Entertainment | Celebrity

Showbiz Arabia: New TV shows for 2013

What to expect from the two Arabic-language channels launched this week

By Rachel McArthur, Special to tabloid!
Published: 06:30 January 3, 2013

Image Credit:
Basem Yousef, host of satirical show Amreeka Bilarabi, on new channel OSN Ya Hala Shabab.

New year, new shows! TV network OSN has celebrated the addition of two more Arabic-language channels to its line-up earlier this week. OSN Ya Hala Shabab HD and OSN Ya Hala Arabella HD are now live, and are set to showcase a mix of original and dubbed programmes and films.

David Butorac, CEO of OSN said: “Arabic content is one of the top ranked reasons people enjoy OSN, and following the tremendous success of OSN Ya Hala! HD launched last year, it was time to further enhance our Arabic offer with fresh, exclusive content. We are incredibly proud of the new channel line-up which promises to bring unparalleled exclusive content to the region.”

OSN Ya Hala Shabab HD will comprise content aimed at those young at heart, while OSN Ya Hala Arabella HD will focus on telenovellas, featuring popular Mexican series dubbed in Arabic. tabloid! brings you a rundown of the shows to look out for.

Adrenaline

Presented by Hassan Haddad, this high-octane action show reveals the secrets behind some of the top motor stunts featured in Arab movies. Featuring Egypt’s leading stunt man, Amr ‘Mcgyver’, the team reveals how they work with top celebrities, including Ahmad Al Sakka. Shows Saturdays at midnight.

Bi Meet Ragel

Aimed at female viewers, Bi Meet Ragel is a celebration of Arab women’s strength in their daily struggle for dignity and equality. Real life cases and compelling testimonials are presented in front of a live studio audience. With Basma Wahba. Shows Sundays at midnight.

Al Ghesh Mamnoua - Season 2

Muna Abdul Wahab interviews major players of the new political scene of the Arab spring, plus Egyptian and Arab celebrities. Shows Mondays at midnight.

Mish Asly

Khalid Hamzaoui pokes fun at those who have ripped off music or music video ideas from abroad. Not only is the show funny, it actually does have a serious element, exploring the issue of intellectual property and the quest for originality in the Middle East. Shows Wednesdays at 11.30pm.

Amreeka Belarabi

Popular TV satirist Bassem Youssef meets an electic mix of Arab-Americans in this light-hearted reality show, which looks at the issues of integration and identity of Arab communities in the United States. Shows Thursdays at midnight.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Big bucks for big stars

The beginning of the New Year has proven to be lucrative for a few Arab singers.

Amr Diab became the highest earner on the first day of 2013, pocketing a cool $170,000 (Dh624,474) for his NYE performance at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. Elissa came in second, earning $150,000, while Hussain Al Jasmi received $120,000.

Meanwhile, Najwa Karam and Tamer Hosney made $100,000 each at their gigs in Beirut and Amman respectively. Not bad for an evening’s work!

Politics for politically incorrect

Myriam Klink was attempting to become a politician. No, we’re not joking.

According to Al Arabiya, the controversial Lebanese model-turned-singer — who has been slammed for her lack of vocal ability – was planning on running in her home country’s parliamentary elections this June. However, she decided to pull out after friends convinced her not to do it and “save herself a big headache”.

Last month, Myriam faced massive backlash following the release of a music video criticising the political situation in the country. Entitled Klink Revolution, the song sees the scantily clad performer carrying a machine gun while mocking how “weapons everywhere have destroyed Lebanon”.

ARABIA ONLINE

“365 days with 365 new pages to write a story of happiness and success. Let’s make it the best of all stories. :) #Happy2013”

-Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe (‏@HaifaWehbe)

“I hope 2013 will be a wonderful year to you beautiful people. Hope you are blessed with happiness, health, success and prosperity. LOVE u!!”

-Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram (‏@NancyAjram)