BeTipul (2005)
The groundbreaking Israeli drama that redefined television therapy — one session at a time.
BeTipul - Series Information
- Original Title: בטיפול
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Hagai Levi
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 80
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Hebrew
- Spoken Languages: Hebrew
- Networks: HOT3
- Alternative Titles: En thérapie (FR)
BeTipul - Plot
BeTipul is an Israeli television drama revolving around the personal and professional life of an Israeli psychologist, Reuven Dagan, played by Assi Dayan. The series portrays a psychologist who treats patients at his clinic five days a week and then seeks psychological treatment for himself. Filmmaker Ari Folman served as the head writer of the series.
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BeTipul - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Hagai Levi
Main Cast
- Assi Dayan
- Gila Almagor
- Ayelet Zurer
- Maya Maron
- Lior Ashkenazi
- Alma Zack
- Yisrael Poliakov
BeTipul - FAQs
What inspired the creation of BeTipul?
BeTipul was conceived by creator Hagai Levi as an intimate exploration of the therapeutic relationship. Its unique structure — each episode devoted to a single session with one patient — was a bold formal experiment that drew on real psychoanalytic dynamics, giving the series an authenticity rarely seen in television drama.
Is BeTipul based on a true story?
BeTipul is not based on a single true story, but its portrayal of therapy sessions draws heavily on real psychoanalytic principles and human experiences. Creator Hagai Levi crafted fictional patients whose struggles — grief, trauma, identity — feel deeply grounded in recognizable emotional truth.
Did BeTipul inspire any international adaptations?
BeTipul became one of the most widely adapted Israeli series in television history. Its most celebrated remake is HBO's In Treatment (2008), starring Gabriel Byrne. The format was also adapted in France as En thérapie, as well as in countries including the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Argentina.
Where can you stream BeTipul?
Streaming availability for BeTipul varies by region. The series originally aired on Israeli cable channel HOT3. For the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, check JustWatch, which aggregates current streaming, rental, and purchase availability across platforms.
Who are the main actors in BeTipul?
The central role of psychologist Re'uven Dagan is played by the late Assi Dayan. The ensemble cast includes acclaimed Israeli actors Gila Almagor, Ayelet Zurer, Lior Ashkenazi, Maya Maron, Alma Zack, and Yisrael Poliakov, each portraying patients whose sessions form the backbone of the series.
How was BeTipul received by critics?
BeTipul earned widespread critical acclaim in Israel and internationally, praised for its psychological depth, restrained direction, and exceptional performances. Its innovative one-session-per-episode format was hailed as a landmark in television storytelling, and its global adaptation into over a dozen countries confirmed its status as a defining work of prestige TV.
What is the episode structure of BeTipul?
Each week of BeTipul follows a distinctive pattern: four episodes are dedicated to individual therapy sessions with different patients, while the fifth episode shows the therapist, Reuven Dagan, in his own session with a supervisor. This weekly rhythm mirrors the real structure of a psychotherapist's working week.
What are some shows similar to BeTipul?
Viewers who enjoyed BeTipul often appreciate other character-driven dramas with strong psychological or emotional depth. HBO's In Treatment is the most direct companion, being a direct adaptation. Sullivan's Crossing and Above Suspicion also offer compelling character studies, while Bad Girls explores complex human dynamics in an institutional setting.
More About BeTipul
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