The Polish television drama Proud, which premiered on June 12, 2026, on HBO Max in the United Kingdom, explores the sudden personal transformation of a young model following a family tragedy. Created by Karol Klementewicz, the series follows the protagonist, Filip, as he navigates the complexities of grief and adulthood. The show’s production has garnered international attention, notably for the performance of lead actor Ignacy Liss, who received the Best Actor award at the 2026 Series Mania TV festival held in France.
The musical landscape of Proud plays an essential role in defining the atmosphere of Filip’s journey. The original score was composed by Łukasz Targosz, a Polish composer recognized for his previous work on the crime drama Morpheus and the 2020 animated feature Fleak. Beyond the original score, the series incorporates a curated selection of popular music tracks that underscore key narrative beats throughout the episodes.
Musical Direction and the Original Score
The sonic identity of Proud is primarily shaped by Łukasz Targosz. Targosz, who has established a significant presence in European television and film scoring, brings a specific atmospheric quality to the series that contrasts with the contemporary “needle drops” used throughout the show. According to production notes, the score is designed to ground the viewer in Filip’s internal state as he transitions from his carefree life as a model to the responsibilities forced upon him by his sister’s death. The use of both a bespoke orchestral or electronic score and licensed popular music is a common stylistic choice in modern high-end drama production, intended to bridge the gap between the character’s superficial professional world and his private emotional turmoil.
Featured Soundtrack Highlights in Episode One
The premiere episode of Proud utilizes a variety of tracks to establish the initial tone of the series. These songs serve to contrast the protagonist’s lifestyle before the central tragedy occurs. Viewers have identified several prominent tracks featured in the debut episode, which reflect the show’s blend of electronic and pop influences.
The selection of music in the first episode includes:
- ‘Love Tonight (David Guetta Remix)’ – Shouse
- ‘Toxic’ – Yael Naim (a cover of the Britney Spears track)
- ‘The Last Goodbye’ – ODESZA
- ‘Last Two Lovers’ – Bonaparte
Production Background and Cast
The series features an ensemble cast led by Ignacy Liss, whose portrayal of Filip has been cited by critics as a central strength of the project. Alongside Liss, the cast includes Kamil Studnicki, Sylwia Boroń, Maria Sobocińska, and Alicja Lewczuk. The production is currently airing on a weekly schedule, following its June 2026 release. The show’s reception at the Series Mania festival serves as a primary indicator of its critical standing within the European television market, marking it as a significant entry in the 2026 drama slate.
As the series continues its weekly run on HBO Max, viewers can expect further narrative developments regarding the impact of the family tragedy on the remaining characters. Official updates regarding the release of the soundtrack as a standalone album have not yet been confirmed by the production studio. For those following the series, additional information regarding episode synopses and scheduling is available through the official HBO Max platform.
We welcome your thoughts on the musical choices in Proud and how they influence the storytelling. Please feel free to share your perspectives in the comments section below.