About
Quick guide
Speler-server
Aflevering
Seizoen
Lead Children
20268
Drama
Uitgebracht
11 feb 2026
Land
Polen
Productie
Orient Film
When a young doctor discovers that children living near a smelting plant suffer from lead poisoning, she risks her career and safety to save them.
About
Quick guide
A young doctor battles political power to expose lead poisoning in Polish children.
Lead Children follows Dr. Jolanta Wadowska‑Krol, a young physician who uncovers a hidden health crisis affecting children near a 1970s smelter in Upper Silesia. Faced with governmental resistance, she uses her medical expertise and courage to fight for the victims. The series blends medical investigation with personal struggle, highlighting the impact of environmental injustice on families.
What to know
- Based on real events from the 1970s in Poland.
- Six episodes, each around 45 minutes.
- Primary language: Polish; subtitles in multiple languages.
- Set in a small industrial town near a lead smelter.
- Focus on medical and political investigation.
- Features strong dialogue and realistic medical scenes.
- Includes mature themes such as disease, bureaucracy, and resistance.
Watch if
If you appreciate grounded dramas that tackle real social and environmental issues with a strong female lead, this series offers a powerful, historically informed narrative that stays emotionally engaging throughout.
Skip if
If you prefer light‑hearted entertainment or avoid intense political commentary and realistic medical detail, this series may not suit your taste.
dark toneinvestigation heavymature themespolitical themespsychological elementssuspenseful
Real-Life Inspiration
The series draws from documented cases of children suffering lead poisoning near a Silesian smelter in the 1970s, illustrating how systemic neglect endangered public health.
Historical Context
Set during communist Poland, the story reflects the era’s bureaucratic opacity and the struggle for scientific truth against political suppression.
Plot Overview
Dr. Jolanta Wadowska‑Krol discovers a pattern of illness in local children and pursues a dangerous path to uncover the smelter’s environmental impact.
Main Characters
Jolanta, a principled young doctor; her supportive colleagues; a skeptical health ministry; and families caught between fear and hope drive the narrative.
Production Details
Filmed in Bytom and surrounding Silesian villages, the series uses authentic period set pieces and local actors to recreate 1970s Poland.
Critical Reception
Critics praise the series for its grounded storytelling, strong performances, and unflinching look at environmental injustice.
Similar vibes
8 titels
The Killing
Both feature investigative protagonists uncovering hidden crimes.
Film
★8/10
The Insider
Both expose industry malfeasance through determined journalism.
Film
★8/10
The Handmaid's Tale
Both explore individual resistance against oppressive regimes.
Film
★6/10
The Good Nurse
Both involve medical professionals confronting systemic wrongdoing.
Film
★7/10
The Plot
Both showcase ordinary people fighting corrupt systems.
Film
★5/10
The Night Manager
Both feature undercover work into illicit operations.
Serie
★8/10
The Last Kingdom
Both combine personal drama with a larger political upheaval in historical settings.
Serie
★8/10
The Crown
Both follow a determined figure confronting political power in a historical context.
Serie
★8/10
FAQ
22 Q&A
Is Lead Children based on a true story?
Yes, the series dramatizes real events from the 1970s in Upper Silesia, where children were affected by lead poisoning linked to a local smelter.
Who is the main character?
The story centers on Dr. Jolanta Wadowska‑Krol, a young physician who discovers the health crisis and decides to fight for the children.
When was the series released?
Lead Children premiered on Netflix on February 11, 2026.
How many episodes does it have?
The limited series consists of six episodes.
What is the runtime per episode?
Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, typical for a Netflix miniseries.
Is there a second season?
Netflix has not announced a second season; the story is presented as a self‑contained narrative.
Where was Lead Children filmed?
Filming took place in Bytom and nearby Silesian villages to authentically portray the industrial setting.
What language is the original version?
The original language is Polish, with subtitles available in several languages.
Are the medical scenes realistic?
Yes, the series consults medical experts to accurately depict the diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning.
Is the content suitable for younger viewers?
Due to mature themes such as disease, bureaucracy, and political conflict, it is not recommended for children.
What are the main themes?
Lead Children explores environmental injustice, medical ethics, political resistance, and the impact of industrial pollution on families.
Who directed the series?
The series was directed by Maciej Pieprzyca, known for his work on socially relevant dramas.
Who stars in Lead Children?
Joanna Kulig stars as Dr. Wadowska‑Krol, joined by a supporting cast including Agata Kulesza and Michał Żurawski.
Does the series have a soundtrack?
A period‑appropriate score underscores the emotional and tense moments throughout the series.
How can I watch Lead Children?
It is available on Netflix in regions where the platform offers the title; check local availability.
Are there any awards or nominations?
As a new release, Lead Children has not yet received major awards, but it has received critical acclaim.
What historical period does the series cover?
It depicts the 1970s, during Poland’s communist era, focusing on industrial and political dynamics.
Are there any child actors in the series?
The focus is on adult characters; child actors appear in a limited capacity to portray the affected families.
Is there an English dub?
The series is offered with English subtitles; an English dub is not available.
What is the political backdrop?
The story unfolds against a backdrop of state control and limited transparency, highlighting the clash between science and authority.
How does Lead Children handle sensitive topics?
It presents the issues factually, avoiding sensationalism while maintaining emotional depth and respect for the victims.
What should viewers keep in mind while watching?
Expect a realistic portrayal of medical investigation, political obstacles, and the personal toll on families.
