Is The Bad Boy Series on Netflix Based On True Events?

Netflix is known for bringing international hits to a global audience, and in 2025, Bad Boy emerged as one of its most talked-about new releases. This gritty Israeli drama has shot up the trending charts, sparking conversations about its raw storytelling, powerful performances, and its roots in real-life events.

But what’s the true story behind Bad Boy? Is Netflix’s Bad Boy series based on real events, and how closely does it follow the life that inspired it? Here’s everything you need to know about the true story, plot, and impact of Bad Boy on Netflix.

Is Bad Boy on Netflix Based on a True Story? The Real-Life Inspiration

Yes, Bad Boy on Netflix is based on a true story, making it even more compelling for viewers who crave authenticity in their drama series.

The show is inspired by the real-life experiences of Daniel Chen, an Israeli stand-up comedian and writer who spent four years in a juvenile detention center as a teenager.

What sets Bad Boy apart from other “based on true events” dramas is that Chen not only co-created the series but also stars as his adult version, offering a raw and honest portrayal of his journey.

Havtamo Farda, Hagar Ben-Asher, and Guy Manster at an event for Bad Boy | Source: IMDb

How Daniel Chen’s Life Shaped the Series

Daniel Chen’s life story is at the heart of Bad Boy. As a teenager, Chen struggled with hyperactivity, family issues, and a series of bad decisions that led him into the Israeli juvenile justice system.

The trauma, violence, and friendships he experienced behind bars deeply influenced his later life and career.

In the series, Chen’s character, Dean Scheinman, navigates the brutal world of juvenile detention while dreaming of a better future. The adult Dean, played by Chen, is a successful comedian haunted by his past, using humor as both a shield and a way to process his trauma.

Collaboration With Ron Leshem

The series was co-created with Ron Leshem, the acclaimed writer behind Euphoria and Prisoners of War (the inspiration for Showtime’s Homeland).

Leshem’s expertise in crafting emotionally charged, character-driven stories helped bring Chen’s experiences to life on screen. Their collaboration ensures that Bad Boy is authentic and dramatically compelling, blending real events with powerful storytelling.

What Is Bad Boy on Netflix About? Plot, Themes, and Cast

The Dual Timeline Structure

Bad Boy uses a dual timeline to tell its story:

Teenage Dean: The series begins with Dean Scheinman as a 13-year-old boy sent to a juvenile detention center after a series of escalating incidents. He must quickly adapt to a world ruled by violence, shifting alliances, and a strict pecking order. Dean’s intelligence and wit become his tools for survival as he forms a complex bond with Zion Zoro, a fellow inmate with a dark past.
Adult Dean: Years later, Dean has reinvented himself as Daniel Chen, a successful stand-up comedian. However, the scars of his past remain, threatening his relationships and career. Through flashbacks and stand-up routines, the series explores how Dean’s experiences in juvenile detention shaped his identity and worldview.

Havtamo Farda, Hagar Ben-Asher, Bat-Chen Sabag, Guy Manster, and Daniel Chen at an event for Bad Boy | Source: IMDb

Key Themes Explored in Bad Boy

Trauma and Redemption: Trauma and Redemption: The show delves into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and the difficult path to redemption.
Coming of Age in Adversity: Coming of Age in Adversity: Dean’s journey highlights the challenges faced by young people in broken systems and the resilience required to survive.
Identity and Secrets: Identity and Secrets: The tension between Dean’s public persona and his hidden past drives much of the drama, raising questions about shame, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.
Friendship and Loyalty: Friendship and Loyalty: The bonds formed in the harsh environment of juvenile detention are central to Dean’s story, offering both support and danger.

The Main Cast and Characters

Daniel Chen as Adult Dean/Daniel: Bringing his own story to life, Chen delivers a deeply personal and authentic performance.
Guy Menaster as Young Dean: Captures the vulnerability and toughness of Dean’s teenage years.
Havtamo Farda as Zion Zoro: Dean’s enigmatic cellmate and friend, whose own story adds depth to the series.

Why Is Bad Boy Trending on Netflix in 2025?

Authenticity Resonates With Viewers

Audiences are increasingly drawn to stories rooted in real events, and Bad Boy delivers authenticity in spades. Daniel Chen’s firsthand experiences and involvement in the show make it stand out from other crime dramas.

Bad Boy - Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB]

Watch this video on YouTube

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Bad Boy has received widespread critical acclaim, sweeping the Israeli Television Academy Awards with wins for Best Drama Series, Best Director, and more. Its success in Israel paved the way for its global release on Netflix, where it quickly found an international audience.

From the Creator of Euphoria

Ron Leshem’s involvement has attracted fans of Euphoria and Homeland, both known for their intense, character-driven storytelling. This connection has helped Bad Boy trend among viewers seeking high-quality, emotionally charged drama series.

Universal Themes and Global Appeal

Despite its specific Israeli setting, the themes of Bad Boy-trauma, resilience, redemption, and the search for identity identity are universal. The show’s raw portrayal of adolescence and the justice system resonates with viewers around the world, driving its popularity on Netflix’s trending charts.

Is Bad Boy Worth Watching? Audience Reactions and Reviews

What Viewers Are Saying

Social media and review platforms are buzzing with praise for Bad Boy on Netflix. Many viewers highlight the show’s emotional depth, gripping plot, and the powerful performances of both Daniel Chen and the supporting cast.

The series’ honest depiction of juvenile detention and its impact on young lives has sparked important conversations about justice, rehabilitation, and second chances.

Who Should Watch Bad Boy?

Fans of True Crime and Real-Life Dramas: If you enjoy shows like When They See Us, Unbelievable, or Euphoria, Bad Boy will be right up your alley.
Viewers Seeking Authentic, Gritty Storytelling: The series doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate realism and emotional complexity.
Anyone Interested in International Hits: As Netflix continues to expand its global content, Bad Boy stands out as a prime example of international storytelling with universal appeal.

Conclusion: The Real Story Behind Netflix’s Bad Boy Makes It a Must-Watch

Bad Boy on Netflix is much more than just another crime drama. Its roots in Daniel Chen’s true story, combined with the creative vision of Ron Leshem, give it a level of authenticity and emotional power that’s rare in television today. As viewers around the world discover this award-winning series, its impact is only growing.

If you’re searching for a trending Netflix series based on a true story, Bad Boy is a top pick for 2025. Its blend of real-life inspiration, hard-hitting drama, and unforgettable performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the best new shows on Netflix. Introduction: Why Everyone Is Talking About Bad Boy on Netflix.

Netflix is known for bringing international hits to a global audience, and in 2025, Bad Boy emerged as one of its most talked-about new releases.

This gritty Israeli drama has shot up the trending charts, sparking conversations about its raw storytelling, powerful performances, and its roots in real-life events.

Watch Bad Boy on:

About Bad Boy

Bad Boy is an Israeli drama television series created by Ron Leshem and Hagar Ben-Asher, with comedian Daniel Chen as both co-creator and star.

The series is inspired by the real-life experiences of Daniel Chen, who spent several years in juvenile detention as a teenager. It premiered on Israel’s Hot cable channel in November 2024 and became available globally on Netflix on May 2, 2025