8.8 / 10 (based on 38 reviews)
When a half-way home for recently released prisoners faces permanent closure – the former prisoners face a dramatic junction — will they be able to integrate back into society or will they be thrown back into their previous lives? The series centers around Anat, an idealist social worker and current manager of the group home, who deals with both the shutting down of her life’s work and the reemergence of Niko, her former ward and flame.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Tal Lifshitz, Henry David, Imri Biton, Inbar Marco
Creators: Nir Bergman, Ram Nehari
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 9 episodes, 40-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Rak LeHayom (2019)
Chazarot (2020)
8.8 / 10 (based on 574 reviews)
Two theater writers are forced to work together just when they’re going through a breakup in their relationship. They are joined by two egotistical TV stars.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Noa Koler, Erez Drigues, Agam Rudberg, Itay Turgeman
Creators: Assaf Amir, Erez Drigues, Noa Koler
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 33.0-minute runtime
The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 883 reviews)
A family living through the Ottoman Empire, The British Mandate and Israel’s War of Independence. The multi-generational historical melodrama will shoot across the country in Hebrew, English, Ladino and Arabic.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Swell Ariel Or, Michael Aloni, Hila Saada, Irit Kaplan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5 episodes, 28.0-minute runtime
HaTabach (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 155 reviews)
Nimrod, a disenfranchised former high-tech worker, desperate to provide for his family and restore his self-esteem, is offered a second chance as a lowly prep cook at a famous restaurant, run by charismatic and tempestuous chef/owner Dori, who battles to stay relevant in the ultra-competitive culinary world. Finding his place and learning to enjoy the microcosm of the upscale kitchen, Nimrod strikes up a friendship with a new talented chef, Sara, which throws his home and work life into a tailspin.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Guri Alfi, Gal Toren, Rotem Sela, Yael Elkana
Creators: Orit Dabush, Erez Kav-El
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 10 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
The Grave (2019)
6.8 / 10 (based on 403 reviews)
An earthquake in northern Israel reveals a pit in the ground, and in it are three skeletons. The police investigation encounters a mystery with no reasonable explanation.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Liana Ayoun, Nadav Netz, Shalom Michaelshwilli, Tsahi Halevi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Possessions (2020)
5.7 / 10 (based on 451 reviews)
In Israel. The very evening of her wedding in Israel, young Frenchwoman Natalie is accused of killing her husband. The French state sends Karim, a diplomat, to the scene to help her.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Reda Kateb, Dominique Valadié, Ariane Ascaride
Creators: Shahar Magen
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 7 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
PMTA (2018)
8.7 / 10 (based on 100 reviews)
Marcel Ben David is a former police officer that joins PMTA and found herself in the middle of an entangled corruption story.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Chen Amsalem, Zohar Strauss, Sara von Schwarze, Ori Pfeffer
Creators: Noa Ben-Artzi, Ester Namdar, Oded Lotan
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
In a world where TV shows come and go with the changing seasons, there’s something to be said for those that manage to leave a lasting impression. “Rak LeHayom” (Only For Today), a 2019 Israeli series, is one such show that has managed to do just that. It’s not just another entry in the bustling world of television; it’s a narrative masterpiece that deserves a closer look. So, let’s get to it.
The Premise
At its core, “Rak LeHayom” is a drama that delves into the lives of individuals in a halfway house, a temporary home for those recently released from prison as they try to reintegrate into society. However, calling it just a drama would be an oversimplification. The show expertly weaves elements of suspense, emotion, and even bits of humor into its fabric, making it a rich tapestry of storytelling that’s hard to categorize neatly.
The Characters
One of the show’s strongest suits is its characters. They’re not your typical cutouts or stereotypes often seen in drama series. Each character in “Rak LeHayom” is fleshed out, with their own backstories, fears, and hopes. This depth makes them relatable, and viewers find themselves rooting for these characters, despite their flaws and mistakes.
Avi
Take Avi, for example. He’s not just a former inmate; he’s a man struggling to find his place in a world that seems to have moved on without him. His journey of redemption and self-discovery is a central theme of the show, and it’s portrayed with such sincerity that you can’t help but empathize with him.
Noa
Then there’s Noa, a strong-willed and determined woman who runs the halfway house. She’s not just a side character; she’s the glue that holds the story together. Her interactions with the residents reveal her own vulnerabilities and strengths, making her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
The Setting
The halfway house itself is more than just a backdrop for the series; it’s a character in its own right. It represents a liminal space, a threshold between the past and the future, where the characters must confront their demons and work towards building a new life. The setting adds a unique dimension to the show, grounding the characters’ experiences in a tangible, relatable environment.
The Themes
“Rak LeHayom” tackles a myriad of themes, from redemption and forgiveness to the struggle for identity and belonging. These aren’t just thrown in for dramatic effect; they’re woven into the narrative in a way that prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices.
Redemption
The theme of redemption is particularly poignant. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life after prison, but it also offers a glimmer of hope. It suggests that redemption is possible, but it’s a journey fraught with challenges and setbacks.
Identity
The struggle for identity is another recurring theme. The characters in “Rak LeHayom” are constantly trying to redefine themselves outside the confines of their past mistakes. This struggle is relatable to anyone who’s ever tried to change or grow, making it a universal theme that resonates deeply with viewers.
The Impact
Since its debut, “Rak LeHayom” has made a significant impact, both in Israel and internationally. It’s not just the gripping storyline or the well-rounded characters that have captivated audiences; it’s the show’s ability to tackle complex issues with sensitivity and nuance. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface, to see the humanity in everyone, regardless of their past.
The series has also sparked conversations about the criminal justice system, rehabilitation, and societal reintegration, highlighting the importance of second chances and the potential for change. In this way, “Rak LeHayom” transcends its role as entertainment, becoming a catalyst for dialogue and reflection.
Why It Stands Out
In an era where TV shows are often formulaic, “Rak LeHayom” stands out for its originality and depth. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, proving that television can be both entertaining and enlightening. The series doesn’t rely on clichés or sensationalism to draw viewers in; instead, it offers a genuine exploration of the human condition, making it a refreshing departure from the norm.
Conclusion
“Rak LeHayom” is more than just a TV show; it’s a journey into the heart of what it means to be human. With its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and heartfelt storytelling, it’s a series that stays with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re drawn to drama, interested in social issues, or simply looking for a show that offers something more, “Rak LeHayom” is definitely worth watching. It’s a reminder that, in the end, we’re all just looking for a second chance, a way to make today better than yesterday. And perhaps, that’s the most universal story of all.