The series, now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, follows the story of Count Alexander Rostov, brilliantly portrayed by McGregor, a member of the old Russian aristocracy amidst the tumultuous years after the Revolution.

Set in the year 1921, Count Rostov finds himself in a contradictory position. While a carefree dandy who has never worked a day in his life, he is also recognized for writing a poem that inspires influential Communists. As a result, instead of exile or execution, Rostov is sentenced to a lifetime of house arrest in his last known residence, the grand Metropol luxury hotel.

Although confined to a small attic space, Rostov is provided food and shelter for the remainder of his days within the hotel's walls. The series captures the Count's navigation of his unique circumstances with energy and wit. McGregor's performance shines as Rostov adapts to his new life, including playing a surrogate father to two young hotel residents, Nina and Sofia.

The Metropol itself becomes a captivating setting for the story, housing both the Count and the cream of Soviet society. Rostov's encounters with glamorous silent movie star Anna Urbanova, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, add an extra layer of charm and intrigue to the narrative.

While the series successfully captures the whimsical aspects of Rostov's life within the hotel, it falls slightly short in depicting the larger context of Russia in that era. Rostov's interactions with his childhood friend Mishka provide periodic updates on the state of the Communist experiment but remain abstract within the confined hotel setting.

"A Gentleman in Moscow" proves to be a prestige drama hangout show, blending humor, sadness, and occasional surprises. While the decades-spanning story may not have enough incident to fill all eight episodes, viewers are bound to be drawn to the endearing characters and the makeshift family formed within the walls of the Metropol.

The premiere of "A Gentleman in Moscow" is currently available for streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, with weekly releases for additional episodes. With McGregor's compelling performance and a captivating storyline, this adaptation is set to capture the hearts of viewers looking for a likable new destination amidst the rich and intriguing backdrop of Moscow.