What German-American drama miniseries, primarily in Yiddish, tells the story of Esty Shapiro, a 19-year-old woman who flees her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to seek a new life in Berlin?

The German-American drama miniseries that captivated audiences with its poignant portrayal of a young woman's journey is "Unorthodox (Review)." This four-part series tells the story of Esty Shapiro, a 19-year-old who makes the courageous decision to leave her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her quest for a new, secular life leads her to Berlin, where her estranged mother resides. The narrative explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the complexities of tradition versus modernity.

"Unorthodox" is notable for being the first Netflix series to be primarily in Yiddish, a language central to the community it depicts. The miniseries, which debuted on Netflix in March 2020, is a German production, co-created by Anna (Review) Winger and Alexa Karolinski, and directed by Maria Schrader. Its authenticity was further enhanced by the involvement of Yiddish specialists and research trips to Williamsburg to accurately portray the Satmar Hasidic community.

The series is loosely inspired by Deborah Feldman's 2012 autobiography, "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots." While the Brooklyn-based flashbacks closely reflect Feldman's memoir, the events in Berlin (Review) are largely fictionalized to provide the author with privacy in her current life. "Unorthodox" garnered significant critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, marking a historic win for a German production. It resonated with viewers for its empathetic portrayal of a woman navigating a profound personal transformation and challenging societal norms.