Bad Boy

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.

Bad Boy stands out as a bold and deeply personal piece of storytelling. By blending stand-up comedy with autobiographical drama, it creates a unique narrative that feels both intimate and truly innovative. At its heart is the story of a young boy navigating a harsh and uncertain reality. His mistakes, his real need for love, validation, and guidance are portrayed with remarkable honesty and a sense of childlike innocence especially in his lowest moments. He isn't painted as a hero or a villain, just a child: lost, yearning for stability. His natural charm and likability are never ignored, yet we are constantly reminded that, at the end of the day, he was a little crook. His mother, too, is portrayed with nuance. She is far from perfect (who is?), but never malicious. She is what Winnicott would call a "Good Enough Mother", coping with impossible circumstances and doing what she can within the limits of her own pain and reality. As an adult and stand-up comedian, he remains provocative, boundary-pushing, and sharp, but no longer defined by crime. Through both the stand-up scenes and the dramatic dialogue, he shares emotional, personal anecdotes about the main figures in his youth-bringing humor, heartache, and insight in equal measure.

Based on Daniel Chen's real life experiences, Bad Boy manages to be painful, bluntly funny and deeply moving. It's filled with vulnerability, self-awareness, and for me, as a mother a constant urge to jump into the screen and wrap this lost boy in a long, fierce hug.

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.

I absolutely loved it. The series is moving and deeply touching, portraying the complexities of the main character and making you fall in love with the kind heart of a criminal who is, at the end of the day, just a kid. Brilliantly written, beautifully shot, and masterfully directed. The entire cast delivers phenomenal performances. I devoured the whole series in just two days.