This Ramadan brings tens of exciting, new series to entertain the Arab audience and keep their minds off fasting in the excruciating summer heat.
Whereas the region’s TV channels' line up looks as interesting as ever, it’s worthy to note that young talents dominate the silver screen this Ramadan, as some of the most-established stars of the older generation, such as Yusra, Mahmoud Abdel Aziz and Yehya Al Fakharani, miss out.
We can’t really guess which of these series will turn out to be worth all the hype and which ones will flop, but here’s a list of some the biggest Arab TV productions that you shouldn’t miss this Ramadan.
Haret Al Yahood
Starring Jordanian-born Eyad Nassar and Menna Shalabi, the series follows events that happen in the Jewish neighborhood in Cairo in the aftermath of the 1952 revolution.
The series is written by Medhat El Adl, directed by Mohammad Jamal El Adl and produced by El Adl Group.
Why You Should Watch It
Haret Al Yahood looks back at how Egyptian Jews were treated after Gamal Abdel Nasser’s successful coup at a time when the region’s minorities continue to face serious threat to their existence.
Meanwhile Nassar, who starred in several series in recent years including “Sirr ‘Alani” (Public Secret) and “Al Mowaten X” (Citizen X), returns to familiar ground having portrayed Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan Banna in the critically-acclaimed “Al-Gama’a” in 2010.
Where to Watch It
CBC, Al-Hayat TV and TEN TV.
Al-Ahed
Starring Ghada Adel, Aseer Yassine, Siba Mubarak, Shireen Reda, Hana Sheeha and Syrian diva Kinda Alloush, the series focuses on a struggle for power that leads to a family conflict in a fictional village setting.
Al-Ahed is written by Mohammad Amin Radi, directed by Khaled Merhi and produced by Tarek Al Janayni.
Why You Should Watch It
Scriptwriter Mohammad Amin Radi and director Khaled Merhi have previously worked together on two successful Ramadan series, "Al Sabe’ Wasaya" (The Seven Commandments) and "Niran Sadeeqa" (Friendly Fire) screened in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Where to Watch It
MBC
Cello
Starring Syrian Tayyem Hassan and Lebanese trio Youssef Al Khal, Nadine Nassib Njeim and Carmen Lebbos, Cello is adapted from Indecent Proposal (1993), which stars Demi Moore, Robert Redford and Woody Harrelson.
The series is adapted by Nageeb Nassir, directed by Samer Al Barqawi and produced by Cedars Art Production and Eagle Film.
Why You Should Watch It
Fresh from starring in the successful series "Law" (If), Youssef Al Khal and Nadine Nassib Njeim return to work with another series. While Law also starred Syrian actor Abed Fahed, Hassan and Lebbos will only add charm and charisma to the star-studded cast of “Cello.”
Where to Watch It
MBC
Ostaz Wa Raees Qesem
Starring Adel Imam alongside Najwa Ibrahim, Abdel Rahman Abu Zahra and Ahmad Bdeir, Ostaz Wa Raees Qesem (Professor and Head of Department) is set before the January 25 revolution in Egypt, shedding light on a pro-revolution, leftist university professor. The character – who splits up with his wife because she is infertile – becomes a minister after the revolution unseats former President Hosni Mubarak.
The series is written by Youssef Ma’ati, directed by Wael Ihsan and produced by Synergy.
Why You Should Watch It
Adel Imam – the undisputed icon of Egyptian comedy – rarely stars in a flop. The best works of his career have been films rather than series – he has only starred in TV productions in recent years. Despite receiving some criticism for “being stuck in one role” recently, Imam was praised for last Ramadan’s comedy “Saheb Al Sa’ada” (His Excellency). This year, Imam returns to a more serious genre: politics, a genre he's mastered with films like "Al Irhabi" (The Terrorist, 1994) and "Al-Sifara Fil’ Amara" (The Embassy in the Building, 2005).
Where to Watch It
MBC
Taht Al Saytara
Starring Nelly Karim, Tunisian actor Zafer L’Abdine, Mohammad Farraj and Ahmad Wafiq, the series focuses on the lives of drug addicts and their efforts to overcome their addiction.
"Taht Al Saytara" is written by Mariam Na’oum, directed by Tamer Mohsen and produced by El Adl Group.
Why You Should Watch It
Judging by the popularity and critical acclaim received by Mariam Na’oum last two series, "Sijn Al Nisa" (Women’s Prison) and "Zat" (Self), "Taht Al Saytara" (Under Control) is a must-watch.
Where to Watch It
CBC
Tareeqi
Starring popular singer Shirine Abdel Wahab, "Tareeqi" (My Road) focuses on the story of a young girl who has a beautiful voice and a passion for singing, but lives a tough life in the village. Her mother punishes her every time she sings.
The series is written by Tamer Habib, directed by Mohammad Shaker and produced by Beelink Production.
Why You Should Watch It
Abdel Wahab’s only acting experience was in “Mido Mashakel” film (2003) alongside Ahmad Helmi – and her acting was met with heavy criticism. Her return to acting in a role that clearly echoes her own story of rising from rags to riches should be interesting.
Where to Watch It
CBC
Zahab wa ‘Awda
Starring Ahmad Al Sakka and Kinda Alloush, the series talks about an owner a large import and export company whose son is kidnapped by a group that works in illegal organ trade. Played by Sakka, the man then travels with his wife in search of his son.
"Zahab wa ‘Awda" (Leaving and Coming Back) is written by Issam Youssef, directed by Ahmad Chafik, and produced by Cedars Art Production and Eagle Film.
Why Watch It
The charismatic duo of Saqqa and Alloush reunite on TV after "Al Maslaha" (2010). Al-Sakka returns to the silver screen after missing out on a Ramadan series last year. He last starred in a series two years ago in "Khotout Hamraa" (Red Lines).
Where to Watch It
MBC
Mariam
Starring Haifa Wehbe and the established Egyptian duo Khaled Al Nabawi and Riham Abdul Ghafour, the series focuses on twin sisters (both roles played by Haifa) with starkly different destinies: the first, Mariam, is a simple and mute woman, while the second is a rich businesswoman who returns to Cairo for work.
"Mariam" is written by Ayman Salama, directed by Mohammad Ali and produced by Atef Kamel.
Why You Should Watch It
Haifa – why else?
Where to Watch It
Al Nahar TV
Trailer
Honorable Mentions
"Al-Sa'alouk" (Wretch) starring Khaled Al Sawi and Hassan Husni
"Bint Al Shahbandar" (Shahbandar's Daughter) starring Qusai Khouli and Sulafa Memar