In a highly anticipated move poised to captivate international audiences and content buyers alike, Keshet International (KI) is set to unveil its groundbreaking comedy-drama, “Reset,” at the prestigious London Screenings. Heralded as a series that masterfully blends the poignant realities of a midlife crisis with a boldly comedic lens, “Reset” arrives with a formidable reputation, having already shattered viewership records in its native Israel. This launch marks a significant moment for global television, introducing a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, promising to spark conversations about life’s most profound “what ifs.”
At the heart of “Reset” is the multi-talented Israeli luminary, Adir Miller. A name synonymous with sharp wit, emotional depth, and a unique ability to find humor in the human condition, Miller not only pens and directs this eight-episode series but also takes on the demanding lead role. His comprehensive involvement as an auteur imbues “Reset” with a singular vision, a hallmark that has come to define his critically acclaimed work over nearly two decades. For those familiar with Miller’s Emmy-winning work on series like “Traffic Light,” his latest endeavor represents a natural evolution, pushing boundaries of genre and storytelling while retaining his signature blend of comedic brilliance and raw authenticity.
The premise of “Reset” is a dramatic irony goldmine: Gidi, Miller’s character, is a 50-year-old man navigating the often-unseen currents of a life that, from the outside, might appear stable, yet inwardly is grappling with the quiet desperation of unfulfilled dreams and mounting regrets. His world is violently upended when he receives a devastating medical diagnosis, mistakenly believing he has a terminal illness. Confronted with the stark reality of his impending mortality, Gidi makes a series of radical, impulsive decisions. He sheds the constraints of his conventional existence, dramatically severing ties with his long-standing career, dissolving his marriage, and re-evaluating, often explosively, his most significant relationships. It’s a chaotic, liberating, and utterly destructive period of self-reclamation. However, the comedic and dramatic engine of the series truly ignites when Gidi discovers, with dizzying relief and horrifying realization, that the diagnosis was, in fact, a catastrophic error. Now, no longer facing the end of his life, he must instead confront the wreckage of the life he so thoroughly dismantled. The series then masterfully explores the excruciating, often hilarious, and deeply human challenge of rebuilding, reconciling, and reckoning with the profound consequences of his “reset.”
The concept of a “reset” is a powerful and seductive fantasy, particularly for a demographic like Gidi’s, often burdened by societal expectations, professional stagnation, and personal compromise. For many, the idea of a clean slate, a chance to undo mistakes or pursue long-abandoned passions, remains a persistent daydream. “Reset” takes this universal yearning and externalizes it through a dramatic, albeit mistaken, catalyst. It forces Gidi – and by extension, the audience – to grapple with the uncomfortable truth that while the desire for change is potent, the actual execution and aftermath are far more complex. What happens when the grand gestures of liberation turn into monumental liabilities? How does one apologize for, or even reverse, the irreversible damage done in the name of living authentically?
Adir Miller himself offered profound insight into the genesis of “Reset,” emphasizing its deeply personal origins. “I always write about situations I know from my own life,” Miller shared. “I’m 50 now, which means a midlife crisis is no longer a theory – it’s a fact. I started asking myself: if I thought I was about to die, would I finally do everything I want? And if I had to keep living, would I regret it? It’s a very serious question – which is exactly why it’s so funny. ‘Reset’ is personal, but I believe it’s also universal. We all dream about starting over… until we realize we actually have to deal with the consequences.” This candid reflection from Miller underscores the show’s authentic emotional core, resonating with anyone who has contemplated the path not taken or the choices made under pressure. For a professional women-focused audience, Miller’s exploration of midlife anxieties—the balance between career aspirations and personal fulfillment, the re-evaluation of long-term relationships, and the yearning for genuine self-expression—will strike a particularly familiar chord, albeit through a male protagonist’s journey. The show implicitly asks: how many women, facing similar crossroads, might secretly long for such a drastic, if misguided, catalyst for change?
