The film enjoyed enormous popularity among Russian viewers of several generations.

The budget pack of satellite channels turned to be very popular among Russian viewers.

Half of all Russian viewers watched the program.

Those 10-second testimonials to women's liberation are meant to reassure Russian viewers that they have qualities American women cannot offer.

However, the concept never caught on with the Russian viewers and the show was canceled after only thirty-two episodes.

The usage of obscene words did lead to controversy amongst Russian viewers.

But skepticism about television - whether influenced by the Government or by private interests - has become ingrained in the minds of Russian viewers.

There are images and references in "Tycoon" that amount to coded messages - some subtle enough to perhaps elude even Russian viewers.

Pivotal issues and starkly opposing ideologies are at stake, but that is not the message Russian viewers are receiving from their television sets.

On any weekday, Russian viewers can choose among at least six crime shows, usually no longer than 10 minutes each.