Netflix has produced plenty of historical dramas over the years, from The Crown to When They See Us, and many fans have been tuning in to the streaming giant’s latest story, Lead Children.

The drama was released earlier in the week, and it has already climbed to the seventh spot of the Netflix’s charts in the UK.

Lead Children has been compared to Chernobyl and Toxic Town as it follows Dr Jolanta Wadowska-Król, a Polish doctor who becomes concerned about the spate of children falling ill from lead poisoning due to a nearby smelter.

A book, which carries the same name as the drama, was published that focuses on Jolanta’s heroic endeavours.

The synopsis for the show reads: “The series tells the story of a young doctor, Jolanta Wadowska-Król, who notices that children living near the Szopienice Steelworks are massively falling ill with lead poisoning, a disease caused by heavy metal contamination. After her discovery, the protagonist attempts to save the sick children and confronts the oppressive communist state apparatus.

“The production will transport the audience to the industrial atmosphere of Upper Silesia in the 1970s. It is here, in the realities of the working-class region, that dangerous political influences and the social mission of Dr. Wadowska-Król will intertwine.”

Reception

Fans have been enthralled with the series since it dropped, with one enthusing: “I’m not even finished with the 1st episode and this will be one of Netflix’s most respected accomplishments and this will win many awards. This series is #Chernobyl level as someone else has already posted, a must watch.”

Two women walking down a street in a still from Lead Children© Netflix
The show has been receiving rave reviews

A second said: “Lead Children is a superb watch, with brilliant acting,” while a third added: “I’m not much into true life tales because we have enough doom and gloom around us but I came across LEAD CHILDREN and found it compelling.”

Writing for Roger Ebert.com, Clint Worthington said: “Shades of Chernobyl abound in the setting’s grim, overcast cinematography, the modest, mud-covered period costumes, the downcast professionalism of its performances.”

Who stars in Lead Children?

The series is led by Polish actress Joanna Kulig (Cold War), and the star is joined by the likes of Agata Kulesza (Ida), Kinga Preis (Silence) and Michał Żurawski (Warsaw 44).

Joanna Kulig standing outside a factory in a still from Lead Children© Netflix
Joanna Kulig leads the show’s cast

The cast is rounded out by Marian Dziędziel (The Wedding), Zbigniew Zamachowski (Treasure) and Sebastian Pawlak (The Vulture).