"Znieczulenie" on Netflix: Polish medical drama in top charts in nearly 20 countries

The new Polish series "Znieczulenie" (Anaesthesia), directed by Łukasz Ostalski, is doing well not only in Poland but also abroad. It arrived on Netflix on 4 November 2026.

Viewing figures

According to the website WP Film, the series went straight to first place on the list of most-watched titles in Poland. Its popularity outside the country is also notable. On its first day it was in the Top 3 in Argentina, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. In total it was in the Top 5 in nearly twenty countries.

The WP Film author compares this start with the success of "Znachor" (The Healer). That 2023 adaptation, directed by Michał Gazda, became a global hit and one of the biggest Polish successes on the platform. Leszek Lichota stars in both productions.

What the series is about

Lichota plays Dr Dawid Łazarz, a neurosurgeon at a prestigious hospital. His career collapses after a risky operation in which a young patient dies. He loses his position and has to leave the big-city clinic. He ends up at a district hospital, where he finds that his experience and reputation are not enough to win the respect of the local staff.

The cast also includes Karolina Gruszka, Aleksandra Popławska, Dorota Kolak, Krzysztof Stelmaszyk, Masza Wągrocka, Mariusz Bonaszewski and Magdalena Kolesnik.

Medical credibility

The makers used medical consultants. Neal Baer, a doctor and producer known for his work on "ER" among other things, provided dramaturgical support. WP Film reviewer Łukasz Kaliński noted, however, that this is a drama, not a documentary. He also judged it to be competent craftsmanship that is still great to watch.

Background: "Lalka"

WP Film contrasts "Znieczulenie" with the series "Lalka" (The Doll), directed by Paweł Maślona. According to the site, "Lalka" was very popular in Poland but proved too insular for the global market. It considers medical themes more universal than a costume drama. This is the author's assessment, not the result of research.

What this means for you

The series is available on Netflix, so people living in the UK with a Netflix account can watch it. However, the source does not say whether the series has made popularity charts in the UK or whether it has English subtitles. It is worth checking in your own app.