No one contests the fact that the Israeli media market is facing a severe crisis and that broadcasters face a day-to-day struggle for survival. Channel 1, the country’s publicly owned station, is threatened with closure, while Channel 10 lost its main investor and was almost shut down last year. Channel 2 is the only broadcaster that has managed to keep itself afloat.

But even if these broadcasters are having a hard time meeting their scheduling commitments, Israeli formats and series are a huge success in the United States. Israeli content has managed to penetrate the very heart of American television and is winning recognition for it. Over the past few years, Israel has become a television powerhouse around the world, with its series and formats becoming a significant export.

It all started with “BeTipul” (“In Treatment”), a successful drama series about the relationships that develop between a psychologist and his patients. In 2006 it was sold to HBO, went into production in the United States and was a success. “BeTipul” was a minor series with a meager budget and just two shooting locations, but the scripts were of the highest quality and the acting was wonderful. Thus “BeTipul” opened the door for Israelis, facilitating their access to the American television market.

That was a huge achievement for the made-in-Israel brand of television content, but it was also a big business success for HBO. The American series won two Emmys in its first season and a Golden Globe Award, after receiving five nominations. In its second season, the series was nominated for three Emmys.