Israelis have a lot of drama on their plate at the moment after October 7 – war in Gaza, possible war with Hamas, international turmoil … But there is still space for domestic drama. A TV series about surrogacy, “A Body that Work” (“Goof Shlishi” in Hebrew) is moving into its second series. It was Israel’s highest-rating drama in 2023. 

The producers describe the premise for “A Body That Works” as follows: 

One woman longs to be a mother, but she can’t carry a pregnancy to full term. Another woman, in desperate financial need, is able to grant the gift of life on the other’s behalf. Their hopelessness unites them … 

At its core, A Body That Works is a family drama centered around the journey to parenthood. It’s also a study of the power dynamics of classism, the clash between the haves and have-nots.

The central conflict is fueled by the complexities and contradictions surrounding the sacred duty of motherhood. It unravels the link between masculinity and fatherhood and the enormous amount of societal pressure placed on all parents. Society dictates that people, especially women, must have children in order to be successful. All women must become perfect mothers.

“A Body that Works” has been sold in 92 territories in Europe, Latin America, the U.S., Canada, and Australia – perhaps an index of the public’s interest in surrogacy.