How tiny Israel produces global TV hits

Screenwriter Moshe Zonder attributes the success to the country's dramatic history and having to work with limited production budgets

In Tehran, Niv Sultan plays a Mossad agent who goes undercover on a dangerous mission in Iran.
In Tehran, Niv Sultan plays a Mossad agent who goes undercover on a dangerous mission in Iran. PHOTO: APPLE TV+
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How has Israel, a country of just 8.6 million, managed to produce and inspire so many internationally popular television shows - especially on American TV, where it is one of the top providers of content?

This includes the award-winning Hollywood dramas Homeland (2011 to 2020) and Euphoria (2019 to now), both adapted from Israeli series. The latter saw its star, Zendaya, take home the award for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series at last week's Emmys.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 01, 2020, with the headline How tiny Israel produces global TV hits. Subscribe