“Kugel”, a new Israeli drama series, is the highly anticipated prequel to the beloved show Shtisel. Created by Yehonatan Indursky and directed by Erez Ko Al, the series delves into the lives of Noacham and Libbi Shtisel, set within the Jewish community of Antwerp, Belgium.
Plot Summary
The series explores the lives of Noacham Shtisel, a diamond dealer and the estranged brother of Shulem Shtisel, and his daughter Libbi, as they grapple with the departure of the family matriarch. While Noacham seeks forgiveness for his ex-wife in the hope that she will return, Libbi refuses to make room for her mother in her life. At the same time, Libbi harbors a secret dream that could jeopardize her chances of finding a suitable match.
Cast
- Sasson Gabai as Noacham Shtisel: The estranged brother of Shulem Shtisel and a diamond merchant with a passion for kugel.
- Hadas Yaron as Libbi Shtisel: Noacham’s only daughter, for whom he is determined to find a devout groom, despite her secret ambitions.
- Mili Avital as Yehudit “Yiddes” Shtisel: Noacham’s ex-wife and Libbi’s mother.
- Rotem Abuhab as Penina Baumbach: A widow and owner of a successful kugel restaurant.
- Roy Nik as Yoilish Vermut: A yeshiva student.
- Uri Albi as Baruch “Borach” Salomon: Another yeshiva student.
Production Background
The development of Kugel was first announced on January 22, 2023, as a spin-off to the family drama Shtisel. The series is written by Yehonatan Indursky, the creator of the original series, though Uri Alon, his partner in creating Shtisel, is not involved in writing or producing the spin-off.
On March 21, 2023, Yes officially confirmed the production of the series, named Kugel after the dish that Noacham enjoys so much. The show is set to premiere during the 2023–2024 broadcast season, produced by Abot Hameiri Communications.
With its deep connections to the beloved Shtisel universe and its fresh perspective, Kugel promises to be an engaging and heartfelt addition to Israeli television.