Created by Julia May Jonas.
Vladimir premiered on March 5, 2026.
Distributed worldwide by Netflix.
Vladimir (2026) TV Series Review
Vladimir is a dark drama about a college professor whose life becomes complicated after a charming new colleague arrives at her university.
Rachel Weisz plays the professor, delivering a powerful and emotional performance.
Leo Woodall appears as the mysterious young professor who slowly becomes the center of attention.
The story explores obsession, relationships, and personal struggles in academic life.
The series mixes drama, dark humor, and psychological tension.
While some moments feel uncomfortable, the acting and writing keep the story interesting.
Overall, Vladimir is a thoughtful and unusual series about ambition, desire, and complicated human emotions.
CR Rating: 6/10.
Vladimir Actors
Rachel Weisz as M
DOB: March 7, 1970.
Bio: Academy Award-winning British actress known for her intelligent, emotionally precise performances across film, television, and theatre.
She first gained international recognition in adventure films before transitioning into acclaimed dramatic roles.
Role: Weisz plays M, a middle-aged literature professor whose seemingly stable life begins to unravel when a charismatic young writer arrives at her university.
The character navigates professional jealousy, personal dissatisfaction, and growing obsession, blurring the line between self-awareness and unreliable narration.
Episodes: 8 eps.
Interesting facts: Weisz also executive produced the show and she collaborated with the novelist-creator on adapting the book.
Notable works: The Favourite, The Constant Gardener (Oscar), Black Widow.
Leo Woodall as Vladimir
DOB: September 14, 1996.
Bio: English actor who has quickly risen to prominence with roles in major television dramas and streaming series.
He gained international recognition for playing Jack in the second season of The White Lotus and later took on a leading role in the romantic drama One Day.
Role: Woodall plays Vladimir, a young, celebrated writer and newly appointed assistant professor whose arrival disrupts the life of literature professor M.
Intelligent, charismatic, and somewhat enigmatic, Vladimir becomes the object of fascination and projection for those around him, especially M.
Episodes: 8 eps.
Interesting facts: Woodall has said in interviews he’s conscious of how the show plays with being objectified and aimed to bring nuance to Vladimir.
Notable works: The White Lotus (S2), One Day.
Jessica Henwick as Cynthia
DOB: August 30, 1992.
Bio: British actress and filmmaker known for combining strong physical presence with emotionally grounded performances.
She first gained recognition in television before moving into major international films and streaming projects.
Role: Henwick plays Cynthia, Vladimir’s wife and a newly hired adjunct professor at the university.
Her presence complicates the emotional and power dynamics surrounding Vladimir’s arrival, especially for M, whose fascination with him becomes increasingly tangled with reality.
Episodes: 8 eps.
Interesting facts: Henwick’s background in action and disciplined craft gives her scenes a taut, controlled energy.
Notable works: Glass Onion, The Gray Man, Iron Fist.
Ellen Robertson as Sid
DOB: N/A.
Bio: British actor and writer with strong stage training and a growing screen presence.
She has built a reputation for smart, dry, and nuanced performances, often excelling in supporting roles that require subtlety and emotional precision.
Role: Robertson plays Sid, the adult daughter of M and John.
As an attorney living in New York, Sid brings an external, worldly perspective to the campus drama and serves as a moral and emotional counterpoint to the unfolding tension.
Episodes: 8 eps.
Interesting facts: Robertson’s comedic background helps the script’s wry, observational tone land.
Notable works: Stage and emerging TV credits.
John Slattery as John
DOB: August 13, 1962.
Bio: A veteran American actor and director, best known for his role in Mad Men.
Renowned for portraying polished, morally complex men, he brings gravitas, subtlety, and satirical edge to roles that explore power, ambition, and personal compromise.
Role: Slattery plays John, M’s husband and the department chair at the university.
Following sexual-misconduct allegations, John faces suspension, and his professional and personal unraveling fuels much of the series’ tension.
Episodes: 8 eps.
Interesting facts: Slattery’s casting feeds into the show’s layered satire of campus power structures.
Notable works: Mad Men, Spotlight, stage work.
Matt Walsh as David
DOB: October 13, 1964.
Bio: American actor, comedian, and co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Known for his dry, precise comedic timing, Walsh often portrays officious, anxious, or strait-laced authority figures in both television and film.
Role: Walsh plays David, the interim head of the English Department while John is suspended.
His character embodies bureaucratic rigidity, amplifying the series’ satire of academic procedure, office politics, and institutional absurdity.
Episodes: 7 eps.
Interesting facts: Walsh’s improv and comedic background help the series balance cringe and wit.
Notable works: Veep, Upright Citizens Brigade.
Miriam Silverman as Florence
DOB: January 19, 1977.
Bio: American stage and screen actor with deep theatrical training and a growing television presence.
Known for her nuanced performances, she brings precision, emotional depth, and a sharp edge to roles that require both wit and subtlety.
