How to Watch Russian TV Channels in USA Online in Sep 2026

Whether you’re into gripping dramas, lively variety programs, cutting-edge news coverage, or popular talk shows, Russian television offers a rich and diverse lineup that keeps millions of viewers engaged and connected to their culture.

However, watching Russian TV channels in USA isn’t always straightforward. Many Russian TV channels, including Russia-1, Channel One (Первый канал), NTV, and Okko TV, restrict their streaming content to viewers located inside Russia.

These geo-blocks are typically the result of broadcasting rights, licensing deals, and regional content agreements. The good news? There’s a reliable way to work around these restrictions: using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

With a VPN, you can virtually change your location by connecting to a server in Russia. This makes it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from within the country—unlocking full access to Russian streaming platforms and live TV services.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up a VPN to watch Russian TV channels from the USA, plus recommend the best VPNs for a smooth and secure viewing experience. Let’s dive in!

5 Quick Steps to Watch Russian TV Live in the USA

Follow these steps to watch Russian TV Channels in USA:

1. Get a VPN. We highly recommend Surfshark, as it offers several reliable servers in Russia.
2. Download and install the VPN app and log in.
3. From the server list, connect to a server in Russia.
4. Finally, visit a Russian TV channel (such as Okko TV) and enjoy streaming.

Why You Need a VPN to Access Russian TV Channels in the USA

Watching Russian TV from outside the country can be frustrating, thanks to geo-restrictions that prevent international viewers from accessing certain content. These blocks are in place due to copyright rules, territorial licensing, and broadcasting agreements that limit availability to users inside Russia.

If you attempt to stream a show on a Russian Channel, CTC Love from the U.S., you may encounter an error message like:

“Broadcasting is only available in the Russian Federation.”

That’s where a VPN comes in. By connecting to a VPN server located in Russia, your IP address is masked and replaced with a Russian one.

This tricks the streaming service into thinking you’re accessing it from within Russia—effectively lifting the geo-block and restoring access to your favorite programs.

We’ve also rounded up the top VPNs for streaming Russian content abroad, so you can stay up to date with the latest news, series, and entertainment from home—wherever you are.

Quick Overview of the Best VPNs for Russian TV Channels in USA

Best Overall VPN

^$ 2.49

• 85+ Mbps /100 Mbps
• 3200 servers (100 countries)
• 5.0/5.0 stars
• Unlimited multi-logins
• 85% Discount
• 3 Months FREE

Get Surfshark

Massive VPN Servers

^$ 3.49

• 75+ Mbps /100 Mbps
• 8,353 servers (127 countries)
• 4.8/5.0 stars
• 10 multi-logins
• 69% Discount
• 3 Months FREE

Get NordVPN

Fastest VPN

^$ 2.49

• 80+ Mbps /100 Mbps
• 105 countries
• 4.5/5.0 stars
• 10 multi-logins
• 84% Discount
• 4 Months Free

Get ExpressVPN

3 Best VPNs to Watch Russian TV Channels in USA

Let’s take a detailed look at the best VPNs to unlock and watch Russian TV channels in the US.

1. Surfshark – Overall Best VPN for Watching Russian TV Channels in USA

Servers — 3200 servers in 100 countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offers P2P optimized servers for Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the best and most affordable VPNs available, making it a fantastic choice for streaming Russian TV from the US. Despite its low price, Surfshark delivers a strong performance when it comes to bypassing geo-blocks on Russian online streaming platforms.

With 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries—including reliable options in Russia—Surfshark lets you get a Russian IP address, giving you smooth access to networks like TV Centre, RT, NTV, STS, and RTR.

During our tests, Surfshark handled streaming with ease. We started with a 30 Mbps connection and were able to maintain an average speed of 25.81 Mbps while connected to a server in Russia. That was more than enough to stream shows in HD without buffering or lag.

Surfshark also supports other major streaming platforms like Disney Plus, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Its clean and intuitive apps make it easy to use, even for beginners.

Another huge bonus: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which means everyone in your household can stream on their own devices without limitations. It supports iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, Smart TVs, and even routers.

With pricing starting at just $2.49/mo (Save 85% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan), and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark offers both value and peace of mind.

For more details on Surfshark’s features, check out our full Surfshark review.

2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Russian TV Channels In USA

Servers — VPN Servers in 105 Countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offers Network Lock for secure Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 12 simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit ExpressVPN

If speed is your top priority, ExpressVPN is hard to beat, as it’s the fastest VPN on the market. The provider is known for delivering ultra-fast and stable connections, which makes it ideal for streaming live Russian TV without buffering.

ExpressVPN operates 3,000+ servers in over 105 countries, including multiple servers in Russia. With these servers, it’s easy to get around location-based blocks and start watching channels like Folk TV, Rock TV, RTI, and more.

In our speed tests, ExpressVPN stood out by hitting 28.71 Mbps from a 30 Mbps base connection when connected to a Russian server. The result? Crisp, uninterrupted HD streaming.

It also worked flawlessly with a range of Russian shows and live broadcasts, allowing us to watch teleseryes, noontime shows, and news programs as if we were back in Moscow.

ExpressVPN supports nearly every device—Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Firestick, Nvidia Shield, Smart TV, and more. Plus, it includes MediaStreamer DNS support, which helps you stream on devices that don’t typically support VPN apps.

It’s a bit pricier at $2.49/mo, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on Android devices, so you can test it before committing.

