Marhaba! Apart from the prayer, fasting, and self-reflection that this holy month brings, Ramadan is also known in Muslim-majority countries and specifically the Arab world as the month of top-rated television shows (برامج تلفزيونية)! As families and friends gather for the evening Iftar (إفطار), they huddle in front of their television sets to follow the lives and stories of their favorite TV characters or participate in TV gameshows. While each year new shows are introduced on the various television stations, some series offer new episodes in continuous seasons from one Ramadan to another.

Image via Pixabay (CCO Public Domain)

1. Al-Hayba (الهيبة)

This show is set in the present day in a border area between Lebanon and Syria. It tells the story of tribal leader Jabal and his clan as they oversea arms trading and smuggling. It also follows a love story developing between Jabal and his brother’s widow who has recently returned from living in Canada, while addressing the issue of tradition versus progress.

2. Orchidea (اوركيديا)

The ‘Game of Thrones’ of the Arab world, this epic television series is a fantasy drama about the violent struggle for power between three kingdoms. It follows the politics, romance, betrayals, and plots in these kingdoms, with characters very similar to the US hit series. It is one of the largest productions on Arab television, with a budget of 5 million dollars and a star-studded cast.

3. Kafr Delhab or Delhab Village (كفر دلهاب)

Set in a 17^th century Egyptian village, this thriller drama series borders on the horror genre. It recounts the story of a forgotten village that was haunted by a supernatural spirit, and its quest for vengeance and violence.

4. Spotlight (بقعة ضوء)

In its 13^th season, this series is a satirical show that puts a comic spin on various social and political issues taking place around the world. Bringing together a pan-Arab cast, this season promises to offer funny sketches about various world leaders, including the US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania.

https://youtu.be/3ZdWMftxUio

5. The Black Crows (غرابيب سود)

One of the darkest series featured in this post, The Black Crows features the chilling reality of life under the Islamic State group rule. The cast members come from different Arab nationalities, telling the story of recruitment, particularly female recruiters, and real-life accounts of the violence and repression under IS in Syria and Iraq.

For now take care and stay tuned for upcoming posts!
Happy Learning!
Have a nice day!!
نهاركم سعيد