Netflix series ‘The Doll’ release and reception

The Netflix miniseries ‘The Doll’ (Lalka), a six-part adaptation of Bolesław Prus’s 19th-century novel, continues to divide opinion among Polish actors and audiences. While the series has been praised for its atmosphere and acting, prominent figures have offered conflicting critiques. Actress Grażyna Szapołowska lauded the production’s fresh approach and educational value, whereas actor Daniel Olbrychski criticized the directorial choices and visual scale, suggesting a waste of resources. Additionally, actor Marek Kondrat expressed dissatisfaction, stating the series failed to meet the intellectual standards of the original work.

On the global stage, the series has seen fluctuating performance; after an initial period of high engagement, it dropped out of the US Top 10 after two days, though it maintains popularity in various international markets and remains a top title in Poland.

This discourse coincides with the release of a new feature film adaptation directed by Maciej Kawalski, scheduled for September 30, 2026. Aiming for greater fidelity to the source material, the film features Marek Kondrat as Ignacy Rzecki, marking his return to cinema after 16 years. The upcoming film has already generated commercial interest, with coffee chains such as So Coffee and Costa Coffee launching themed promotions, including specialty teas inspired by the 19th-century setting.