The show’s design as an “exportable format” is a strategic triumph, a testament to Keshet International’s keen understanding of the global television market. Each of the eight episodes is a substantial 60 minutes, allowing for rich character development, intricate plotlines, and a comprehensive exploration of the show’s complex themes. The inherent universality of “Reset’s” narrative—the quest for authenticity, the fear of mortality, the comedy of human error, and the profound impact of second chances—makes it highly adaptable across diverse cultural landscapes. This adaptability is not merely theoretical; it’s a proven model for Israeli content, which has consistently demonstrated its ability to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, finding immense success in remakes and local adaptations worldwide. From the procedural intensity of “Homeland” (based on “Prisoners of War”) to the intimate family dynamics of “Shtisel,” Israeli storytelling has a distinct knack for crafting narratives that speak to a global audience, often by grounding fantastical or dramatic premises in deeply human, relatable experiences.
Indeed, “Reset’s” domestic performance serves as a powerful indicator of its international potential. Its premiere in Israel was nothing short of sensational, achieving the highest ratings for a drama premiere in the country in five years. This outstanding debut speaks volumes about the show’s immediate connection with viewers, its ability to cut through a crowded media landscape, and its resonance with the zeitgeist. In a fiercely competitive market like Israel’s, such a resounding success is a clear signal that “Reset” has tapped into something truly special, something that transcends mere entertainment to become a topic of national conversation.
The production of “Reset” is a collaborative effort, brought to fruition by Artza Productions for Keshet 12, Israel’s leading commercial broadcaster. Keshet International, renowned for its formidable track record in global distribution, holds the international sales rights, positioning them to shepherd “Reset” onto screens worldwide. KI’s expertise lies in identifying and nurturing content that possesses both artistic merit and commercial viability on a global scale, a skill honed through years of successful format sales and finished program distribution.
Kelly Wright, MD of distribution at Keshet International, articulated the company’s immense enthusiasm for “Reset,” underscoring its unique appeal for international buyers. “In classic Adir Miller fashion, ‘Reset’ combines a universally relatable life crisis with a bold comedic engine that feels fresh and highly adaptable,” Wright commented. Her statement highlights the core strengths that make “Reset” a compelling proposition: its foundation in a universally understood human experience (the midlife crisis), coupled with Miller’s distinctive comedic approach that elevates the narrative beyond mere melodrama. Wright further emphasized, “Turning big emotional truths into comedy gold is exactly why Miller’s work has resonated globally for nearly two decades – and why ‘Reset’ is such a compelling opportunity for international buyers.” This insight perfectly encapsulates Miller’s enduring appeal: his ability to distill complex emotional turmoil into moments of profound humor and recognition, making his stories accessible and impactful across diverse audiences. For women, in particular, who often navigate societal pressures to maintain composure and stability, the raw, unfiltered comedic expression of Gidi’s breakdown and subsequent reckoning can be both cathartic and deeply amusing.
The London Screenings, a pivotal event in the international television calendar, provides the ideal platform for “Reset’s” global launch. It brings together a formidable gathering of broadcasters, streamers, and content buyers from around the world, all eager to discover the next big hit. Keshet International has strategically scheduled “Reset” for presentation during its scripted showcase on February 24th, ensuring it receives prime attention from key decision-makers. This focused presentation will allow potential partners to delve into the series’ narrative, understand its thematic depth, and appreciate the unique comedic voice that Adir Miller brings to this extraordinary story. The anticipation surrounding “Reset” is palpable, reflecting a global appetite for intelligent, emotionally rich, and genuinely funny storytelling that dares to explore the messy, beautiful, and often absurd journey of life’s unexpected detours.
“Reset” is more than just a comedy-drama; it’s a mirror reflecting our collective anxieties about time, choices, and the elusive pursuit of happiness. It challenges viewers to consider their own “what if” scenarios, to laugh at the chaos of human existence, and to ultimately find solace in the shared experience of navigating an unpredictable world. As Keshet International prepares to unleash this gem onto the international stage, “Reset” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that is brave enough to tackle serious questions with an abundance of humor, offering a fresh perspective on what it truly means to get a second chance at life.
