‘Checkout’ Creators Say the War Helped Inspire Their New Film

In an interview with "Culture Committee," Zohar, 40, and Frishman, 49, said that hearing people laugh at material they wrote is still thrilling, especially when viewers tell them the show has brought families together. They said one especially meaningful response has been from parents and children who gather every Friday with grandparents to watch the series, turning it into shared family time.

The movie, released this week, is the cinema version of the Kan 11 comedy and is directed by Kobi Havia. It stars the full ensemble, including Keren Mor, Dov Navon, Noa Koller, Amir Shourush, Yaniv Swissa, and Daniel Stiopin. The plot follows the staff of the Shufersal-like supermarket chain "Shefa Yissachar" on a wild adventure outside the store.

Zohar and Frishman said writing a feature film was very different from writing a TV episode. They had to carry an ensemble across 90 minutes, give the characters a real arc, and expand the action beyond the supermarket to new locations, including helicopters and other big-scale scenes. They compared the challenge to moving from building a house in sand to constructing a real building. They also said the actors had to adapt because the movie drops the mockumentary style that frames the series.

The writers said they still develop ideas by looking for material rooted in their own lives and rejecting 98 percent of suggestions. They said Amnon Titinsky is built to be "always right" in 98 percent of cases, even if he is not smart, while Kohava is inspired partly by selfish characters like Cartman from "South Park." They added that the show often portrays overlooked people who eventually win. Zohar said the series stays away from overt political messages, including on the judicial overhaul, because those subjects are not naturally funny, though it will soon include an election episode focused on everyday life. They also said they are already planning season 7, starting soon, and remain open to continuing the show for many more seasons and even a musical.