Behind the Scenes of 'Hiding the Ex': The Making of a Ukrainian Comedy Detective Series

'Hiding the Ex': A Ukrainian Genre Mashup

According to Главком: The Ukrainian streaming series 'Hiding the Ex' is a 10-episode comedy detective show, blending mystery and humor for a unique charm. Directed and written by Serhiy Kulybyshev, the project has gained notable popularity on a domestic streaming platform. This series is part of a growing wave of high-quality, original content emerging from Ukraine's vibrant film industry.

Cast and Creative Team

The series features a cast of well-known Ukrainian actors in leading roles:

• Vyacheslav Dovzhenko
• Slava Babenkov
• Artur Lohai
• Oleksandr Rudynskyi

Supporting roles include:

• Nastya Korol as a bartender
• Oksana Cherkashyna as the wife of Babenkov's character
• Olha Safronova as the ex-girlfriend's sister

The casting director was Orina Petrova, with Maksym Nimenko as the production designer. Costumes were designed by Alyona Hres, the opening animation was created by Olha Havrylova, and the musical score was composed by Mykyta Moiseiev.

Filming lasted approximately one month. The narrative begins with the characters' first meeting on April 19, 2024, and concludes with the final episode, shot on April 15, 2025. The primary setting is a bar, built on a soundstage but scripted to be located at the intersection of Reitarska and Honchara streets in Kyiv.

Director Serhiy Kulybyshev shared insights into the creative process, stating that crafting original ideas and unique stories is more rewarding than copying existing ones. He cited the works of Agatha Christie as an inspiration for this detective tale.

“I strive to create content that not only entertains but also fosters a healthy perception of history in viewers.” - Serhiy Kulybyshev

'Hiding the Ex' represents a significant contribution to Ukrainian cinema, showcasing innovative approaches to the comedy detective genre. Its release highlights the active development of Ukraine's film sector, particularly in hybrid genres that blend comedy and mystery. By producing original content with prominent actors, such projects attract new audiences and generate greater interest in Ukrainian stories and cultural narratives.