1983 TV series

"1983" is a Polish thriller drama television series produced and released by Netflix on November 30, 2018. Created and written by Joshua Long, with an original idea by Long and Maciej Musiał, the series explores an alternate history where the fall of communism in Poland did not occur, and the Iron Curtain remains in place during the Cold War. Set in 2003, the story follows law student Kajetan Skowron and Citizens' Militia investigator Anatol Janów as they uncover a conspiracy that could spark a revolution.

The series is set in a dystopian Warsaw, featuring Soviet-style apartment blocks and futuristic government buildings. The secret police use advanced surveillance mechanisms to track citizens, including cell phones and digital ID cards. Society is divided between a privileged elite ("The Party") who enjoy wealth and power, and the general population, distracted by consumerism and escapism. The "Light Brigade," a resistance group, opposes this oppressive regime.

Poland in this alternate timeline has experienced significant immigration from Indochina, particularly Vietnam, adding a multicultural element to the setting. While there are few explicit communist symbols, the regime is Orwellian, focused on suppressing dissent and controlling individuals.

The series stars Maciej Musiał as Kajetan Skowron, Robert Więckiewicz as Anatol Janów, and features an ensemble cast including Michalina Olszańska and Andrzej Chyra. Produced in 8 episodes, the series was announced by Netflix in March 2018, with a teaser trailer released on October 1, 2018, ahead of its global premiere. A second season is under consideration.