Children of Lead: A Dramatic Series Based on True Events Available on Netflix

A new Polish drama series set to premiere on Netflix on February 11, 2026, Les Enfants de plomb is based on true events that took place in Upper Silesia during the 1970s. The series follows Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król, a young doctor who faces a major public health scandal in an industrial region dominated by a foundry. Through this story, the show blends social drama, political intrigue, and a portrait of a woman fighting against an oppressive system.

In the working-class neighborhood of Szopienice, Jolanta Wadowska-Król begins to notice alarming symptoms in several children. Her subsequent tests quickly reveal a widespread case of saturnism — a severe poisoning caused by exposure to heavy metals. The nearby foundry is identified as the direct source of this contamination, threatening an entire generation's health.

Determined to alert authorities and help the young victims, the doctor faces off against the communist state apparatus, which is more concerned with protecting the country's industrial image. Threatened, monitored, and gradually isolated, she continues her mission nonetheless. The series depicts this uphill battle, where public health clashes with political and economic interests.

The official trailer will be added as soon as it is released by Netflix.

Children of Lead

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Les Enfants de plomb transports viewers to the gritty industrial landscape of Upper Silesia in the 1970s, depicted with striking authenticity. The authentic set designs, working-class environments, and the portrayal of everyday life under Communist rule deepen the immersive experience, where political tension intertwines seamlessly with urgent medical crises.

The series takes a deeply human perspective, focusing on Jolanta Wadowska-Król, portrayed as a healthcare professional driven by strong ethics and social responsibility. Surrounding her is a cast of characters grappling with fear, enforced silence, and the fallout of a system that prioritizes its own interests at the expense of society’s most vulnerable.

With its subject matter and historical context, Les Enfants de plomb appeals to viewers who enjoy social dramas and series based on true events. It continues the tradition of European fiction that explores collective memory, health scandals, and personal bravery in the face of political pressure.

Children of Lead
Series | 2026
Season 1 premiers on Netflix on February 11, 2026
Drama | Episodes around 50 minutes each
Based on real events
Country: Poland

The Children of Lead

In this series, Netflix delivers a compelling historical drama that sheds light on a long-overlooked healthcare scandal, while also paying tribute to a medical pioneer whose fight left a lasting mark on Polish social history.

To explore even further, check out our curated list of Netflix's February new releases, our guide to latest streaming hits across all platforms, and today's top picks in what to watch today in streaming.

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