The Defence (2018)
A razor-sharp Polish legal thriller following a brilliant, hard-edged lawyer defending the indefensible across five gripping seasons.
The Defence - Series Information
- Original Title: Chyłka
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- First Air Date: December 26, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), December 26, 2018 (Australia - MA15+)
- Networks: Player
- Alternative Titles: Chyłka Inwigilacja (PL), The Disappearance (US)
- Production Companies: Aktiv Media
- Production Countries: Poland
The Defence - Plot
Three-year-old Nikola Szlezyngier disappears in unexplained circumstances and her parents Angelika and Dawid are the main suspects. Angelika contacts an old friend Joanna Chylka, a brilliant, cynical and successful lawyer to help. With her new apprentice Kordian, Joanna will try to bring the case to a happy close.
The Defence - Trailer
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The Defence - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Magdalena Cielecka
- Filip Pławiak
- Piotr Żurawski
- Jakub Gierszał
- Ireneusz Czop
- Katarzyna Hołtra
- Jacek Koman
- Antonina Jarnuszkiewicz
- Szymon Bobrowski
- Helena Zawistowska
Writers
- Justyna Stefaniak
- Michał Wawrzecki
- Krzysztof Szpetmański
Executive Producers
- Violetta Furmaniuk-Zaorska
The Defence - FAQs
Is The Defence based on a book or novel?
The Defence is adapted from the bestselling Chyłka legal thriller series by Polish author Remigiusz Mróz, one of Poland's most prolific crime writers. His Joanna Chyłka novels became a publishing phenomenon in Poland, making the TV adaptation one of the most anticipated Polish drama productions in recent years.
Who plays Joanna Chyłka in The Defence?
Magdalena Cielecka brings Joanna Chyłka to life — a sharp, cynical, and fiercely intelligent lawyer who doesn't play by the rules. Cielecka is one of Poland's most celebrated stage and screen actresses, and her commanding performance is widely considered the beating heart of the entire series.
Where can you stream The Defence?
The Defence is available to stream on HBO Max and HBO Max via Amazon Channel. It's also accessible through PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Channel. For free viewing with ads, KQED offers the series as well. Availability may vary depending on your region.
What dark themes does The Defence explore?
The Defence dives into some genuinely unsettling territory — kidnapping, murder, pedophilia, drug abuse, and alcoholism all feature across its five seasons. The show doesn't shy away from moral complexity, placing its flawed, hard-drinking protagonist at the center of cases that expose the darkest corners of Polish society and the legal system.
Is The Defence worth watching for crime drama fans?
Absolutely. The Defence stands out in the crowded European crime drama landscape thanks to Magdalena Cielecka's electrifying lead performance and tightly written cases drawn from bestselling source novels. Its blend of courtroom tension, moral ambiguity, and a genuinely compelling central duo makes it a rewarding binge for fans of legal thrillers.
How many seasons and episodes does The Defence have?
The Defence ran for five seasons between 2018 and 2022, totalling 32 episodes. Each season adapts a different case from Remigiusz Mróz's novel series, with episode counts ranging from six to seven per season, keeping the storytelling focused and free of unnecessary filler.
What is the dynamic between Chyłka and Zordon?
The push-and-pull between Joanna Chyłka and her apprentice Kordian 'Zordon' Oryński, played by Filip Pławiak, is the emotional engine of the show. Their relationship evolves from mentor-student tension into something far more layered — a partnership built on mutual respect, sharp banter, and shared exposure to cases that leave lasting marks on both of them.
What shows are similar to The Defence?
If The Defence hits the spot, try The Missing, Hold Tight, or The Sinner for similarly dark, investigation-driven drama. Damages and The Lincoln Lawyer offer sharp legal thriller energy closer to the courtroom side of the show. Cardinal is another excellent pick for atmospheric crime storytelling with a strong central character.
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