This FOX Reality Show Just Positively Represented Orthodox Jews

Grab your caramel popcorn. We’ve got something to celebrate! Reality television doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to representing its cast members positively or fairly as increased drama equals increased eyeballs. The risks only multiply when the subjects are Orthodox Jews, a group often vilified in the media. But Aaron Zutler, co-founder and CEO of Popinsanity, wasn’t going to let that stop him from stepping up when opportunity came knocking.

Zutler and his business partners, Jacob Goldenthal and Jonathan Joseph, were recently featured on The Fixer, a new FOX reality show starring Marcus Lemonis, the business mogul best known for CNBC’s The Profit. On the show, Lemonis typically steps in to “fix” struggling companies—but in Popinsanity’s case, it was about helping a successful gourmet popcorn and confection brand level up.

Headquartered in Monsey, New York, Popinsanity became the unlikely centerpiece of a reality TV episode—and, more importantly, a rare and meaningful moment of Orthodox Jewish representation on national television. But the decision wasn’t without its considerations. 

“From the start, we had major concerns,” Zutler admitted. “When you’re visibly Jewish, you’re automatically representing something bigger than yourself.”

Before giving production the green light, Zutler and his partners consulted their rabbi—carefully weighing both the halachic and reputational risks. In accordance with Jewish law, the crew agreed to avoid filming on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and even ensured that kosher food was available on set.

But the respect extended beyond logistics. Zutler recalled moments where crew members were visibly moved—some even to tears—by their team’s faith and practices. “They’d see us kiss the doorpost and ask what it meant. I explained what a mezuzah is, and that it represents protection and holiness in the home. They were genuinely emotional.”

Another behind-the-scenes moment was particularly meaningful. “While waiting for the rabbi, Jacob sat down at the piano and I picked up a guitar,” Zutler recalled. “We played some Shlomo Carlebach niggunim for Marcus. That experience showed that it’s not only about business. It’s about respecting human beings, and learning about other cultures.”

That human-centered spirit made it onto the screen, too. In one pivotal scene, Lemonis challenged Zutler’s handling of a situation with a business partner. Zutler took the feedback to heart—using the moment to reflect, apologize, and course-correct. It was a Torah value playing out in real time: demonstrating that being a religious Jew isn’t just about what you eat or how you pray—it’s about being a mensch.

One of the most moving moments of the episode came when Zutler’s rabbi—who, by Divine Providence, happened to be visiting from Israel—was featured in the episode. The scene struck a rare tone of reverence, showing a gentle, wise, and deeply respected leader. Even Lemonis said he was “nervous” to meet him. There was a clear sense of honor—a quiet recognition that someone great had entered the room. And in a time when even Hebrew is being vilified, hearing the rabbi speak in his native tongue on national television was especially powerful.

Of course, not every moment was perfect. The choice to play “Hava Nagila” in the background of the rabbi’s scene leaned into tired Jewish tropes. Still, the genuine curiosity and connection from the crew stood out. 

“One crew member told me, ‘I’m Jewish, but not that affiliated. Working with you guys made me proud of my Jewish heritage.’” For Zutler, that kind of impact made it all worth it. “That’s really what I set out to do. It was so important to me,” he said.

Most of us will not end up on reality TV—but we don’t need a film crew or a FOX spotlight to show the world what Torah living really looks like. Every day, every Jew is an ambassador. In each interaction, we have the chance to embody our values and reshape how Orthodox Jews are seen.

Because even when the cameras stop rolling and the spotlight fades, the One Above is always watching.

Popinsanity’s feature—and its three Orthodox Jewish owners—on The Fixer may have elevated their business, but for even a New York minute, it also uplifted a people. And they did it with humility, heart, and a heaping bag of caramel chocolate drizzle popcorn.

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