The ultra-Orthodox are the hottest thing on Israeli TV

Source: PRI
the silhouettes of members of the ultra orthodox community in Jerusalem

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks next to a synagogue during the celebrations of Simchat Torah at the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem, Oct. 1, 2018.

Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

The hottest TV shows in Israel right now are not about sex, drugs or violence. Instead, they are about the insular Haredim, or ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, whose everyday dramas — albeit fictionalized — are Israeli TV’s latest obsession.

This cultural phenomenon will also soon hit the US. Marta Kauffman, who co-created American TV shows like “Friends” and Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie,” has adopted the breakthrough Haredi family drama “Shtisel” for US audiences.

“It’s a really good show about people that you really invest in, that’s what attracted me,” said Kauffman.

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