CBS Debuts “3″, Adaptation of Israeli Dating Show (VIDEO)

Castmembers of "3", set to premiere on CBS July 26th. Photo: David Caspi.

Following the success of “Homeland”( 9 Emmy nominations), the American adaptation of the Israeli series “Prisoners of War”, another original show from Israel makes its US debut. “3″ is a dating-reality show, which aired on Israel’s channel 2 last year, and will premiere Thursday night on CBS.

“3″ follows a trio of different women as they move into a lavish Chicago residence.  The women will audition 100 men  before settling on 6 each for more intimate dates and then, finally, choosing their respective “soul mates”. It seems CBS is aiming to take on ABC’s “The Bachelor” franchise with this Israeli import.  After “The Bachelorette” ended its season last Sunday,  “3″ is set to air in the same 9 pm ET time slot (Thursday night’s premiere is a special presentation) .

Casting for “3″ was very similar to the original Israeli version. The youngest of the group is Stockton, CA model Libby Lopez, who at the age of 24 is looking to share her life and Baptist religious beliefs. 29 year old Michigan native April Francis is a fashion entrepreneur who realizes she has to put her career aside in order to find true love.

Finally, there is 34 year old Rachel Harley, who lost her husband, Kit, two years ago to brain cancer, whilst pregnant with their second child. The Israeli version featured Sarit Gomez, whose late husband, Israeli Air Force combat pilot Danny Gomez, died in the 2006 Lebanon War. Sarit herself was also pregnant when suffering her loss.

While the program was a huge ratings hit last fall in Israel, the show garnered tragic headlines in late January. One of the show’s leading male suitors Gilad Friedlansky, committed suicide. Friedlandsky, who was one of the final men standing, was ultimately rejected and later stated to close family members that he had “fallen in love”, leaving speculation that the sudden reality fame caused him stress. Despite the tragedy, production on season 2 is set to be underway.

Like “Homeland”, “3″ is also a product, in part, of Keshet Broadcasting, which is gaining significant global attention. Keshet’s sitcom “Traffic Light” won Best Comedy at the 2010 International Emmys, despite failing in its short lived Fox network adaptation in the spring of 2011.

Throughout the upcoming season of “3″, all three ladies will date their way to a hopeful eternal love, have their prospective suitors move in with them, and even vacation in Hawaii.

“3″ premieres on Thursday night at 10pm ET.

To watch a trailer for “3″, click below.