(Credits: Netflix)

Almost every Netflix subscriber has been left frustrated by a show they were deeply invested in getting cancelled before its time, but one popular thriller has bucked that trend by being resurrected after reaching a natural conclusion.

Although it was produced and distributed by network Yes Oh in its native Israel, Fauda was released internationally as a Netflix original, with each of its initial four runs drawing in plenty of viewers. In fact, it only got bigger with time, culminating in the fourth – and supposedly final – season posting its best performance yet.

For comparison’s sake, the first season cracked the top ten for non-English TV shows in five countries after dropping in December 2016, but by the time the fourth premiered four years later it became one of the ten top-viewed episodic titles in 36 nations around the world.

Co-created by Avi Issacharoff and star Lior Raz, the actor stars as Doron Kabilio, the commander of an undercover special forces unit who combat threats against their nation. Balancing strong character work with action-packed set pieces and resonant socio-political commentary, Fauda told an ongoing story rooted deeply in its country of origin, giving it the rare distinction of being allowed to end on its own terms.

However, in September 2023 it was confirmed that a fifth season had been given the greenlight. Given current events, it stands to reason that Fauda‘s next run will be its most achingly personal and resonant yet, especially when real-life 20-year military veteran Raz has taken to the frontlines himself to serve as a volunteer in the current conflict.

As well as being a huge hit for Netflix, Fauda has also proven itself to be a critical darling, with the series boasting a perfect 100% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s an impressive distinction for a multi-season show, and while the audience score is slightly lower, 86% nonetheless makes for a solid return.

Fauda has always prided itself on reflecting the current landscape of Israel, so if anything, there was an air of inevitability about a production once thought over being brought back to tell additional stories. The key creatives have confirmed season five will be “totally different” to the previous quartet “because there is a lot of rage” among the population.

Netflix shows don’t often root themselves in hot-button issues and major global talking points to such an extent, but Fauda will be returning with plenty to say.