligations as a wife and mother, must come to terms with her feelings for Alexei and her disillusionment with her husband. Nikolka, the youngest sibling, is eager to join his brothers in the fight, but is too young and inexperienced to be of much use.

The show portrays the chaotic and violent world of war-torn Ukraine in vivid detail, from the bombed-out buildings to the desperate and hungry civilians. The White Guard and their allies must navigate the shifting alliances and loyalties of the various factions, as well as the dangers of disease, hunger, and violence. Throughout it all, the Turbins struggle to hold onto their dignity and their humanity, fighting to survive and stay together in a world that seems determined to tear them apart.

The White Guard is a masterful exploration of the effects of war on ordinary people, and a compelling portrait of a country in crisis. The characters are complex and sympathetic, and the writing is thoughtful and nuanced. The show's attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a valuable educational resource for anyone interested in the history of Ukraine or the impact of war on civilian populations.

In conclusion, The White Guard is a must-watch drama series for anyone interested in historical dramas or the effects of war on everyday people. With its gripping storyline, complex characters, and high production values, it is sure to become a classic in the genre.

The White Guard is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between November 1, 2012 and on Janson Media