Netflix has found its next period drama obsession. After the massive success of Bridgerton, the streamer is betting on a new romantic saga set in 19th-century Poland. The Doll will officially premiere on September 16, 2026, and it's already generating buzz as a potential successor to the Regency-era hit.
Since Bridgerton debuted in 2020, it has become one of Netflix's most-watched series, consistently landing in the top ten of its most popular English-language shows. With four seasons aired and a fifth on the way—featuring the franchise's first queer main couple, Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza)—the streamer is clearly looking to expand its romantic drama lineup. The Doll is that expansion.
The series is a fresh adaptation of Bolesław Prus's acclaimed novel Lalka, often hailed as one of the greatest Polish novels ever written. The story centers on Stanisław Wokulski (Tomasz Schuchardt), a self-made millionaire whose relentless ambition has lifted him from humble origins to the upper echelons of society. But his wealth doesn't buy him happiness—it fuels an all-consuming obsession with a young aristocrat, Izabela Łęcka (Sandra Drzymalska).
Izabela is a woman trapped in a patriarchal world, yet she refuses to be ordinary. She dreams of breaking free from society's rigid expectations and making her own mark. When Stanisław's path crosses hers, a tentative bond forms, but the weight of class divisions, personal demons, and unrequited longing threatens to tear them apart. It's a tale of love, ambition, and the cost of social climbing—themes that resonate just as strongly today as they did in Prus's time.
Behind the camera, the series is a collaborative effort from Polish creatives. Paweł Demirski, Jagoda Dutkiewicz, and Paweł Maślona co-wrote the adaptation, with Maślona also directing. The show is part of a robust slate of Polish programming on Netflix this year, joining titles like Lead Children, the Jan Borysewicz biopic Less Than a Stranger, the medical drama Anesthesia, Jan Paweł Matuszyński's film Saint, Season 2 of Mothers of Penguin, and a Polish edition of Love is Blind.
For fans of period romance, The Doll offers a grittier, more European take on the genre compared to the glittering ballrooms of Bridgerton. It's a story about the dark side of desire and the illusions we create. If you're looking for something to tide you over until Bridgerton Season 5, this might be your next binge. And if you're curious about other period dramas, check out our analysis of The Gilded Age and why it stands out in the genre.
All episodes of The Doll will drop on Netflix on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Mark your calendars—this is one premiere you won't want to miss. For more updates on this and other upcoming Netflix releases, stay tuned to Collider.
