Israeli tv series (2013-)
The Baker and the Beauty (Hebrew: להיות איתה Translit.: Lihyot Ita Translated: "Being with Her") is an Israeli romantic-comedy TV series that follows the love story between a simple baker and an international supermodel. It ranks as one of the highest-rated scripted series ever in Israel.[1][2] The second season premiered on May 9, 2017.[1] The series takes a comical approach to Jewish ethnic divisions in Israel by exploring the relationship between a privileged Ashkenazi Jewish woman and her working-class Mizrahi Jewish (Yemenite-Jewish) love interest.
Plot summary
The worlds of the model and heiress Noa Hollander (Rotem Sela) and the baker Amos Dahari (Aviv Alush) collide when they meet on a night out in Tel Aviv. In season one, they face challenges to staying together as Noa's ruthless agent Tzvika (Mark Ivanir) and Amos' ex-girlfriend Vanessa (Hila Saada) conspire to break the couple up.[3] In season two, further impediments to their happiness are created by Noa's father and his scheming assistant, Eden.
In 2021 in Israel Season 1 and 2 were edited into 2 mini movies to remind people of the series and what had happened so far
In season 3 we have a time jump of 3 years following the end of Season 2.
It was confirmed in 2020 that Season 3 would be 4 episodes and would be the final season concluding the series.
Reception
The series has been well-received by critics. Haaretz newspaper described it as "a great series" and that the "secret of the charm lies in the genre. For years the Israeli comedy drama has insisted on reinventing the wheel each time (or copying someone else’s wheel). Perhaps the most popular and ancient genre (from “Daphnis and Chloe” to “The Taming of the Shrew,” not to mention “When Harry Met Sally...”), it’s the genre most lacking in Israeli culture throughout the generations."[4] In the United Kingdom where the series is broadcast on Channel 4, The Daily Telegraph praised the series, writing that "aside from being a hugely entertaining, frivolous romantic comedy on the surface, the show has a grittier side which will appeal to a British audience."[3] Walter Iuzzolino acquired the series for Walter Presents, a Channel 4 streaming service of foreign language TV drama and comedy. Iuzzolino spoke about the series to The Jewish Chronicle, "On the one hand, it's a shamelessly commercial piece, with all the classic ingredients of a typical love story. However, I think there's an honesty about it which really resonated with me. The underlying themes are sophisticated, particularly regarding the notion of family. She [Noa] lives in a vacuum of no relations and he lives surrounded by these noisy Sicilian types who I love! To me, it painted the portrait of a community and bonds that are really lovely. I think it gives the series a lot of [weight]."[5]
Production and broadcast history
The series was created by Assi Azar, who had Bar Refaeli in mind for the lead role. Rotem Sela took the role when Refaeli pulled out.[6]
English subtitled version
An English subtitled version was released online on the Channel 4 website.[7] On June 20, 2017 Amazon acquired global rights of the first two seasons of the show and streams them worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.[8] As of October 9, 2021, the show was no longer available in the US on Amazon Prime Video. It was not clear where the show could be streamed from for viewers in the US.
