In Proud, a chaotic model is forced to become a father
The Polish series Proud begins with a man who seems least prepared for parenthood. Filip, portrayed by Ignacy Liss, is a model whose life revolves around drugs, parties and a succession of partners. Irresponsibility and confusion have become his daily habits, while his excesses are starting to damage his professional life. Even at home, he places a strain on his sister, a young single mother with whom he lives.
The sudden death of Filip’s sister leaves him alone with her baby, Tosia. His first instinct is to find a way to get rid of the child, but his attitude gradually changes as he becomes attached to her. Caring for Tosia forces him to organize his life, accept responsibility and imagine a quieter, more peaceful future. Once he chooses to become her father and remake his existence from top to bottom, however, a new obstacle appears: social services begin taking an interest in the situation.
Ignacy Liss carries a story about gay parenthood
In a country that is not especially welcoming toward gay people, Proud places the experience of a gay single father at the center of its story. The premise arrives shortly before the film Club Kid, which will address the same subject, but the series follows a distinct path: it observes how a man with an excessive, dissolute lifestyle is transformed almost overnight by the demands of caring for a child.
That transformation depends greatly on Ignacy Liss, who is magnificent in the role. He gives Filip several contrasting dimensions, moving convincingly from an uncontrollable man-child to a young father whose love for Tosia becomes overwhelming. Yet affection alone cannot protect him. Becoming a gay father on his own proves difficult, and the system repeatedly turns its attention toward him.
Parenthood reshapes love, friendship and everyday life
The relationship between Filip and Tosia is the emotional core of the series, but Proud expands its view of parenthood through the people around them. Filip’s best friend became pregnant at a very young age and also had to learn how to care for a small child while feeling somewhat panicked. Together, these stories show both the varied forms parenthood can take and the sacrifices it requires: wild adventures disappear, and romantic relationships become harder to navigate.
The series also addresses the uphill struggle gay people may face when they want to have or retain a child. Friendship receives equally thoughtful treatment, while Filip is drawn into a romance that is tender but far from straightforward. For the first time, he falls in love with the young and handsome Pawel, played by Mateusz Wieclawek. Pawel, however, is not necessarily certain that he wants to become a parent himself.
Proud finds emotion in a political story of change
Rather than rushing through Filip’s adjustment, Proud takes its time. The writing is sensitive and political, and the series offers a persuasive portrait of the way parenthood can alter every part of a person’s life. Its emotional moments are often genuinely moving, especially as Filip learns that becoming responsible does not mean leaving his former self behind all at once.
The ending brings one small disappointment: it is surprising to discover that the series is not a miniseries and is instead preparing for a continuation. A self-contained miniseries might have been sufficient. Still, the team behind Proud has real talent, and a confirmed second season would be welcome.
Released in 2026 on MyCanal / HBOMax
More fictional stories about gay fathers
- On the Horizon
- Knock at the Cabin
- Wandering Heart
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