Shababnikim Season 3, Episode 1: "Back in Black, With a Twist"

The rebellious yeshiva boys of Shababnikim are back for a third season, and if Episode 1 is any indication, they’ve traded their black hats for even bigger dreams, though not without the signature chaos that’s made this Israeli gem a standout.

This opener wastes no time plunging us back into the lives of Avinoam, Meir, Dov (Lazer), and Gedaliah, now navigating a world where their youthful defiance meets the harsh realities of adulthood. It’s a bittersweet reunion that recaptures the show’s lightning-fast wit while hinting at deeper stakes ahead.

The episode kicks off with a time jump that catches us off guard: Gedaliah, once the group’s nerdy moral compass, is now a rabbi living in a swanky Mamilla villa, a far cry from the dorm room antics of Season 1. Ori Laizerouvich plays this evolution with a perfect mix of awkward pride and lingering insecurity, making Gedaliah’s glow-up feel earned yet precarious. Meanwhile, Meir (Israel Attias) and Avinoam (Daniel Gad) are scraping by as night counselors at a yeshiva, where the students run circles around them—literally and figuratively.

Their chemistry remains a highlight, blending slapstick frustration with a quiet loyalty that’s weathered expulsion and heartbreak. And then there’s Lazer (Omer Perelman Striks), still the sharp-dressed snob, clashing with his father (the brilliant Shuli Rand), whose disdain could power a small city. The family tension crackles, setting up what promises to be a season-long showdown.

Creator Eliran Malka keeps the pacing relentless, juggling multiple storylines without losing the show’s soul: that razor-thin line between Haredi tradition and personal rebellion. The dialogue is as sharp as ever (Talmudic debates meets Tarantino-esque banter) delivered with impeccable timing by a cast that’s clearly having fun. A standout moment comes when Meir tries to wrangle a rowdy student, only to be outsmarted with a cheeky Gemara quote; it’s classic Shababnikim, blending humor with a nod to the characters’ roots.

Visually, the episode leans into its signature style: gritty Jerusalem streets contrast with Lazer’s pristine suits, while Gedaliah’s villa feels like a gilded cage. The soundtrack, always a star player, weaves funky beats with poignant strings, amplifying both the comedy and the quiet moments of doubt.

If there’s a critique, it’s that the time jump leaves us hungry for more backstory: How did Gedaliah climb this ladder? What’s Avinoam been chasing since we last saw him? But that’s a minor quibble for an opener that’s clearly setting the table for bigger revelations.

At its heart, Shababnikim Season 3, Episode 1 reaffirms what made the show a hit: it’s a love letter to misfits who quote the Sages while breaking every rule. With the quartet now in their late 20s, the stakes feel higher: marriage, legacy, and identity, but the irreverence remains. If this premiere is a taste of what’s to come, we’re in for another wild, heartfelt ride., and we are so here for it.