Nothing was lost in translation as the American television series "Homeland," based on the original Israeli show "Hatufim" (Kidnapped) racked up three Golden Globe nominations, including the all-important nod for best dramatic television series, from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Thursday. "Hatufim" first aired in Israel in 2010 on Channel 2, via Keshet Broadcasting. The show was warmly received, going on to earn, on average, 25 percent of national viewership in its time slot. The premise of the original series centered around two kidnapped IDF soldiers who return to Israel after captivity in Lebanon. The show followed their attempts to re-adjust to normal life and facing their challenges. In its American incarnation as "Homeland," the show follows CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) and former U.S. Marine Nicholas Brody (Damien Lewis). Mathison believes that Brody, who was held hostage by al-Qaida in Afghanistan, changed loyalty while in captivity, and suspects him of now being an undercover terrorist. Both Danes and Lewis also earned Golden Globes nominations on Thursday. Keshet, together with the show's creator, screenwriter and director Gideon Raff, sold the series to FOX 21, an arm of FOX broadcasting company. Raff serves as a writer for the U.S. version, which airs on Showtime. "Homeland" can even count U.S. President Barack Obama as a fan. In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, Obama said he was an ardent fan of the series, adding that his television habits were "a little darker." In Israel, "Hatufim" executives were overjoyed by the series' success. "We are proud and excited at the success of 'Homeland,' which is evident in its various award nominations, its extremely positive reviews, and the loyalty of its viewership," Keshet CEO Avi Nir said. "I wish all those involved with the series great successm especially Gideon Raff, the creator of 'Hatufim.' We intend to continue on the same path during our second season."
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