The Most Popular Israeli TV shows you can watch online to improve your Hebrew!

Every time we have discussed different ways to learn Hebrew in a fast, engaging, and entertaining way, we have used examples that are – somehow – international. Do you remember when we gave you some of the best Israeli series you can find on Netflix? Or maybe when we decided to talk about the most amazing Israeli songs that have participated in the Eurovision contest? Well, at this opportunity we wanted to take it to a local level.

As you know, the best experiences you can have when visiting a new country are the ones you get to by asking locals about their favorite places. We assure you, you will not taste a better Risotto than the one offered wherever your hotel receptionist goes himself with his own family.

With that same mindset, we want to mention some of the most popular Israeli TV shows. But not those you can find on either Netflix or Amazon Prime. Instead, we want you to discover the shows that Israeli families watch together, the ones they discuss on Sunday mornings at the office, and the ones that turn Israeli society into what it actually is.

Allow us to warn you: these Israeli TV shows are for fluent Hebrew speakers. That being said, you can definitely watch them to improve your Hebrew, or in case you are already fluent, to better understand how Israeli society works and thinks.

May we begin? Here we go!

Favorite TV shows of the average Israeli family

We have a variety of Israeli TV shows to show you. Some of them are made to make you laugh, and others to make you cry. In any case, these are the favorite TV shows of many Israeli families.

1. Eretz Nehederet: Politics and humor

In this show, everything becomes a parody, a satire, or material for a laugh. This show first aired in 2003, and ever since has been making Israel laugh about the current political news, or about many other subjects. It is, somehow, similar to the SNL format, in which famous actors portray relevant politicians, making fun of their latest appearances.

But not only that, not so long ago they created a parody of the show “Fauda”, in which they gathered the gang together, to fight against a new strong enemy called “Corona”. Take a look at this short video to understand their unique style.

2. Big Brother: The Israeli version

The well-known reality show “Big Brother” has been around since 1997, but it wasn’t until 2003 that Israel aired its first local season. Since then, it has had around 7 seasons and all participants have been conquering the hearts of almost all Israeli homes.

Many of the TV hosts we see today on local Israeli TV first appeared as contestants on one of the previous seasons of Big Brother. Love stories, fights, class struggles, etc. You already know the recipe of almost every single one of the global reality shows. Well, Israel is not the exception.

If you really want to learn some Hebrew and optimize the way you speak, wait until the next season comes on and watch the participants live. No subtitles, lots of Hebrew slang, and an interaction dynamic you don’t want to miss out on.

3. Fact: Research, journalism, truth

The Israeli TV program “Uvda” (Fact) has been around since 1993. In its 24 seasons, it has revealed truths about Israeli personalities, historical facts, and many incidents that have completely changed Israeli society.

Investigative journalist and attorney Ilana Dayan has been doing an impeccable, extraordinary job when it comes to unveiling hidden realities, interviewing the most important worldwide politicians, and discovering facts about political processes – both national and international – that society should know about.

In case you are into investigative journalism and sociological research, you must watch this TV show.

An engaging, fun way to learn Hebrew

There are several great ways to learn Hebrew and to start speaking it fluently. You could even try reading Israeli children’s books to begin with, but there is nothing like having a well-trained guide or instructor to help you master the language of our ancestors.

In the live online Hebrew courses offered by the Rosen School of Hebrew you’ll be amazed by how fast, easy, and fun it is to start speaking Hebrew fluently. Give it a try. You deserve this great opportunity.