Every Ramadan, no one knows what the show everyone that everyone talks about will be, and it’s safe to say, this year it’s a global hit with an unexpected regional link–Marvel’s Moon Knight. The latest superhero show, directed by Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Diab, has been praised for its inclusion of modern Egyptian culture and for showcasing Egyptian talent, with even Mahraganat showing up in the show’s end credits.
So on our list of the best series of Ramadan, how could we not place it at number one?
Here’s our full list:
1. Moon Knight
Starring: Oscar Isaac, May Calamawy, Ethan Hawke
Where to watch: Disney+ on June 8 in the Middle East, everywhere else streaming now
While it won’t officially premiere in the region until June 8, we have to admit that Moon Knight, the latest and greatest from Marvel Studios, has been perhaps the most talked about ‘Ramadan’ series in the globe, particularly praised for its accurate portrayal of modern Egypt, with the normal orientalism and inaccurate costuming gone with what has become one of the most unexpected and fun shows of 2022. Bring on Moon Knight season 2.
2. El Meshwar
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Dina El-Sherbiny, Ahmed Magdy
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
Fans are loving Mohamed Ramadan’s latest star turn from acclaimed writer Mariam Naoum.
Last year saw superstar actor Mohamed Ramadan flex his historical and comedic chops in Mousa—this year it’s pure drama, and even a little bit of horror. The show follows a husband and wife who has been cursed.
3. Faten Amal Harby
Starring: Nelly Karim, Fadia Adel Ghany, Mohamed Al-Tagy
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
While it has picked up some controversy, some are already calling Nelly Karim’s latest a ‘masterpiece’, the best performance we’ve gotten yet from Karim.
Ramadan TV series are all about stars, stars, stars—did we mention stars?—and this year’s biggest star-led series comes from a beloved Egyptian actress who has dominated many a Ramadan season. This one follows her as a divorced mother stuck in conflict with her former mother-in-law as she battles for custody of her two daughters as she attempts to remarry.
4. Meen Qal
Starring: Jamal Suliman, Ahmed Dash, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Diana Hesham
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
Many on Twitter have been praising Meen Qal, also stylized as Meen Aal, calling it the best Ramadan series going. with one user going as far as to say “maybe another season for “meen aal” series would fix all my problems. In it, Jamal Suliman plays a businessman and owner of myriad investment companies who finds himself attempting to help a group of kids through their many life problems.
5. Ahlam Saeeda
Starring: Yusra, Ghada Adel, May Kassab, Nour Mahmoud, Nabil Nouraldin
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
Ahlam Saeeda focuses on struggles women face in our society nowadays, with a mad-cap comedic style. Yusra is the queen of Ramadan TV comedies, so this has definitely been a must-watch for many, with praise for its humour coming in full force.
6. Rageen Ya Hawa
Starring: Khaled Al-Nabawi, Hana Shiha, Nour, Anushka, Wafaa Amer, Islam Jamal, Salma Abu Deif
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
This Ramadan TV show based on a radio series by the late scriptwriter Osama Anwar Okasha has been ‘melting hearts‘. The main character Baleegh Abu Alhana returns to Egypt looking for his inheritance after his business in Europe failed, but he finds himself responsible for another task; to reunite his family.
7. Betlou’ Al-Rouh
Starring: Mena Shalaby, Ahmed Dawoud
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
Actress Menna Shalaby has been getting high praise for her latest series ‘Betlou’ Al-Rouh’ this Ramadan, which has been filming in Beirut all month. The show also stars Ahmed Dawoud, and comes as the actress’ film Ziko is showing in cinemas, where it has been well received.
8. Suits Arabia
Starring: Asser Yassin, Ahmed Dawoud, Tara Emad, Saba Mubarak
Where to watch: OSN+
While not universally praised, many are falling in love with the remake of Suits, with one user giving it a 10/10 and praising its accuracy to the voice of modern Egypt.
Suits is one of the most popular shows of the 2010s—a wonderfully crafted dramedy that shows the adventures of two lawyers, one genius with no credentials and one set on keeping his secret as they navigate the tricky world of the law—and the Arabic-language remake seems poised to be popular for years to come. The first two seasons are now airing, starring Asser Yassin and Ahmed Dawoud as the lead duo.
9. Jameel Jeddan
Starring: Sarah Taibah, Saad Aziz, Ismail Alhassan
Where to watch: MBC Shahid
Created by Saudi writer and filmmaker Sarah Taibah, Jameel Jeddan follows the story of a young girl who wakes up after five years in a coma discovering that everything about her life has changed, but she’s still got to return to school and finish her last year. It’s been praised for its portrayal of young Saudi women, with empathy and accuracy.
10. Sanawat Al-Jarish
Starring: Hayat Al-Fahad, Hamad Al-Omani, Laila Al-Samman
Where to watch: Dubai TV or Awaan
If Hayat Al-Fahad is starring in a Ramadan drama, rest assured—the Arab world is going to be talking about it. 2020’s Umm Haroun was the most hotly-debated series of that year, and the latest series from the 73-year-old dame of modern Arab television again dives into history—this time showing what happened to the Gulf during World War II.