Netflix Picks Up Intimate Israeli Surrogacy Drama ‘A Body That Works’

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has picked up hit Israeli drama A Body that Works, which has sold to nearly 100 territories.

Last year’s top-rated Israeli drama, according to seller Keshet International (KI), has been acquired by the streamer in Europe, Latin America and the U.S., as well as non-exclusively in Israel. It is the latest boon for the fruitful relationship between Netflix and Israeli networks, which has seen the streamer bring local hits like Shtisel to the world.

Elsewhere, A Body that Works has sold to AMC Networks International in Portugal and Spain, CBC in Canada and SBS in Australia, while selling in a further 19 territories.

Starring Rotem Sela (The Baker and the Beauty) and Yehuda Levi (Fire Dance) as a childless couple who enlist the help of a surrogate (Gal Malka), the intimate drama  – which also stars Lior Raz (Fauda) – stimulated national debate in Israel about fertility, family, and the autonomy of women’s bodies. It debuted on Keshet 12 ahead of global launch at last year’s London TV Screenings and this was followed by two awards at Series Mania. A version of the series is currently being developed for the UK and global market by Keshet UK.

“We are thrilled our partners at Netflix, AMC Networks International, CBC and SBS have boarded this beautiful series,” said Kelly Wright, KI’s MD of Distribution. “Now audiences around the world will get to enjoy this couple’s captivating journey to parenthood that had all of Israel buzzing with every new episode.” 

Yesterday, Keshet unveiled local drama The Best Worst Thing starring Shtisel’s Ayelet Zurer.