I haven’t been watching much in terms of actual shows for a good while, then while listening to a podcast a host casually mentioned they had rewatched Chernobyl, how it still holds up, that there’s a reason it got as much acclaim as it did, etc. So I thought I’d give it a go and wow, loved it (still one episode left to watch).
Had me thinking, what else have I missed out on? What are some “absolute cinema” TV shows that still hold up and and are considered must watch?
Fauda
Might be the best and most realistic show about the Israel-Palestine conflict. It’s focused on an IDF Mista’arvim unit, that specializes in operating covertly among Palestinians to capture terrorists. That means not only speaking Arabic, but knowing and living the culture. The soldiers are shown as determined, brutal, human, and conflicted. Palestinians, including Hamas terrorists and their families, are shown as human with feelings, interests, and so on. Cooperation between IDF and Palestinian Authority security forces is a recurring topic, as is political structures inside Palestinian society. Espionage, action, personal drama, political issues all get screen time.
For anyone interested in the conflict, regardless of what side you support, this could expand your horizon. It’s also simply a great show. It’s also popular among Palestinians and in Arab countries. Netflix
Watch the original with Hebrew and Arabic with subtitles. A dub removes this layer with the two languages.
Teheran
Mossad operating in Iran. An Israeli woman speaking Persian is recruited by Mossad and sent to Iran. Shows the Iranian system and how it works, without demonization. Other topics: Iranian opposition, counterculture, decadence of rich elites, dirty business of espionage.
Great show with contemporary relevance by Apple TV.