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Israeli audiences are embracing a wave of compelling television with the release of new seasons of Jaffa and Zaguri Empire. Both series have returned with high stakes, vibrant characters, and storylines that reflect the nuanced social and cultural fabric of Israel.
KAN 11’s Jaffa, airing Sundays and Wednesdays, dives into the complexities of a mixed Arab-Jewish city. The series begins with a shocking incident: Adi, portrayed by Neta Roth, is shot while riding a motorcycle with her Arab boyfriend, Adam, played by Arkan Tarif. Adam’s brother, Saleh (Adam Khoury), involved in the city’s drug trade, is present during the shooting, adding immediate tension.
The incident draws multiple characters into its orbit, including community policeman Amir (Shadi Mar’i). Mar’i, known for his roles in Fauda and Bethlehem, hesitates during a chase and fires into the air instead of targeting the suspect, losing him. This critical error leads to his removal from the case, but he is determined to prove himself and contribute to the investigation.
The series also delves into the lives of Adi’s parents, played by Neta Riskin (Shtisel) and Alon Pdut (Asylum City). Her mother manages a food blog while secretly snorting cocaine, and her father, a successful contractor, employs many Arabs on construction sites, some of whom may be implicated in the shooting. The show skillfully uses the crime as a lens to examine the delicate balance between the city’s communities, highlighting how fragile coexistence can be disrupted by a single event.
Jaffa was created by Leora Kamenetzky, one of the minds behind the acclaimed Israeli series False Flag. Kamenetzky excels at developing multiple characters who feel instantly distinct while building suspense in a narrative that grips viewers from the opening moments. Audiences are quickly immersed in the city’s tense atmosphere, making the show both a crime drama and a cultural study.
On a different note, Zaguri Empire (Hot 3, Hot VOD, Next TV) is back for its third season, continuing the story of a beloved, dysfunctional Mizrahi family in Beersheba. Created by Maor Zaguri, the series became a pop-culture phenomenon in Israel due to its relatable portrayal of working-class family life and humor-filled storytelling.
This season, the Zaguri household faces a new crisis. Aviel (Oz Zehavi) has returned home, struggling with debts while pursuing his passion for poetry. The patriarch, originally played by Moshe Ivgy, is absent due to the actor’s legal issues, and the show cleverly reworks his story while keeping the family dynamic intact.
Most of the original cast returns, including Ninet Tayeb, Sarah von Schwarze, Israel Atias, and Kobi Maimon, with a few new characters seamlessly integrated. The season remains accessible for new viewers, offering a mix of humor, heartfelt family drama, and cultural insights, complete with a surprise marriage proposal and a brit milah celebration.
Beyond Israel, Netflix introduces two historical series exploring journalism and media. The Newsreader, set in Melbourne during the 1980s, focuses on the professional and personal lives of news anchors Dale (Sam Reid) and Helen (Anna Torv). The show combines newsroom politics, historical events such as the Challenger disaster, and complex relationships, giving viewers insight into television journalism of the era.
Similarly, Mrs. Playmen, set in Rome in the early 1970s, is loosely based on the story of Adelina Tattilo (Carolina Crescentini), a woman who takes over her husband’s erotic magazine. The series highlights her journey from doubt to empowerment as she caters to a female readership while navigating political scrutiny and societal taboos surrounding women’s sexuality.
While occasionally overemphasizing political messages, Mrs. Playmen delivers a visually rich and atmospheric portrayal of Rome in the 1970s, complete with iconic landmarks, period fashion, and pop music. Both Netflix series provide international audiences with entertaining, historically informed perspectives on media.
Returning to Israel, Jaffa and Zaguri Empire demonstrate the country’s growing reputation for producing high-quality television that blends suspense, social commentary, and relatable character-driven stories. Jaffa highlights crime, coexistence, and urban tension in a mixed community, while Zaguri Empire offers humor, familial bonds, and working-class struggles with authenticity and heart.
These series illustrate the versatility of Israeli television, appealing to both domestic and global audiences with stories that balance drama, suspense, and cultural relevance. Viewers interested in contemporary social issues, intense family dynamics, and gripping crime dramas are particularly drawn to these narratives.
With Jaffa’s thrilling crime plot and Zaguri Empire’s heartfelt family saga, Israeli viewers—and international audiences via streaming—can experience diverse facets of the country’s storytelling prowess. Combined with global hits like The Newsreader and Mrs. Playmen, television audiences worldwide have multiple avenues to explore compelling drama that entertains while reflecting the intricacies of culture, history, and human experience.
Overall, these series showcase how drama can both reflect and shape societal conversations, offering suspenseful entertainment while engaging with real-world issues and historical contexts. Israeli television continues to produce series that captivate audiences, prove cultural resonance, and redefine international interest in the country’s media output.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members