Bad Boy

Israeli production on Netflix has delivered another outstanding work. Following the fantastic Fauda, Bad Boy proves to be a worthy successor.

Bad Boy isn't just another drama series - it's a deeply affecting portrait of adolescence on the edge of society, one that lingers in the mind long after watching. Creators Ron Leshem and Hagar Ben-Asher have crafted a powerful and unflinching story, rooted in real experiences, unafraid to expose the harsh realities of the juvenile correctional system.

Raw, at times melodramatic, and occasionally even humorous - it's a compelling mix, carried by believable and heartfelt performances. Tense, emotional, and visually beautiful, the series captivates on multiple levels.

I always appreciate when child roles are played by actual children - a practice that, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly rare.

Bad Boy is a raw, riveting masterpiece that doesn't just tell a story-it grabs you by the soul and refuses to let go. This Israeli series dives deep into the harsh, often invisible world of youth at risk, portraying their struggles with unflinching realism and a beating heart of hope.

From the first episode, the writing stands out-sharp, witty, emotionally intelligent. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, never feeling forced or contrived. These aren't just characters; they're people. They bleed, they break, they laugh with surprising tenderness, and they fight like hell to survive. It's hard to watch at times-brutal, even-but that's the point. It doesn't sugarcoat trauma, and in doing so, it earns its moments of warmth and redemption.

What elevates Bad Boy beyond just another drama about troubled youth is its compassion. It doesn't pity its characters; it respects them. It allows them to be complex, funny, infuriating, brilliant. The cast brings incredible nuance, particularly the young lead, who delivers a performance so alive and layered it feels more like a documentary than fiction.

Yes, it's painful. Yes, it's heavy. But ultimately, Bad Boy is a love letter to resilience. A powerful, unsentimental reminder that even in the bleakest circumstances, light can break through. Gritty and gorgeous, dark and deeply moving, this series is a triumph.

This story is not a vehicle for using celebrity fame to market a so-so story (I'm not from Israel and never heard of this comedien). Really good drama with interesting characters, multiple story lines, unexpected twists. There have been a few with the same general plot (maybe because there are a few other real similar stories), but details matter and this one is the best I've seen. Well cast, well written script performed by some very charismatic actors (not the lead).

This is good enough to be very appealing to people who are not interested in crime/prison. Several storylines cut across specific tastes.

"Bad Boy" is Israeli television at its finest - bold, brutal, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. Created by and starring Daniel Chen, this series doesn't pull punches. It plunges into the juvenile detention system with a mix of street realism and psychological depth rarely seen on screen. Every frame oozes authenticity, and the performances (especially Chen himself) are nothing short of extraordinary.

What makes this show shine is its refusal to romanticize or simplify trauma. It's messy, dark, and deeply human. The characters are complex, broken, and unforgettable. The pacing is tight, the writing razor-sharp, and the direction keeps you gripped and uncomfortable - exactly where you should be.

This isn't just a coming-of-age story. It's a gut-punching exploration of survival, masculinity, and the wounds that never fully heal. "Bad Boy" isn't easy to watch - it's even harder to forget. A must-see.

"Bad Boy" is an Israeli drama series that had potential but ultimately misses the mark in almost every way. Despite its gritty premise and autobiographical inspiration, the story falls apart under the weight of poor writing, implausible scenarios, and a tone that can't decide if it wants to be raw and emotional or edgy and juvenile. What should have been a powerful character study ends up feeling more like a loosely stitched sequence of clichés and overacted melodrama.

The lead performance-though based on the real-life experiences of Daniel Chen-fails to deliver authenticity or emotional depth. The characters surrounding him are underdeveloped, making their interactions feel forced and unnatural. The pacing drags, and the series seems unsure how to sustain tension or build meaningful stakes. What's worse, the dialogue is often weighed down by awkward attempts at humor that completely undercut any dramatic momentum.

From laughably unbelievable situations in the juvenile detention center to hollow emotional arcs, "Bad Boy" never manages to find its footing. The series relies too heavily on shock value and shallow storytelling rather than trusting in its characters or theme. It's not just boring-it's frustrating, especially considering the subject matter had so much potential.

Overall, "Bad Boy" is a forgettable and frustrating experience that squanders a compelling premise with weak execution. A waste of time unless you're watching purely out of curiosity.