Summer streaming highlights in Israel: 'On Standby' connects, 'Into the Blue' offers escape

TV Time: Israeli dramedy 'On Standby' stands out, while 'Into the Blue,' 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' 'A Letter to David,' and an Earth, Wind and Fire documentary complete this week's selections.

GITIT FISHER delivers a standout performance in 'On Standby.'

(photo credit: Moshe Nachumovich/Yes)

ByHANNAH BROWN

JULY 25, 2026 04:46

On Standby has gained strong traction, airing on Yes TV Drama and Yes VOD. It follows Sagit (Gitit Fisher), a downcast airport security officer who feels trapped in her personal and professional life, until sudden shifts begin to reshape her path.

Anyone curious if airport staff who instruct travelers to remove belts and place laptops on trays envy those heading off will find that the fictional Sagit certainly does. In her thirties and single, she lives with her father yet finally enrolls in a creative writing workshop. There she crafts an essay about disliking strangers, then turns the lens inward to reveal her own doubts and fragility. Composing the piece marks progress, and sharing it aloud with the group represents an even greater step forward.

Sagit's father (Tzahi Grad) is a talented magician stuck in his own routine, instructing children and performing at retirement homes until a touring offer arrives from the successful band Tislam. One might assume she would celebrate his opportunity, yet she struggles to do so and senses abandonment, even while recognizing the irrationality given her age. She moves in temporarily with her mother (Sarit Elad Vino), but the environment proves no more comforting. Her mother maintains a thriving career and offers criticism absent from her more relaxed father, leaving Sagit without the supportive refuge she seeks.

Additional changes arrive regardless of her readiness. Her attractive yet controlling boss (Aury Albi) appears at her writing class, and soon they develop a close connection that could evolve into romance, something the skeptical and negative Sagit believes she does not desire.

This dramedy suits the small screen particularly well. Sagit emerges as a compelling figure, and Fisher portrays her effectively, highlighting her sharp qualities while consistently revealing the vulnerability beneath.

Fisher developed the series alongside Johnathan Gurfinkel and penned the screenplay.

Alona Sa'ar excels in supporting role

Alona Sa'ar, who led the cast of Dismissed, shines here as a fellow participant in Sagit's writing group. In one striking moment, she presents an essay on her challenges with weight and recalls assuming as a child that diets represented something special and mysterious. She playfully suggests the term derives from a Greek phrase meaning, "Change yourself first and then others will love you."

The seven-episode series explores greater depth than a typical transformation tale, and it would not surprise if an international remake follows.

A Letter to David returns with updates

Tom Shoval directed the 2013 feature Youth, which featured non-actors David Cunio and Eitan Cunio as twin brothers. The well-received drama about two teens who abduct a wealthy peer to settle family debts brought them attention, though they opted against acting careers.

Shoval revisited behind-the-scenes material from that production after David Cunio and brother Ariel Cunio were taken by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. He created the poignant documentary A Letter to David, which screened internationally.

David and Ariel gained freedom in October 2025 following 738 days in captivity. Shoval revised the film to emphasize their release. The updated version airs on Hot 8, and its powerful ending captures David and Ariel viewing the movie at a Berlin screening alongside family. It also shows David and Eitan reenacting a scene from Youth. The brothers appear older now, and their expressions convey much about their experiences: David in Gaza and Eitan, who narrowly avoided capture, enduring worry at home. The understated moment exemplifies Shoval's restrained yet skilled direction and communicates more than dialogue alone could achieve.

Summer often calls for films that allow viewers to relax and enjoy action-adventure or romantic comedy amid striking scenery and attractive performers. Into the Blue on Netflix fits this description perfectly. Released two decades ago, it features Jessica Alba, Scott Caan, and other appealing actors as divers in the Bahamas who discover a submerged plane containing bodies and sealed packages of narcotics. Unfamiliar with similar stories, the group decides to profit from the find, unaware of the trouble ahead. The visual appeal remains the main draw, making it ideal for a relaxed viewing at home.

Another solid mid-summer option is The Devil Wears Prada 2, arriving on Disney+ on July 29. It is already offered for purchase on Apple TV+ and becomes available to rent there on August 11. The sequel reunites the original cast, including Anne Hathaway as the ambitious newcomer, Stanley Tucci as her guide, Emily Blunt as her competitor, and Meryl Streep as the demanding yet brilliant editor.

The appeal lies in watching the characters navigate the digital era. While it misses some of the original's spark and includes a few awkward plot developments, the film remains enjoyable. Viewers can also revisit the first installment on Apple TV+ and Disney+.

Yet another engaging pick is the documentary Earth, Wind and Fire: To Be Celestial versus That's the Weight of the World, set to air on Yes Docu on July 28 and stream on Yes VOD and Sting TV.

The tribute celebrates the band that blended funk, pop, gospel, soul, disco, Latin, and Afro-pop styles to produce hits such as "September," "Shining Star," and "Boogie Wonderland," while profiling frontman Maurice White.

One commentator notes the group seemed to hail from Africa or outer space, while another describes their sound as "Jesus-less gospel music." Fans will appreciate this thorough documentary, though it could have featured additional complete song performances.