HBO Max is preparing to bring American viewers a harrowing and deeply human look at one of the most consequential events in recent Middle Eastern history. On October 7, 2025—the two-year anniversary of the Nova music festival massacre—the streaming platform will debut the Israeli scripted event series that has garnered international attention for its ambitious, real-time portrayal of the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the devastating aftermath that followed. The show, known as "One Day in October" and alternatively as "Red Dawn" in some markets, is the product of a major collaboration between Fox Entertainment Studios, Yes TV, Moriah Media, and several other production partners.
According to Variety, the series is the first of its kind: a real-time, scripted retelling based on firsthand accounts from survivors, victims, and families forever changed by the violence of October 7, 2023. The attack, which led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza and ignited a war that continues to reverberate through the region, is depicted through seven emotionally charged and artistically interwoven narratives. Each episode, filmed on location in Israel, draws viewers into stories of love, courage, sacrifice, and survival—offering an unflinching look at the human cost of conflict and the resilience that can emerge from chaos.
The creative force behind the series is formidable. Daniel Finkelman and Oded Davidoff, both celebrated for their previous work in Israeli cinema and television, serve as creators, with Davidoff also taking on directing and writing duties. The writing team includes Liron Ben-Shlush, Amir Hasfari, Keren Weissman, Orit Dabush, and Yona Rozenkier, ensuring a breadth of perspectives and authenticity in each script. Finkelman, reflecting on the project’s significance, said, “For me, film and television have always been more than entertainment, they are a way to bear witness. These are stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary moments. In a time when truth is fragile, the most powerful thing we can do is to appeal to humanity itself. My hope is that these stories will open hearts and spark meaningful conversation.”
The cast is a veritable who’s-who of Israeli talent, featuring Swell Ariel Or, Noa Kedar, Naomi Levov, Hisham Suliman, Wael Hamdoun, Yuval Semo, Avi Azulay, Naveh Tzur, Yael Abecassis, Moran Rosenblatt, Michael Aloni, Neta Roth, Sean Softi, Lior Ashkenazi, and Uri Perelman. Each actor brings a distinct voice to the tapestry of experiences depicted, from families torn apart to moments of hope and acts of incredible bravery.
“The tragic events on October 7th had a profound impact on all of us,” said Fernando Szew, president and head of Fox Entertainment Studios, as quoted in Variety. “From the very beginning, we approached this series with the utmost care, sensitivity and urgency to ensure that the stories were told with authenticity and respect and paying homage to the victims and the heroic survivors. Oded and the incredible cast, crew and teams at Sparks Go, ZOA and Yes TV have truly created compelling storytelling that we are proud to showcase. We appreciate Moriah Media for joining us on this project and to HBO Max for giving ‘One Day in October’ a platform in the U.S.”
While "One Day in October" is the official title under which HBO Max is promoting the series, Israeli broadcaster Yes refers to the project as "Red Dawn." As reported by Yes and corroborated by Variety, the series is divided into two parts, each focusing on different facets of the attack and its aftermath. The first segment centers on the story of three Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) volunteers who, with little more than a single ambulance, braved one of the deadliest scenes in southern Israel. Yuval Semo takes on the role of Avi Jan, one of these volunteers, whose courage and resourcefulness become a focal point for the series’ examination of heroism under fire.
The second part of the series delves into the experience of Omri Shem Tov, a survivor of Hamas captivity who was abducted during the attack. His story, portrayed by Ori Perlman, provides a deeply personal lens on the trauma of abduction and the struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable adversity. By weaving together these disparate yet interconnected narratives, the show aims to present a mosaic of experiences that transcend politics and statistics, focusing instead on the raw humanity that persists amid tragedy.
The production behind "One Day in October" is as complex as the stories it tells. Fox Entertainment Studios leads the effort in partnership with Yes TV and Moriah Media, with significant contributions from ZOA Films and Sparks Go. Executive producers Jim Berk and Sheldon Rabinowitz, along with a production team led by Finkelman, Chaya Amor, Aviv Ben-Shlush, Lee Ben-Shlush Kuperman, and Fox’s own Szew, have worked to ensure that every detail—from casting to location scouting—serves the overarching goal of authenticity.
According to Yes, the U.S. premiere on HBO Max will coincide with the somber two-year anniversary of the Nova music festival massacre, a date that carries deep resonance for Israelis and for many around the world. The timing is no accident; the creators have emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring those affected, even as the broader conflict continues to shape headlines and lives.
The show’s arrival on HBO Max signals a growing appetite among American audiences for international dramas that tackle real-world events with nuance and emotional depth. In recent years, series from Israel have found success abroad, but "One Day in October" stands out for its immediacy and its commitment to presenting recent history through the eyes of those who lived it. The hope, as articulated by Finkelman and echoed by his collaborators, is that the series will not only inform but also foster empathy and dialogue across borders.
As with any dramatization of recent, traumatic events, the series is likely to provoke strong reactions. Some viewers may find the content difficult to watch, while others may see in it a necessary act of remembrance and a call to deeper understanding. What is clear is that the creators have spared no effort in ensuring that the stories are told with care, respect, and a commitment to truth—however complex and painful that truth may be.
With its all-star cast, acclaimed creative team, and a narrative structure that refuses to shy away from the realities of conflict, "One Day in October" is poised to become one of the most talked-about television events of the year. Whether it succeeds in its broader mission—to bear witness, to heal, and to spark conversation—remains to be seen. But for now, HBO Max is offering viewers a rare opportunity: to see history through the eyes of those who endured it, and perhaps, to find a measure of hope amid the darkness.