For more information, check out our ExpressVPN review.

3. NordVPN – Premium Security for Accessing Russian TV Live in USA

Servers — 8,353 servers in 127 countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offer obfuscated and P2P optimized servers.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 10 simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is another top-tier option if you’re looking to stream Russian TV content from USA. With one of the largest VPN server networks in the world—including 6,343 servers in 111 countries—it’s a reliable pick for consistent, high-quality access.

We connected to a Russian server using NordVPN and experienced smooth streaming of shows like Second Chances, Yellowjackets, and The Luminaries, with no buffering issues. Our test speed came in at 24.85 Mbps on a 30 Mbps base, which was more than enough for 4K playback.

One of NordVPN’s standout features is SmartPlay technology, which is designed to automatically bypass streaming restrictions—perfect for Russian streaming platforms. It also works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other major services.

NordVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, so it’s great for families or users with multiple devices. You can use it on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, routers, and more.

It’s priced competitively at $3.49/mo (Save 69% with 24-month plan and get 3 extra months), and it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a more detailed look at NordVPN’s features and performance, check out our full overview of NordVPN.

How to Sign Up for Russian TV Channels in the US

Follow these steps to sign up for Russian TV channel Okko TV in USA. These steps are almost similar for other paid Russian streaming platforms.

• Download and install Surfshark on your device.
• Connect to a server in Russia.
• Visit the Okko TV website and click Subscribe now.
• Enter your email address or continue with ‘Google.’
• You will receive a confirmation code on your email. Enter the code, and proceed with choosing a subscription plan and sign up for it.
• Log in to your account and enjoy streaming.

How to Stream Russian TV Channels in USA Live on Different Devices?

Russian TV networks offer apps that can be accessed on a variety of devices like Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Firestick, and Roku. Follow this step-by-step guide to watch Russian TV content live from the USA across different platforms.

Streaming Russian TV on Android Devices in the USA

1. Choose a reliable VPN like Surfshark and install the app on your Android device.
2. Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in Russia.
3. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and tap on your profile icon.
4. Go to Settings > General > Account and Device Preferences > Country and Profiles.
5. Select Russia as your country and follow the steps to add a payment method valid in Russia.
6. Once your Google Play Store location updates, search for a Russian TV app and install it.
7. Open the app, log in, and start watching Russian TV shows and programs.

How to Watch Russian TV on iOS in the USA

1. Subscribe to a VPN service like Surfshark and download the app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Russia.
3. On your iOS device, go to Settings.
4. Tap on your Name > Media & Purchases > View Account.
5. Select Country/Region, then tap Change Country or Region.
6. Choose Russia from the list and accept the terms and conditions.
7. Add a payment method valid in Russia and tap Next to confirm.
8. Open the App Store, search for the Russian TV apps (such as Okko TV), and install your preferred app.
9. Log in to the app and enjoy streaming Russian TV content.

Watching Russian TV on Smart TVs in the USA

1. Choose a VPN provider like Surfshark that supports Smart TVs.
2. Set up the VPN on your router and connect it to a server in Russia.
3. On your Smart TV, download a Russian TV app (such as Okko TV).
4. Open the app, log in, and start watching Russian action movies and shows directly on your Smart TV.

How to Stream Russia TV on Firestick in the USA

1. Subscribe to a VPN like Surfshark and install the VPN app on your Firestick.
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a Russian server.
3. On the Firestick home screen, go to Find > Search and search for a Russian TV app.
4. Select the app from the Apps & Games section and click Get or Download.
5. Open the app, log in, and start watching local Russian content on your Firestick.

Watching Russian TV on Roku in the USA

1. Subscribe to a VPN like Surfshark and set it up on your router.
2. Use the VPN to connect your router to a server in Russia, then connect your Roku device to the VPN-enabled router.
3. Download a Russian TV app on your Roku device.
4. Open the app and begin streaming your favorite Slavic TV shows and channels.

List of Russian TV Channels to Watch in USA

• Channel One Russia
• Russia 1
• Russia K
• RTR Planeta
• Match TV
• Carousel
• TVCI
• NTV
• NTV Plus
• MIR
• TV Rain
• TV3 Russia
• RBC TV
• AMC Russia
• Viasat
• A-One
• RTVi
• STS
• Muz TV
• Zvezda

Best Russian Movies and TV Shows to Watch in the USA in 2025

• Silver Skates
• Major Grom
• The Ex Wife
• The Rehearsal
• Gipnozis
• Milja
• Soderzhanki
• Sansara
• Plan B
• Sato
• Queen of Oz
• Sasha i Piter
• Need Khelp
• Night Therapy
• Fidelity
• Furious
• Salyut-7
• Anna Karenina: Vronsky’s Story
• The Batalon
• Gulyay, Vasya!

Other Channels to Watch in the USA

• British TV channels in USA
• Australian TV channels
• Indian TV channels in the US
• Canadian TV channels
• Irish TV channels in the US
• South African TV channels in USA
• French TV channels in USA
• Swedish TV channels in US
• Swiss TV channels in USA
• Nigerian TV channels
• Singaporean TV channels in USA

Conclusion

Staying up to date with Russian TV while in the USA doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy access to your favorite channels—whether it’s live news, drama series, comedy shows, or cultural programs.

We recommend Surfshark for its strong unblocking capabilities and fast streaming speeds. With Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it risk-free and start enjoying Russian television just like you would back home.