Bad Boy

"Bad Boy" is Israeli television at its finest - bold, brutal, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. Created by and starring Daniel Chen, this series doesn't pull punches. It plunges into the juvenile detention system with a mix of street realism and psychological depth rarely seen on screen. Every frame oozes authenticity, and the performances (especially Chen himself) are nothing short of extraordinary.

What makes this show shine is its refusal to romanticize or simplify trauma. It's messy, dark, and deeply human. The characters are complex, broken, and unforgettable. The pacing is tight, the writing razor-sharp, and the direction keeps you gripped and uncomfortable - exactly where you should be.

This isn't just a coming-of-age story. It's a gut-punching exploration of survival, masculinity, and the wounds that never fully heal. "Bad Boy" isn't easy to watch - it's even harder to forget. A must-see.

The plot was just a pretext to deliver cinematography at its finest.

Outstanding imagery and cutting and music and sound. I loved the "dissonant" composition of intense quarrel scenes with anti-heroes shouting at each other, on rather ethereal musical backgrounds - perhaps so as to "prime" the spectator for when antagonists abruptly end up hugging each other!?

I've watched a good number of "foreign new wave" films or series, exuding "fragile tension", but it seems to me that Israelis are distinctly good at creating "harmony through chaos".

Israeli production on Netflix has delivered another outstanding work. Following the fantastic Fauda, Bad Boy proves to be a worthy successor.

Bad Boy isn't just another drama series - it's a deeply affecting portrait of adolescence on the edge of society, one that lingers in the mind long after watching. Creators Ron Leshem and Hagar Ben-Asher have crafted a powerful and unflinching story, rooted in real experiences, unafraid to expose the harsh realities of the juvenile correctional system.

Raw, at times melodramatic, and occasionally even humorous - it's a compelling mix, carried by believable and heartfelt performances. Tense, emotional, and visually beautiful, the series captivates on multiple levels.

I always appreciate when child roles are played by actual children - a practice that, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly rare.

"Bad Boy" is an Israeli drama series that had potential but ultimately misses the mark in almost every way. Despite its gritty premise and autobiographical inspiration, the story falls apart under the weight of poor writing, implausible scenarios, and a tone that can't decide if it wants to be raw and emotional or edgy and juvenile. What should have been a powerful character study ends up feeling more like a loosely stitched sequence of clichés and overacted melodrama.

The lead performance-though based on the real-life experiences of Daniel Chen-fails to deliver authenticity or emotional depth. The characters surrounding him are underdeveloped, making their interactions feel forced and unnatural. The pacing drags, and the series seems unsure how to sustain tension or build meaningful stakes. What's worse, the dialogue is often weighed down by awkward attempts at humor that completely undercut any dramatic momentum.

From laughably unbelievable situations in the juvenile detention center to hollow emotional arcs, "Bad Boy" never manages to find its footing. The series relies too heavily on shock value and shallow storytelling rather than trusting in its characters or theme. It's not just boring-it's frustrating, especially considering the subject matter had so much potential.

Overall, "Bad Boy" is a forgettable and frustrating experience that squanders a compelling premise with weak execution. A waste of time unless you're watching purely out of curiosity.

Bad Boy is such a refreshing show.

I was blown away by Bad Boy-a gripping Israeli drama that hooked me from the first episode. In a TV landscape often cluttered with political messages and agendas, this series stands out for its pure, human storytelling. Bad Boy zeroes in on the real, raw experiences of troubled youth and the brutal realities of juvenile detention - regardless of where it's located geographically.

Ron Leshem and Hagar Ben-Asher have created something extraordinary here: a gritty, no-nonsense portrayal of adolescence gone astray, told with honesty and emotional depth. Every scene feels authentic, and the characters resonate because their struggles are deeply personal, not political. It was very difficult not to side with the main character Dean.

The acting is top-notch, especially from the young cast - delivering a powerful, believable story. The series is intense and sometimes heartbreaking, yet it's beautifully shot and paced, offering moments of tenderness and lots of unexpected humor.

If you're looking for a drama that tells it like it is-without distractions or hidden messages-this is it. Bad Boy is unforgettable, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Hope you enjoy it too.