Clever Girls and Clever Boys

A Russian television humanities olympiad for high school students, first aired on November 29, 1992, on Channel One, is a unique intellectual competition where students from across Russia and neighboring countries compete for the opportunity to enter MGIMO without entrance exams. The show's host and creator, MGIMO professor Yuri Vyazemsky, developed a format that combines elements of a quiz and an educational program, where participants undergo a series of challenges demonstrating deep knowledge in the humanities, logical thinking, and oratory skills. The gameplay includes stages such as "tracks," where agonists answer questions, and "theorists," who can replace agonists upon their mistakes. Judging is carried out by an areopagus consisting of three experts, including permanent and guest judges, often featuring prominent figures from science, culture, and education. The program has been recognized as one of the best educational television shows, winning the TEFI award in the category "Best Program for Children and Youth" in 1996, 2006, 2014, 2016, and 2023. "Clever Girls and Clever Boys" has significantly influenced the development of intellectual television programs in Russia, serving as a platform for identifying and supporting talented youth striving for high academic achievements.