Living Next Door to Putin

Katya Adler’s latest documentary episode, part of a series that tracks her trek from Estonia across the Russian border into Scandinavia, reveals stark shifts in public attitudes that keep the journey fresh and insightful. This BBC Two England programming entry offers British TV fans a quick overview at a glance for the television guide, delivering compelling programme highlights and a blend of drama, entertainment and thoughtful travel for UK viewers on UK television as an episode of the series.

Katya Adler’s latest series takes the viewer on a compelling cross‑border journey from Estonia, along the Russian frontier, and into the heart of Scandinavia. In this episode of the documentary‑drama hybrid, the seasoned journalist explores how historical memory, security concerns and cultural identity shape the attitudes of people living on either side of the border. The series, commissioned by BBC Two England, blends on‑the‑ground reporting with cinematic storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a region that often feels distant to UK television audiences. The episode unfolds in three distinct legs: the quiet Baltic towns of Estonia, the tense frontier zones of Russia, and the open, welfare‑focused societies of Sweden, Norway and Finland. Katya conducts interviews with locals, politicians and historians, interspersed with archival footage that illuminates the legacy of the Cold War. Viewers can anticipate moments of quiet reflection in coastal fishing villages, as well as lively debates in city cafés where the contrast between Eastern scepticism and Scandinavian optimism becomes strikingly clear. The programme balances factual depth with human stories, making it both an informative documentary and a subtle drama of personal discovery. - A series of candid conversations with border officials that reveal how security policy differs from Estonia’s NATO alignment to Russia’s more guarded stance. - Visual tours of historic fortifications, such as the Narva River line, juxtaposed with the sleek, modern design of Stockholm’s waterfront. - A special segment on the role of language and media, showing how Estonian and Finnish broadcasters frame the Russian neighbour compared with Russian state television. - An unexpected encounter with a Finnish reindeer herder, offering insight into how indigenous livelihoods adapt to shifting political climates. - High‑definition cinematography that captures the stark beauty of the Baltic Sea, providing an aesthetic treat for UK viewers who appreciate quality entertainment. British TV fans are drawn to stories that illuminate the world beyond the Isles, and Katya Adler’s journey delivers exactly that. The series offers a nuanced look at security, identity and European integration—topics that resonate with UK viewers following the nation’s own post‑Brexit relationship with the continent. Moreover, the blend of documentary rigour and dramatic narrative satisfies audiences seeking both education and compelling storytelling. The programme’s focus on everyday people, rather than abstract geopolitics, makes it relatable and engaging for anyone interested in the human side of international affairs. This episode sits comfortably alongside BBC Two’s tradition of thoughtful, in‑depth current‑affairs series such as The World Tonight and Panorama. It reinforces the channel’s reputation for delivering high‑quality documentary content that challenges and informs. By positioning Katya Adler’s border exploration within the broader slate of British TV, the series contributes to a balanced schedule of news, culture and entertainment, offering UK viewers a comprehensive guide to a region that is often under‑reported in mainstream television.