Role: Silverman plays Florence, M’s work frenemy.
Her character is a pointed, observant colleague whose rivalry and commentary illuminate the politics, pettiness, and tension within the faculty.
Episodes: 6 eps.
Interesting facts: Silverman has a strong New York theatre background and brings that precision to the show.
Notable works: Broadway and regional theatre; rising TV footprint.
Kayli Carter as Lila
DOB: July 8, 1993.
Bio: American actress known for her work in independent films and prestige television.
She has earned praise for portraying emotionally layered characters with vulnerability and strength.
Role: Carter plays Lila, a former student whose complaint becomes central to the investigation surrounding John.
Her presence complicates the campus controversy and forces the characters to confront uncomfortable truths about power dynamics, accountability, and academic authority.
Episodes: 7 eps.
Interesting facts: Carter has been praised for turning supporting parts into memorable, affecting performances.
Notable works: Godless, Private Life, Let Him Go.
Milton Barnes as Andre
DOB: N/A.
Bio: Canadian actor and comedian known for his work in television, film, and stage productions.
With a background in comedy and ensemble-driven storytelling, Barnes often brings natural humor, warmth, and relatability to supporting roles.
Role: Barnes plays Andre, a recurring campus figure who participates in the department’s professional and social circles.
Through conversations and group scenes, Andre helps illuminate the everyday rhythms of academic life while occasionally puncturing faculty pretension with blunt honesty and humor.
Episodes: 6 eps.
Interesting facts: Barnes is part of the show’s broader ensemble that textures the academic world.
Notable works: TV and comedy credits.
Elisa Moolecherry as Priya
DOB: N/A.
Bio: Canadian actress known for her work in television and film, often appearing in supporting roles that emphasize authenticity and emotional warmth.
She has built a steady career portraying grounded, empathetic characters who add depth and realism to ensemble-driven stories.
Role: Moolecherry plays Priya, a member of the college community who interacts with faculty and students within the academic environment.
Her appearances help illustrate the everyday life of the campus while occasionally challenging the assumptions and perspectives of the central characters.
Episodes: 4 eps.
Interesting facts: Moolecherry’s steady career in TV makes her a reliable ensemble player.
Notable works: Various TV and film credits.
Mallori Johnson as Edwina
DOB: 1997.
Bio: American actress who gained recognition for her breakout role in the AMC series Interview with the Vampire.
Known for her expressive screen presence and strong dramatic instincts, she has quickly become a rising talent in television.
Role: Johnson plays Edwina, one of M’s promising students.
Through classroom interactions and mentorship dynamics, Edwina’s character helps explore themes of academic ambition, intellectual influence, and the ethical gray areas that can arise between professors and students.
Episodes: 4 eps.
Interesting facts: Mallori was cast to represent a younger, aspirational campus voice.
Notable works: Emerging TV credits.
Louise Lambert as Dawn
DOB: N/A.
Bio: Canadian actress with a long career in television, film, and theatre.
Known for her naturalistic acting style, she frequently appears in supporting roles that add authenticity and emotional grounding to ensemble productions.
Role: Lambert plays Dawn, an adjunct professor within the English department.
Through staff meetings and casual faculty interactions, Dawn contributes to the day-to-day texture of academic life.
Episodes: 5 eps.
Interesting facts: Lambert’s scene work helps the series feel lived-in and textured.
Notable works: Canadian TV and stage credits.
More Actors
• Tattiawna Jones as Alexis.
• Kari Matchett as Lynn.
• Matthew Trueman as Aaron.
• Brielle Jurksztowicz as Phee (Vladimir’s child).
• Nasim Ramirez as Rose
FAQ – Vladimir TV Series
What is Vladimir about?
Vladimir follows a literature professor whose life begins to fall apart when she becomes obsessed with a charming younger colleague at her university. The series explores themes of desire, power, obsession, and academic politics.
Is Vladimir based on a book?
Yes. The series is based on the bestselling novel Vladimir written by Julia May Jonas, who also created and adapted the TV series. More on TVGUIDE
Is Vladimir a limited series?
Yes. It is designed as a limited series, meaning the story is mostly complete within its single season.
What genre is Vladimir?
The series blends comedy-drama, psychological drama, and dark satire about relationships and power dynamics.
Where can you watch Vladimir?
The series is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
Conclusion
Vladimir is a bold and thought-provoking drama that explores obsession, ambition, and complicated relationships in academic life.
Led by a strong performance from Rachel Weisz and the mysterious presence of Leo Woodall, the series focuses on emotional conflict and personal struggles rather than action.
Its mix of dark humor, psychological tension, and campus politics makes the story unique.
While the tone may feel uncomfortable at times, it keeps viewers curious about what happens next.
Overall, Vladimir is an engaging character-driven series that offers an unusual look at desire, power, and identity.