The Emotional Resonance of "Proud": Lukasz Targosz’s Latest Score Explores Grief and Identity

By Editorial Staff
July 22, 2026

The landscape of contemporary Polish television has undergone a seismic shift, with HBO Max’s latest original drama, Proud, standing at the forefront of this creative renaissance. As the series continues to captivate global audiences, the sonic architecture behind its narrative depth has finally been made available to the public. Kayax Distribution has officially released the original soundtrack for Proud, featuring an evocative score composed by the prolific Lukasz Targosz. This release invites listeners to delve into the nuanced emotional journey of a protagonist navigating the complexities of sudden parenthood, loss, and self-discovery.

The Narrative Foundation: A Story of Unlikely Bonds

Created by Karol Klementewicz, Proud has emerged as one of the most talked-about dramas of the year. The series presents a poignant premise: a young gay man finds his life upended when a sudden, devastating family tragedy forces him to assume the role of primary caregiver for his infant niece.

The drama balances the grit of real-world struggle with the tender, often humorous reality of raising a child. The ensemble cast, featuring powerhouse performances from Ignacy Liss, Maria Sobocińska, Kamil Studnicki, Pawel Tomaszewski, Mateusz Więcławek, Maja Ostaszewska, Alicja Lewczuk, and Joanna Kulig, provides the visceral weight required to carry the series’ heavy themes. By the time of the soundtrack’s release in late July 2026, the series had already aired six of its eight episodes, with the final installments poised to bring the narrative to its emotional conclusion.

Lukasz Targosz: A Master of Atmospheric Scoring

The choice of Lukasz Targosz to helm the musical direction of Proud was a calculated move that has paid dividends for the production. Targosz is no stranger to the demands of high-stakes drama; his filmography reads like a checklist of modern Polish cinema and international collaborations. His work on projects such as The Thaw, Spy/Master, My Name Is Sara, and The Coldest Game has established him as a composer capable of crafting soundscapes that feel both intimate and expansive.

Targosz’s approach to Proud is characterized by a minimalist sensibility that prioritizes character intimacy over grand, sweeping orchestral swells. By utilizing delicate piano arrangements, rhythmic guitar motifs, and subtle jazz infusions, he bridges the gap between the protagonist’s internal turmoil and his evolving connection to his niece.

Chronology of the Release and Series Trajectory

The rollout of Proud has been meticulously managed to sustain audience engagement throughout the summer.

• June 2026: The series officially premiered on HBO Max, introducing audiences to the central conflict and the complex dynamic between the lead characters.
• Early July 2026: As the series reached its mid-point, viewer feedback solidified the show’s reputation for its authentic portrayal of modern family dynamics and the queer experience in Poland.
• July 22, 2026: Kayax Distribution released the official soundtrack album across all major digital streaming platforms, including Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify.
• Late July – Early August 2026: The final two episodes of the series are scheduled to drop, promising a resolution to the emotional arcs established in the opening chapters.

This strategic release of the music serves as a companion piece to the show, allowing viewers to revisit the emotional beats of the episodes they have already consumed while building anticipation for the series finale.

Analyzing the Soundtrack: A Track-by-Track Breakdown

The soundtrack, spanning fifteen distinct tracks, functions as a roadmap of the series’ emotional geography. Targosz’s compositions range from light, rhythmic tracks to profound, lingering piano variations.

The Track List

1. 4 B&K (2:04): A rhythmic entry point that sets the tone for the series’ urban setting.
2. Filip’s Mornings (2:08): A light, domestic track highlighting the mundane yet challenging realities of the protagonist’s new life.
3. The Sister (1:25): A mournful, brief piece that underscores the absence left by the family tragedy.
4. Being Angry (4:21): One of the album’s more intense tracks, reflecting the frustration inherent in the character’s transition.
5. I Am Who I Am. (2:18): A declaration of identity, characterized by a steady, confident melody.
6. Jazz & French Model (6:05): A departure from the more somber tracks, offering a sophisticated, atmospheric interlude.
7. New Room 4 Tosia (2:00): A warm, hopeful piece capturing the arrival of the infant into the protagonist’s home.
8. The Kiss (2:18) and Neighbor Maja (3:28): These tracks explore the interpersonal relationships that ground the protagonist.
9. The Strange Case of Mrs. Tamara (1:10): A quirky, brief moment of levity.
10. Be Proud Guitar (2:27) and Be Proud Piano (3:28): These two iterations of the series’ primary theme represent the heart of the score, moving from acoustic simplicity to melodic complexity.
11. Piano Variation (7:12): The centerpiece of the album, showcasing Targosz’s ability to sustain emotional tension through long-form composition.
12. On the Bike Aka Motorek (1:04): A playful, fleeting track.
13. Closing Titles (2:23): The final word on the series, offering a contemplative conclusion to the viewing experience.

Official Responses and Creative Intent

In interviews regarding his creative process, Targosz has emphasized the importance of silence as a tool. In Proud, the music is never intended to drown out the dialogue or the quiet moments of observation. "The score is a guest in the room," Targosz noted in a recent briefing. "It has to exist alongside the actors, not compete with them."

The show’s creator, Karol Klementewicz, has similarly praised the collaboration. "We needed a sound that felt like home—even when home feels broken. Lukasz managed to find the exact frequency of that feeling." The partnership between the writing and the music has been cited by critics as a primary reason for the show’s high engagement rates on HBO Max, as the music provides a non-verbal narrative layer that deepens the audience’s empathy for the protagonist.

Broader Implications for Polish Media

The success of Proud and the subsequent interest in its soundtrack highlight a significant trend in the Polish streaming market: the export of hyper-local, character-driven dramas to a global audience. By utilizing high-caliber composers like Targosz, Polish productions are positioning themselves as competitors in the international "prestige TV" space.

Furthermore, the focus on stories that navigate LGBTQ+ themes within traditional family structures marks a departure from historical tropes in Central European television. The soundtrack serves as an ambassador for this shift, providing an accessible entry point for international viewers who may not be familiar with Polish social dynamics but can universally connect with the themes of loss, duty, and the search for belonging.

Conclusion: A Sonic Legacy

The release of the Proud soundtrack is more than just a promotional necessity; it is a vital component of the series’ legacy. By making the score available, Kayax Distribution and Lukasz Targosz have allowed the story to extend beyond the screen and into the daily lives of its audience.

For fans of the series, the album offers a chance to process the weight of the show’s themes at their own pace. For fans of film and television music, the album provides a masterclass in modern, emotive scoring. As the final episodes of Proud prepare to air, one thing is certain: the music has ensured that the journey of its characters will linger in the minds of the audience long after the screen goes dark. Whether through the minimalist piano of the "Piano Variation" or the driving force of the "Closing Titles," Targosz has crafted a sound that is, quite fittingly, something to be proud of.