Netflix Picks Up Israeli Drama Shtisel

Dori Media Group has inked a deal with Netflix for two seasons of the Israeli drama Shtisel.

The series first aired in Israel in June 2013. It follows Akiva, a young ultra-orthodox (Haredi) bachelor, and his widowed father who share an apartment while searching for love within the strict rules of religious observance.

The Israeli drama was created by Abot Hameiri Barkai for Yes DBS Satellite Services. Shtisel launched globally on Netflix on December 15.

Nadav Palti, CEO and president of Dori Media Group, commented: “We are delighted to see the sale of Shtisel to Netflix after its outstanding performance over the last five years. As a leading subscription service for watching TV episodes and films, it is a ringing endorsement that Netflix would like to include Shtisel on their platform. Both seasons were received with positive reviews, which reflects why Shtisel is recognized as one of the best Israeli television series thanks to the high quality of its production and the story’s international relevance.”

Dikla Barkai, executive producer at Abot Hameiri Barkai, added: “We are excited about airing the series on Netflix, which reflects its global recognition and are expecting even wider exposure in future. Ori Elon and Yehonatan Indursky are distinguished writers and together with the deep and sensitive directing of Alon Zingman, they have come up with a special viewing experience that changes the way of thinking. You think the series will expose you to a distant, exotic world, but you find yourself immersed in the energy of the programme. Shtisel is above all an excellent story, translated into so many languages, and we thank Netflix for choosing it.”

Danna Stern, managing director of yesStudios, commented: “We are thrilled and proud that the beautiful world of the Shtisel family produced for YES TV will be readily available for a global audience. This intimate family portrait rooted in a rich, traditional and often unseen realms deals with loss, love and relationships—all universally relatable and extremely accessible.”