Is this show dubbed or subtitled?

Since it's an international production (Russian), you'll likely be dealing with subtitles or a dub depending on your streaming platform. Subtitles are usually better for catching the actual tone of the acting.

How dark does the bullying actually get?

It gets fairly intense. We're talking systemic social exclusion and some physical intimidation. It's not 'horror' dark, but it’s definitely 'crying in the bathroom' dark.

Are there any 'triggering' scenes for sensitive kids?

The show deals heavily with the disappearance of a student and the subsequent fallout, which involves a lot of finger-pointing and psychological pressure. If your kid is sensitive to themes of missing persons or peer victimization, keep an eye out.

The New One – WISE Score & Parent Review

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

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Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

The New One (also known as Novonkiy) is a mid-tier teen drama that hits all the expected beats of class warfare in the cafeteria. It’s not going to change your life, and it’s certainly not the next Euphoria or Gossip Girl, but it works as a grounded look at social pressure.

If your teen is into the 'outsider vs. the elite' trope, this is a safe enough bet, though the production values and pacing might feel a bit dated compared to 2026 standards. It’s less about the 'glamour' of being rich and more about the friction it creates.

Age Fit

Best for the 14+ crowd. It's a high school drama meant for high schoolers who can handle some social toxicity without taking it as a blueprint for their own lives.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

It captures the awkwardness of being the outsider, but the social dynamics are often fueled by cruelty and status-seeking, which is more realistic than aspirational.

Imaginative

42

This is a well-worn trope—the 'poor kid' in a 'rich school.' It doesn't reinvent the wheel or offer a particularly fresh visual or narrative perspective.

Safe

65

Standard teen drama territory: expect some bullying, social manipulation, and the kind of high-stakes popularity contests that can be stressful for younger viewers.

Enriching

62

Offers a decent look at class friction and the internal struggle of maintaining one's identity under intense peer pressure.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores class dynamics in a way that feels relevant to teens navigating social hierarchies.
Focuses on integrity over popularity, showing the cost of trying to fit into a world that doesn't want you.
Good for fans of international teen soaps who want a break from the glossy American versions.

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What to Watch For

The bullying is pervasive and can feel quite mean-spirited; it’s the primary driver of the plot.
Likely contains underage drinking and partying as shorthand for the 'rich kid' lifestyle.
The pacing can be a bit slow if your kid is used to the mile-a-minute drama of TikTok or Netflix originals.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the other kids feel the need to look down on Vera?"
"Is it harder to be yourself when everyone around you is trying to act a certain way?"
"If you suddenly had to go to a school like this, what part of your 'regular' life would you miss most?"
"Does money actually make these characters happier, or just more competitive?"

Deep Dive

The 'New Kid' Trope in 2026

By now, we've seen the 'regular kid enters the elite academy' story a thousand times. From Elite to Young Royals, the genre is crowded. The New One takes a slightly more somber, less hyper-stylized approach than its contemporaries. It focuses heavily on Vera’s internal world and the genuine discomfort of being the only person in the room who didn't grow up with a driver.

While the show is from 2019, the themes of wealth disparity and social media status have only become more entrenched. It’s a decent conversation starter for parents who want to talk about how money influences social groups. However, be prepared for some heavy-handed bullying. This isn't a 'light' watch—it leans into the misery of being an outcast.

If you're looking for something with high 'rewatchability' or a massive cultural footprint, this isn't it. But as a localized look at teen social structures, it provides a different flavor than the usual Hollywood fare.