My Unorthodox Life Season 1 introduced us to the Haarts, a formerly ultra-Orthodox Jewish family adjusting to life in Manhattan while coming to terms with the life they left behind. Between matriarch Julia, her children Batsheva, Miriam, Shlomo and Aron — and of course, honorary family member Robert Brotherton, the tight-knit family brings glamour, very high stilettos, never-ending drama, lots of laughs and hijinks, and, of course, unconditional love to Season 1. And Season 2, which airs on Friday, Dec. 2, is no different. (Except there might be even more drama.) Ahead, the extended Haart gang gives us the scoop on what they’ve been up to since Season 1 aired — and what we can expect to see in Season 2.
Life has changed dramatically for Julia since My Unorthodox Life aired. For one, she and Silvio Scaglia ended their two-year marriage in early 2022, resulting in a contentious divorce and the removal of Julia as CEO of Elite World Group. But through it all, she says she’s had the unwavering support of her children.
“Divorce is never easy — it doesn’t matter who you are or what the circumstances are,” Julia tells Tudum. “It is devastating, but has served as a lesson for introspection, and I’m focused on healing myself and my family from this experience.”
When asked what we’ll see of her this season that we didn’t get to see in Season 1, Julia says, “I am very vulnerable this season, and viewers will see me get knocked down. But I pick myself back up with the loving support of my family and friends.”
She emphasizes that it has been rewarding to receive messages from women around the world who felt inspired by her story in Season 1: “It was genuinely heartwarming to read the tens of thousands of messages from women across the world who left bad marriages, started new careers, left an abusive partner, quit a dead-end job, asked for a raise and were inspired to pick themselves up and decide to turn their lives around and make changes thanks to the show. I continue to receive messages from people whose lives have changed for the better, and it makes this experience all worth it.”
After announcing her divorce in November 2021, Batsheva has been adjusting to life as a single woman and enjoying going out with friends — while leaning on her family, of course.
“As they say, time heals all wounds,” she tells Tudum. “[My divorce] was the hardest thing I have ever experienced, but I am so thankful for my family and friends who have supported me and helped me move on.”
As far as the dating pool in the Big Apple? Batsheva adds: “It’s been a fun experience getting back out there.”
In Season 1, we watch Miriam date around and explore her sexuality for the first time. In Season 2, we get to know a new Miriam — one who finds herself in a happy, loving relationship.
“It was my first time falling in love with someone and I genuinely did not know that it would be possible. In Season 2, you will get to see the inside scoop on our relationship — our successes and our struggles and how we stayed together as a unit through it all,” Miriam tells Tudum.
“Overall, I am happy to be sharing more of myself with the world,” she adds. “I hope it inspires young girls and queer people to feel comfortable in their bodies and with their sexuality too.”
Since Season 1 aired, Shlomo says, “It’s been really nice to see so many people connecting with the show and feeling empowered.” But he also notes that he has “developed a thicker skin.”
While still single, he’s continued to date, and says the majority of his experiences have been great, helping him explore new parts of the city.
As far as what viewers can expect from him this season, Shlomo tells Tudum: “When the going gets tough, I’m part of the tough that gets going.”
After meeting in college at Syracuse University, Robert and his now-partner Ra’ed kept in touch and then reconnected at the start of the pandemic. They’ve been inseparable ever since — but they acknowledge that their romance has hit a few snags.
In Season 2, Robert tells Tudum: “You’re going to see how I react to the most long-term and meaningful relationship I have ever been in. This season, I struggle to find common ground with the man I love, and when our roles are reversed, [you’ll see] how it impacts our future plans for a life together.”
As for his work life, with his future at Elite World Group unknown, the Texas native returns this season to a passion he never thought he’d be able to pursue.
“Any mindset I had going into Season 2 flew out the door when our worlds came crashing down around us,” he says. “But despite all the drama, I always try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the opportunity in a downturn.”
Season 2 of My Unorthodox Life airs on Netflix Dec. 2.
