‘Shtisel’ Star Ayelet Zurer to Lead New Israeli Drama ‘The Best Worst Thing’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“Shtisel” star Ayelet Zurer is set to lead a new Israeli drama titled “The Best Worst Thing.”

In the new show Zurer plays Dr Amalia Levi, a breast cancer specialist who finds a suspicious lump in her chest. As she begins her own breast cancer journey, this time as a patient, she is unexpectedly joined by Micha Hadad (Amos Tamam), a male politician who has also just been diagnosed.

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“As they embark on a shared treatment journey together, fuelled by hope and fear, they discover they have more in common than a disease,” reads the logline. “Under the shadow of a ticking clock, Amalia and Micha discover that the worst thing that could possibly happen to them is also the best thing that has ever happened to them.”

The eight-part series, which will premiere on Feb. 19 in Israel on local network Keshet 12, was created by Rona Tamir, Tal Granit, and Sharon Maymon. It is produced by Spiro Films (“When Heroes Fly”). Keshet International, who will be repping the show at MIP TV next month.

“This heart-warming relationship drama has an uplifting message at its core – that even when things are as bad as you can ever imagine, there is still hope,” said Keshet Broadcasting’s head of drama and comedy, Karni Ziv. “Rona, Tal, and Sharon have lovingly imbued this series about cancer with compassion and humor, while Ayelet and Amos have made it all look real and believable on screen. Their love story makes for a compelling watch.”

Granit (“The Farewell Party”) and Maymon (“Skin”) direct the series while Spiro Films’ Eitan Mansouri and Jonathan Doweck produce.

As well as playing Superman’s biological mother in “Man of Steel,” Zurer has appeared in features including “Munich” and series including “Shtisel” and “In Treatment.” Tamam is known for “Downtown Precinct” and “Magpie.”

Keshet International are set to unveil more dramas next week as part of their scripted event at London TV Screenings on Feb. 28. They recently released “A Body that Works,” which won stars Rotem Sela and Gal Malka best actress awards at last year’s Seriesmania, upcoming Netflix thriller “Trust No One” and Season 2 of “Line in the Sand,” Israel’s highest rated drama.

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