Fauda is a political thriller with rave reviews from around the world (including this one). The show was created by a retired Israeli Special Forces Soldier (Lior Raz) and Middle East Journalist (Avi Issacharoff).
Fauda originally aired on Israeli television in 2015. However, it shot to global fame after being snapped up by Netflix in 2017.
What Is Fauda About?
The show is set amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and focuses on the Israeli Military Unit nicknamed ‘Duvdevan‘ (Hebrew: cherry). Its co-creator Lior Raz served in the unit, which specializes in covert infiltration inside Palestinian neighbourhoods.
Operatives must be able to move within the local Arab population without raising suspicion and be ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Fauda season one focuses on the story of Doron, who left the army after he thought he'd killed a terrorist known as Abu Ahmad. Doron rejoins his old Israel Defense Force (IDF) undercover unit, 18 months later after it's discovered that Abu Ahmad is still alive.
A commander in the Mista'arvim unit, he and his team are hunting for a Palestinian fighter known as the ‘The Panther', and they must find him before he can unleash a terror attack which could spark a full-scale war.
Fauda Official Trailer
Is Fauda Worth Watching?
The 12 episodes in Fauda season 1 move at a rapid pace with characters that are believable and very well acted.
This warts-and-all depiction isn't a James Bond style spy story, as the characters on both sides are shown paying a high personal price for their involvement in the conflict.
The tension is perfectly paced, and the drama is interwoven into the characters' personal lives, which makes the action even more intense. A highly recommended series, be sure to watch it in the original language with subtitles as the English dubbing is terrible!
If you liked season 1, then you'll be glad to hear Fauda season 2 and season 3 are also available on Netflix. And if loved Fauda, check out Mosul which is equally as good.
Fauda Season 4 Netflix Release Date
On the back of a hugely successful run of three seasons, Fauda was renewed for a fourth season which aired in Israel between August and September 2022.
Produced by Tender Productions and L.Benasuly Productions, Netflix has announced that the 4th season will air internationally on January 20th 2023.
Ever the action-packed show, we can expect another chaotic chain of events that will reverberate throughout the entire 12 episodes and keep us glued to our sofas!
Fauda Cast Members
Lior Raz (6 Underground) as Doron Kavillio, a top Israeli agent and married to Gali
Hisham Sulliman as Taufiq Hammed, is a high level Hamas terrorist known as ‘The Panther
Shadi Mar'i as Walid Al Abed, a trusted member of Taufiq's team
Laëtitia Eïdo as Dr. Shirin Al Abed
Itzik Cohen as Captain Ayub
Yuval Segal as Mickey Moreno, a commander of Doron's former unit
Netta Garti as Gali Kavillio, Doron's wife who is having an affair with Naor
Hanan Hillo as Nassrin Hamed
Tomer Kapon as Boaz, a member of Doron's unit and Gali's younger brother
Tzachi Halevy Naor, in Doron's unit and having an affair with Gali