A new Polish historical drama available on Netflix has been quietly captivating audiences since debuting on the platform earlier in February. Directed by Maciej Pieprzyca and inspired by true events, it’s the kind of series that stays with you for a long time.
Lead Children was the #1 show in three countries last week, while also making the Top 10 in 37 countries where the service is available. Does that mean a second season might be on the way?
Lead Children Season 2 Release Date
At the time of writing, there’s no official news about a potential Lead Children season 2. Additionally, the title is listed as a limited series on Netflix, and the fact that it’s inspired by true events makes a sequel unlikely.
That said, the show tells a complete story, so you don’t have to worry about cliffhangers. Here’s to the little things.
Lead Children Cast
- Joanna Kulig as Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król
- Kinga Preis as Wiesia Wilczek
- Michał Żurawski as Hubert Niedziela
- Agata Kulesza as Profesor Berger
- Marian Dziędziel as Jerzy Ziętek
- Zbigniew Zamachowski as Zdzisław Grudzień
What Is Lead Children About?
Set in 1970s Upper Silesia under Communist rule, Lead Children follows Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król, a pediatrician who arrives in the industrial district of Szopienice and notices disturbing patterns in her patients. They’re exhibiting unexplained symptoms like anemia, stunted growth, and chronic illness.
As Jolanta investigates, she uncovers a shocking truth. Turns out, the nearby smelting plant is releasing toxic lead into the environment. That contamination is poisoning the town’s youngest residents, triggering a public health crisis. Facing bureaucratic resistance and political pressure throughout, Jolanta risks her career to expose the crisis.
The series is inspired by events from the 1970s, when industrial pollution in parts of Silesia led to widespread lead poisoning. While it fictionalises some interactions and characters, the broad outline reflects what happened in real life.
The result is a revealing look at an ugly chapter in Polish history, as well as a touching portrait of a medic willing to move mountains to protect her community. While Lead Children season 2 probably won’t happen, the six episodes currently streaming deliver a narrative you won’t forget anytime soon.
Are There Other Shows Like Lead Children?
If you found Lead Children engaging, we recommend checking out some of the other international series trending on Netflix. The list includes Salvador, Cash Queens, Unfamiliar, and Undercover Miss Hong.
As for similar subject matter, you might enjoy Toxic Town or HBO series Chernobyl.
