Disney is betting big on Poland. The streamer has officially renewed its first Polish original, the crime drama Breslau, for a second season. It didn't stop there. Disney+ also announced two additional series orders from the region, marking a clear shift in its European content strategy.

For Disney, this is a calculated move. The company is looking to capture local audiences that have historically flocked to Netflix’s regional hits. Angela Jain, Head of Content for Disney+ EMEA, confirmed the strategy. She noted that the company sees the Polish market as a vital pillar for its local content growth.

The Return of Franz Podolsky

Breslau was a milestone for the platform. It was the first show Disney+ greenlit in Poland. The series follows Franz Podolsky, a man released from prison only to be pulled back into a dark investigation. A murdered woman links to a cold case he failed to solve years ago. It is gritty. It is tense. And it clearly performed well enough to earn a second outing.

The cast remains a major draw. Tomasz Schuchardt, Adam Bobik, and Agata Kulesza are set to return. They are joined by Ireneusz Czop and Przemysław Bluszcz. The show’s success proves that local, high-stakes crime dramas can anchor a global streaming service’s regional library.

Expanding the Polish Slate

Beyond the renewal, Disney+ is diversifying its Polish portfolio. The streamer announced Everything Under Control, a comedy-drama about a woman whose quest for self-improvement takes a chaotic turn. It is a departure from the dark tone of Breslau.

Then there is The Game. This thriller, produced by Aurum Film, follows a group of strangers lost in a forest. A simple adventure quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival. It is a classic genre setup, but one that consistently drives engagement on streaming platforms.

Why the Polish Market Matters

Disney+ is splashing cash in the EMEA region. Angela Jain has been handed an increased budget to compete with rivals. Netflix has dominated this space for years. Their survival thriller Heweliusz, released last year, proved that Polish productions could generate massive, immediate interest.

Disney is now playing catch-up. They are not just buying content; they are investing in local creative talent. The goal is to make Disney+ a destination for Polish viewers, not just a home for Marvel and Star Wars.

Key Takeaways

  • Renewal: Breslau will return for a second season, continuing the story of Franz Podolsky.
  • New Orders: Disney+ added two new Polish titles, Everything Under Control and The Game, to its development slate.
  • Strategic Shift: Disney+ is aggressively increasing its investment in the Polish market to challenge Netflix’s regional dominance.

What happens next depends on the numbers. The company needs these shows to do more than just fill a library. They need to drive subscriptions. The next six months will be a test of whether this local-first approach can actually move the needle in Central Europe.