The crisis over Iran’s nuclear ambitions not only grabs headlines. It’s also grabbing plotlines.

The hotly anticipated second season of “Homeland” starts September 30 and the backdrop is familiar to anyone following news about the Middle East: the show opens amidst a fictional Israeli bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Earlier this week, the show’s producers revealed that the first few episodes are set in Beirut, although filming took place in Israel. “Homeland” is Showtime’s nine-time Emmy-nominated adaptation of the Israeli drama “Hatufim” (“Prisoners of War”).

"We do everything we can to make this thing feel believable. We also try the best we can to ask the questions rather than answer them," executive producer Alex Gansa told Israel Hayom on Monday. "It does explore whether our fears are justified and warranted."

While the storyline will ultimately continue to revolve around the personal relationships of Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) and Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), the implications of geo-political events that may actually unfold is an undeniable draw for viewers.

“I think the realism of the show is what appeals to me the most,” says avid fan and New York City resident Gideon Cohen. “I already pay a lot of attention to the issue, but seeing it played out dramatically - even though its fake - will heighten my awareness.”

More than a few polls note that many younger Americans trust satirical, entertainment-based programming such as “The Daily Show” for information over actual news sources and journalists. Cohen says he hopes the same won’t necessarily be true for this season of “Homeland.”

“While the issues depicted on the show might be real and I hope the producers and writers have researched them, I think people need to realize that this is entertainment and they have to take it as such,” Cohen said.