The series is a melodrama about life in the Soviet Union during the Khrushchev Thaw, specifically about film artists of the age.

In the West the series has been compared to Mad Men in terms of tone and visuals, though the subject and plots are quite different.

Cameraman Viktor Khrustalyov is in a difficult situation; he is suspected of being involved in the death of his friend, talented screenwriter Kostya Parshin, who committed suicide during a drinking-bout.

Viktor needs to shoot the comedy "The Girl and the Brigadier" in order to get permission to make the film "Shards" after the wonderful scenario left from his deceased screenwriter friend.

In the same film act Khrustalev's ex-wife Inga and his young sweetheart Maryana, with whom Yegor Myachin is also in love.