Ukrainian streaming platform Kyivstar TV and television broadcaster Novy Kanal have started filming the third season of the popular drama series Early Swallows.
Titled Early Swallows. New Reality, the new season acts as a direct sequel to the show's original season, bringing back lead characters Katya, Fedya, Nik, Den, and Lera.
The storyline picks up eight years after the fatal events of the first season. Although the main characters intended to leave their teenage problems behind, old psychological traumas remain, while adult life presents harsher challenges as an unsolved evil returns in a new form.
Set in 2026, the upcoming season will focus on the everyday conditions of Ukrainians while incorporating artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into the story.
Production Team and Creative Direction
Showrunner Yevhen Tunik explained that he chose to produce a direct continuation of the first season because he wanted to explore how the beloved characters had transformed over time. He noted that eight years ago the characters were high school students living in peaceful times, unaware of what would happen to them and their country in the intervening years.
Khrystyna Tynkevych will serve as co-director alongside Tunik for the third season. Tynkevych is known for directing the acclaimed feature film How is Katia?, which won one of the principal awards at the Locarno International Film Festival.
The Locarno International Film Festival, held annually in Locarno, Switzerland, is one of the longest-running international film festivals, celebrated for showcasing auteur and independent cinema.
For Kyivstar TV, the return of the series marks a new phase in expanding its lineup of original Ukrainian programming alongside industry creators. Kyivstar TV is a major video-on-demand platform operating in Ukraine, co-founded to deliver local television series and digital entertainment.
Cast Reunion and Character Evolution
The main sensation of the third season is the reunion of the original cast, which launched several actors into mainstream television, film, and theater. The ensemble includes military officer Maksym Devizorov, BAFTA award winner Oleksandr Rudynskyi, Maksym Samchyk, and Taisiia Shchuruk.
The characters have matured from high school students into adults aged between 25 and 35. Their onscreen development reflects the reality of a generation shaped by war, loss of control over the future, and the constant necessity of adapting to a new environment.
Maksym Devizorov described the revival of the show as a deeply meaningful event, stating that the original series succeeded in portraying the coming-of-age experience of an entire generation. He said that presenting new narrative arcs through familiar characters after several years is an exciting challenge for the cast.
Devizorov added that the showrunner has further developed his craft, the actors have gained extensive professional experience, and the production possesses all the necessary elements for success.
Rudynskyi's career accolades include recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, an independent organization that celebrates excellence in film and television broadcasting worldwide.
Distribution and Audience Engagement
Viktoriia Maksymchuk, chief marketing officer of Kyivstar TV, stated that entering production with a recognized brand allows the platform to build on an established and loyal audience. She noted that combining the resources of Kyivstar TV and Novy Kanal will attract wider viewership while generating public conversation around important social issues.
The success of the original series demonstrated the willingness of Ukrainian audiences to engage with complex social themes.
Novy Kanal is one of Ukraine's leading commercial broadcast television networks, focused on youth and entertainment programming.
The first season of Early Swallows represented a major shift in Ukrainian broadcasting by addressing topics previously kept in the shadows, including peer bullying, teenage suicide, LGBTQ+ issues, and psychological pressure.
After attracting a million-strong audience and becoming a broader social phenomenon, the series was named the best Ukrainian mini-series of the decade in a viewer vote.
Social Impact and Helpline Support
Novy Kanal marketing director Olha Balaban emphasized the social impact of the show, noting that calls from teenagers to the non-governmental organization La Strada-Ukraine increased more than sixfold following the premiere of the first season.
La Strada-Ukraine is a prominent Ukrainian human rights organization that operates confidential national hotlines offering psychological support, crisis counseling, and guidance to children and young adults.
Balaban also pointed out that Early Swallows launched the national careers of actors such as Rudynskyi, Devizorov, and Samchyk. She stated that the broadcaster had waited years for a continuation and expressed joy at returning to production on the project.
