Netflix viewers are hooked on new costume drama The Doll
A six-part Polish period drama has quickly caught the attention of Netflix viewers, with some calling it excellent and even describing it as the best thing on the platform.
The Doll, based on Bolesław Prus’ classic 19th-century novel, arrived on Netflix on September 16, 2026. The series follows Stanisław Wokulski, a wealthy self-made merchant in Warsaw whose ambition to enter high society becomes closely tied to his obsession with the aristocratic Izabela Łęcka.
Starring Tomasz Schuchardt as Stanisław and Sandra Drzymalska as Izabela, the series reimagines a landmark work of Polish literature as a drama about love, social class, ambition and the desire for freedom.
What is The Doll about?
At the heart of the story is Stanisław Wokulski, a fiercely ambitious businessman determined to move beyond the social position he was born into.
His fascination with Izabela Łęcka draws him toward the aristocratic world he has long wanted to enter. For Stanisław, winning Izabela’s affection becomes intertwined with his larger ambitions and his determination to gain acceptance among Warsaw’s elite. Netflix describes him as a self-made merchant torn apart by his desire for a strong-willed aristocrat.
Izabela, meanwhile, has ambitions of her own. Rather than simply accepting the restrictions placed on her by aristocratic society, she wants to determine her own future as the world around her begins to change.
That creates a complicated relationship shaped by the enormous divide between their social backgrounds. Love, obsession, wealth and the desire for independence all become increasingly difficult to separate.
The series is set in 19th-century Warsaw and brings the period to life through lavish costumes, grand interiors and elaborate social gatherings. A recent review also highlighted its reconstruction of 1870s Warsaw and the contrast between the city’s wealthy households and its poorer residents.
A modern take on a Polish literary classic
The original The Doll, or Lalka in Polish, is one of Bolesław Prus’ best-known works. Netflix’s version takes the familiar characters and story but does not attempt a scene-for-scene recreation of the novel.
Instead, the adaptation takes a contemporary approach to the material. Coverage of the series notes that the storyline diverges from the source in several places, giving the familiar story a different shape while retaining its central conflict between Stanisław, Izabela and the social world separating them.
The six episodes follow Stanisław as he returns to Poland after making his fortune and focuses on winning Izabela’s hand. As the story develops, Izabela’s own ambitions increasingly affect their relationship.
Netflix’s episode descriptions reveal that Izabela uses Stanisław’s desires to pursue her own interests, while an unexpected victory helps raise his profile and bring him closer to her. Later, both characters find themselves away from their familiar lives in Warsaw, with Stanisław pursuing a new business venture and Izabela experiencing life on the streets.
By the sixth episode, the truth has come into the open and everything Stanisław has worked toward is at stake.
Viewers are praising the series
The early audience reaction has been enthusiastic.
One viewer praised the atmosphere, performances and costumes, while another said they were hooked after only two episodes. That viewer acknowledged that the story moves slowly at first but felt that it quickly becomes more intense.
Other viewers have been similarly positive, with one describing the series as excellent and another calling it the best thing on Netflix. That viewer also pointed out that the adaptation modernises some of the themes and character motivations and departs from the roughly 700-page source novel, but praised the acting and the series’ distinctive approach to the story.
The response is not universally glowing. Some early critical reaction has noted that the opening takes time to build momentum, although the production design, costumes and locations have been singled out as strengths.
That mix of classic literary material and a more contemporary interpretation appears to be a major part of what distinguishes the series from a conventional costume drama.
Who stars in The Doll?
The series features:
- Tomasz Schuchardt as Stanisław Wokulski
- Sandra Drzymalska as Izabela Łęcka
- Jacek Braciak as Tomasz Łęcki
- Dariusz Chojnacki as Ignacy Rzecki
- Magdalena Cielecka as Kazimiera Wąsowska
- Mateusz Król as Julian Ochocki
Netflix lists Paweł Maślona as the director, with Maślona, Paweł Demirski and Jagoda Dutkiewicz credited as screenwriters.
Watch the trailer
Netflix released the official trailer ahead of the series’ September premiere. It introduces Stanisław’s determination to enter Warsaw’s high society and his growing fixation on Izabela, while also showing the series’ lavish period setting.
How to watch The Doll
All six episodes of The Doll are currently available to stream on Netflix. Each episode runs for roughly an hour, with the finale lasting around 1 hour and 12 minutes.
More period dramas to watch on Netflix
If The Doll appeals to you, Netflix also has several other period dramas worth exploring.
My Brilliant Career
Based on Miles Franklin’s 1901 coming-of-age novel, the story follows Sybylla, a headstrong young woman whose desire for independence and creative freedom comes into conflict with the expectations placed upon her by society.
The Empress
Adapted from the historical fiction novel about Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Empress of Austria, the series follows the young royal after she falls in love with and eventually marries Emperor Franz Joseph, who was originally intended for her sister. She is subsequently drawn into the politics and pressures of the Viennese court.
The Leopard
Set in 1860s Sicily, this six-part adaptation of the classic Italian novel centres on the aristocratic Prince of Salina as the unification of Italy threatens to transform the society his family has long dominated.
For viewers looking for a new period drama with romance, social conflict and lavish historical settings, The Doll offers a six-episode adaptation of one of Poland’s most celebrated literary works, now available in full on Netflix.