HaPijamot


HaPijamot is a sitcom on Israeli television about a struggling band determined to make it in the real world. The show ran on Arutz HaYeladim and Channel 2.

Background

The show follows the misadventures of three friends, Ilan, Kobi and Oded, as they move from Netanya to Tel Aviv to launch their band. Unlike many shows, the characters in the show are aware that they are on television; the show features their day-to-day lives. A major aspect of the show is "HaMasach HaLavan", where cast members talk to the viewers. Gary also talks to the viewers when he is alone, often complaining about his wife or just his life in general. There are several interactive episodes, such as an episode which the viewers can fast forward or rewind to decide the outcome of the episode, an episode which the viewers can record ringtones, and an episode with a cheaper form of scratch-and-sniff. The show always ends with Shtifat Kelim ; the characters washing the dishes for Gary and summarize the episode.

Seasons

The first season of the show debuted on 1 July 2003 and included 23 episodes. The season ended in a special episode called "My Favorite Episode". Because the show attracted a large number of viewers, The Kids Channel decided to order another two seasons, which were written and filmed together. The second season debuted on 28 March 2004 and included 19 episodes. That season ended with a special episode called "The Gold Pyjamas". The third season of the show premiered on 1 July 2004 and included 20 episodes. The season ended with two special episodes, a documentary episode called "Only The Truth" and a trivia contest about the third season called "This That or That This". After the third season ended, The Kids Channel decided to stop the series, because Alona Tal had left for the US, and the trio filmed a new show on The Music Channel.
A year later, The Kids Channel decided to film a new season in response to high VOD viewing numbers. Alona Tal stayed in the US, and the production team picked Yamit Sol to effectively replace her. Yuval Segal, who played Ilan's cousin in three episodes in season two, joined the main cast. This season debuted on 13 August 2006 and included 25 episodes.
In December 2007 The Kids Channel ordered another season. Dana Frider joined the cast for Yuval Segal, and Yamit Sol was absent in many episodes due to her psychology studies. Eli Keren Asaf was absent in many episodes too. The season was the longest to date, with 36 episodes. It debuted on 1 September 2008.
Several months later, The Kids Channel ordered two more seasons. They were written between January and March 2010. The 6th season began to air on 1 September 2010. These seasons include 25 episodes each. Yuval Segal returned to the main cast. The 7th season aired on 1 September 2011 and included 25 episodes, that season ended on 9 October 2011.
HaPijamot was renewed for two more seasons. The eighth season aired on 19 May 2013. The 9th season aired on 4 January 2015.

Characters