Let's chat: What's your favorite Israeli TV show?

And why is it "Shtisel?"

I was recently bowled over by the incredible “A Body that Works,” an Israeli Keshet show that premiered on Netflix this summer, which tells the story of a tenuous triangle between a couple and their surrogate. You can read my very positive review about the show here, but I’ve also been thinking about how many actors in this show are in other shows that I’ve loved throughout the years, because the Israeli acting/TV world is a small one indeed.

And so, I want to know, what’s your favorite Israeli show? And why is it “Shtisel?” JUST KIDDING, but also, is it? Or is it something else on this list?

As for the cast of “A Body That Works,” we have:

Rotem Sela (Elie):

Sela plays Noa in “The Baker and the Beauty” which you can stream on Prime, Blumi in “Autonomies,” from the creators of “Shtisel,” and Osnat in “The Chef” (read my review of the show!) which you can watch on Izzy. Sela is originally a professional model and has hosted “Ninja Israel” as well as the singing reality show “The Next Star to the Eurovision” and she’s one of the biggest media personalities in Israel.

Yehuda Levy (Ido):

Levy plays Rabbi Natan in “Fire Dance” (read my interview with its creator) which you can stream on ChaiFlicks and Yona “Kinder” in “Mossad 101” which used to be streamable on Netflix but is no longer. It’s actually kind of shocking that more of Levy’s show aren’t available to U.S. audiences, just because he is such a TV and film icon and maybe Israel’s biggest heartthrob. You might know him from the queer army flick “Yossi & Jagger.” Millennials know him for his role in “HaAlufa” and countless other TV shows, as well as for his high profile romances.

Gal Malka (Chen):

Malka is Hagit in “Dismissed,” a most excellent IDF comedy show that was supposed to get an American adaptation but that probably won’t happen anytime soon…

Lior Raz (Tomer):

Raz created and stars in “Fauda” (duh!!!) on Netflix. He also created and stars in “Hit & Run,” also on Netflix. No comment from me about this one. Lior is also in “The Crowded Room,” on Apple TV+, where he plays Yitzchak Safdie. And he’s going to be in “Gladiator 2.” That’s not an Israeli show but important information nonetheless.

Yael Eitan (Romi):

Eitan plays Maya in “The Spy” on Netflix (read my review here) and is also in “Prisoners of War,” which used to be on Hulu but is now on MHz, and is the inspiration behind “Homeland.”

Itay Turgeman (Chen’s ex):

Turgeman is Ofer in “Rehearsals” on Hulu. A really complex and incredible show — read my review here.

Nurit Galron (Elie’s mom):

Galron is an iconic actress and singer who is in the new “Night Therapy,” starring Shira Haas (“Unorthodox,” “Shtisel”). The show is currently airing in Israel.

Moris Cohen (Chen’s dad):

Cohen, a prolific TV and film actor, is in the new season of “Black Space” (you can watch the first season on Netflix now), in “Our Boys” streaming on Max and in “False Flag,” streaming on Hulu.

So, what’s your favorite Israeli show? Let me know in the comments!