Not Born Beautiful (2005)
A beloved Russian romantic comedy about an overlooked secretary who refuses to stop believing in love.
Not Born Beautiful - Series Information
- Original Title: Не родись красивой
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 200
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Networks: STS
- Alternative Titles: Better Be Born Lucky (US)
- Production Companies: AMedia
- Production Countries: Russia
Not Born Beautiful - Plot
Katya, a plain-looking girl, works as a secretary at the company Zimaletto, a manufacturer of uniforms and wedding dresses. No man has paid attention to her yet, but she doesn't allow her looks to keep her from dreaming about love and happiness.
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Not Born Beautiful - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Nelly Uvarova
- Grigoriy Antipenko
- Tatyana Novik
- Artyom Semakin
- Pyotr Krasilov
- Olga Lomonosova
- Mikhail Zhigalov
- Irina Muravyova
- Yuliya Takshina
- Ilya Lyubimov
Writers
- Natalya Marfina
- Mikhail Sokolovsky
- Elena Kryakovtseva
- Svetlana Frichinskaya
- Valentina Shevyakhova
Not Born Beautiful - FAQs
Is Not Born Beautiful based on a true story?
Not Born Beautiful is not based on a true story. It is a Russian adaptation of the internationally successful telenovela format, most closely inspired by the Colombian series Yo soy Betty, la fea. The show reimagines that premise within a Russian corporate and cultural setting.
Who plays Katya in Not Born Beautiful?
Nelly Uvarova plays Ekaterina Pushkareva, known as Katya, the plain but warm-hearted secretary at the heart of the series. Her nuanced, endearing performance became one of the most celebrated in Russian television history and made her a household name.
Where can you watch Not Born Beautiful online?
Streaming availability for Not Born Beautiful varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription or rental platforms carrying the series, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across multiple services worldwide.
How many episodes does Not Born Beautiful have?
Not Born Beautiful consists of 200 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 42 minutes. The series aired on the Russian network STS from 2005 to 2006, making it one of the longest domestic drama runs of its era.
What is Not Born Beautiful about?
The series follows Katya, an unassuming secretary at Zimaletto, a Russian fashion company producing uniforms and wedding dresses. Despite being overlooked for her appearance, she remains optimistic about finding love. The show blends workplace comedy with a heartfelt romantic arc.
Is Not Born Beautiful a remake of another show?
Yes. Not Born Beautiful is a Russian adaptation inspired by the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, which also inspired the American series Ugly Betty. The Russian version transplants the story into a Moscow fashion company, adding local humor and cultural nuance.
When did Not Born Beautiful first air?
Not Born Beautiful premiered in 2005 on the Russian television network STS. The series concluded in 2006 after completing its single season of 200 episodes, leaving a lasting cultural impact on Russian audiences and popular television.
Who are the writers of Not Born Beautiful?
The series was written by a team of screenwriters including Natalya Marfina, Mikhail Sokolovsky, Elena Kryakovtseva, Svetlana Frichinskaya, Valentina Shevyakhova, and Ivan Ugarov. Their collaborative effort sustained the show's tone and storytelling across its 200-episode run.
More About Not Born Beautiful
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