Zmiennicy (1987): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1987, Zmiennicy is a komödie series.

What it’s about. "Zmiennicy" is a grotesque comedy of absurdity and reality that masterfully blends slapstick, satire, and surrealism to expose the absurdities of life under communist rule in the People's Republic of Poland (PRL). The story follows Jacek Żytkiewicz, a taxi driver in Warsaw, and his mysterious new shift partner, Katarzyna Piórecka, who disguises herself as a man to get the job. The series is a comedy of the grotesque, filled with exaggerated characters, nonsensical bureaucracy, and surreal plot twists. It mocks the inefficiencies and contradictions of PRL institutions—from corrupt officials and inept police to bizarre workplace dynamics and social hypocrisy. Underneath the absurdity lies a thriller-like subplot: a drug trafficking operation smuggling heroin from Thailand to West Germany. This storyline, featuring shady sports officials, a Thai student, and a crooked firefighter, adds a layer of intrigue reminiscent of American crime dramas.

Who’s in it. Zmiennicy stars Mieczysław Hryniewicz as Jacek Żytkiewicz, Ewa Błaszczyk as Kasia Piórecka, Kazimierz Kaczor as Zenon Kuśmider and Irena Kwiatkowska as Maria Piórecka, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.8/10, Zmiennicy has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Zmiennicy page.

If you liked it. Fans of Zmiennicy tend to enjoy Rick and Morty, My Hero Academia, One Piece and The Umbrella Academy.