Israeli Series "Fauda" Tops Netflix Charts in Lebanon and Region

The fifth season of the Israeli television series "Fauda" has achieved significant success across the Middle East, reaching the number one spot on Netflix in Lebanon just two days after its release. This popularity is notable given the season's plot directly addresses the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the subsequent trauma experienced by Israeli society. The series also ranks seventh globally on Netflix and is number one in Israel.

Beyond Lebanon, "Fauda" has garnered substantial viewership in other Arab nations. It secured the second position in Jordan and is among the most-watched programs in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. This broad appeal in the Arab world, particularly in Lebanon, a country engaged in conflict with Israel since the October 7th attacks, highlights the show's continued resonance. Notably, the fourth season of "Fauda" also topped the Lebanese Netflix charts in 2023.

The eleventh-episode fifth season, which aired in Israel between May and July 2026, was significantly reshaped by its creators, Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, following the October 7th attacks. The narrative is set two years after the events, exploring life post-trauma and the psychological consequences of the massacre and the war in Gaza. Filmed in southern Israel and Budapest, the season also touches upon the rise of anti-Israeli sentiment globally.

The production has been deeply affected by the war, with several crew members experiencing direct losses. Matan Meir, a long-time production member, was killed in Gaza in December 2023, and the first episode is dedicated to him. Actor Idan Amedi, who was slated to appear, was severely injured while serving as a combat engineer reservist in Gaza in January 2024 and ultimately did not feature in the season. Co-creator and lead actor Lior Raz returned to Israel on October 8, 2023, to volunteer with relief efforts following the attacks.

"Fauda," which has been available internationally since 2016, maintains a strong audience in the Arab world despite controversies surrounding its portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.