Ramadan TV 2020: 48 top shows to watch this season

Feel-good and comedy shows

B100 Wesh: In this comedy-drama, starring Nelly Karim and Asser Yassin, the pair must face the ironies of life in various disguises.Showing on: OSN Yahala AlOula

Psycho: Syrian actress Amal Arafa stars as five different people in this comedy — grandmother Najdat, aunts Hekmat and Najiyah, and twins Wesal and Dalal. Sometimes, you’ll see all five characters in the same scene. Also starring Ayman Rida, Mario Bassil and Marwan Khoury. Showing on: Zee Alwan

Makhraj 7: This sitcom stars Saudi Arabian actor Nasser Al Qasabi, and a whole host of names from the country’s rich comedy circuit and touching upon recent events in Saudi. Showing on: MBC1

Ureem: The comedy show follows taxi driver Nasser, whose father forced him to move out of home and gain independence. On the job, he meets peculiar characters and we watch their stories unfold. Showing on: MBC1

Regalet El Beat: An Egyptian comedy following Timon and Pumba, staying in their granddad’s home. They must band together with the rest of the family to stand up to the landlord, who is trying to build a residential tower in its place. Starring Ahmad Fahmy, Akram Hosny, Bayoumy Fouad, Dina Mohsen, Lotfy Labib and Arafa Abdel Rasoul. Showing on: OSN Art, Emarat TV, Abu Dhabi TV

Miftah Al Qifl: Independent artist Miftah wants to make a name for himself. When he’s accused of theft by his boss, he establishes his own production company with two friends; his path to fame starts when a popular actress offers him a chance to compete with his ex-boss. Narrated in Emirati dialect and starring Jabir Naghmoosh. Showing on: Emarat TV

Khashe Nashe: Set in the late 1960s, in a seaside village by the sea, this comedy follows the development of the educational, health, electricity and water sectors. Starring Abdullah Zaid. Showing on: Emarat TV

Manican: This exclusive Gulf comedy follows three generations of women, who are cursed in romance. One woman’s life changes when a cafe opens in front of the sewing workshop where she works with her friends. Showing on: Abu Dhabi TV

Valentino: They couldn’t be more opposite. Adel Emam is Nour Abdul Majeed, or “Valentino”, the owner of a school franchise in Egypt. He’s not the most behaved of businessmen, but the question is, is he able to get away with it? Well, not so much thanks to his wife (played by Dalia Elbeheri), who is a strict headmistress, and also the boss at home. Showing on: MBC1, OSN Yahala AlOula

Dramas and Thrillers

Wenheb Tani Leh: The Egyptian series, starring Yasmin Abdul Aziz and Sherif Mounir, follows an interior designer as her marriage comes to an end; she scrambles between pursuing a new love interest and reviving romance with her ex-husband. Showing on: Abu Dhabi TV

Kanna Ams: ‘Kanna Ams’ (as though it was yesterday) follows two people in each story, who start with love and then end in separation. Years later, the ghost of the past reappears, and they both ask themselves whether the pain can be overcome and a second chance given. Showing on: Emarat TV

Kasaret Dhaher: The Gulf drama follows a successful businessman going through many moves in his life, until something happens and flips his reality upside down. Starring Abdullah Sadhan, Mohamed Alojaimi and Hanadi Alkandari. Showing on: Emarat TV, Sharjah TV

Al Saher: Mina (Abed Fahed) comes from an ordinary world, but through his charisma, becomes a member of high society. With the help of Carmen (Stephanie Saliba), he grabs any chance to control this space he doesn’t belong in, to become the master of the game. Showing on: Abu Dhabi TV, OSN Yahala AlOula

Al Nahat: Yaman (Basil Khayyat), a young man taking sculpting classes at university, moves into his old family home, abandoned since his father’s death. He receives a strange photo album at an antique store that changes his destiny. Showing on: Abu Dhabi TV, OSN Yahala AlOula

Mohammad Ali Rod: Highlighting the trade between Kuwait and India during 1940, the story follows Shihab, who travels to India and leaves his wife, Fawzia, and his daughters, behind in Kuwait. Things take a turn when Fawzia hires a new help, Sultanah, who is seeking revenge. Starring Jasim Al Nabhan, Mohammad Al Mansoor, and Zahra Al Kharji. Showing on: Abu Dhabi TV, Sharjah TV

Fe Thakerat Al Thil: The series takes place over one year, as Abdul Hadi leaves his wife when his son is suddenly imprisoned. Starring Dawood Hussein and Abeer Al Jundi. Showing on: Sharjah TV

Jannat Halli: The series explores issues that divide two generations — the open-minded 1970s’ hippy generation that studied abroad, and today’s conservative generation. Plus, what bonds a family despite their differences? Starring Souad Abdullah. Showing on: Abu Dhabi TV, OSN Yahala AlOula

Al Shahd Al Murr: The show examines Suhail’s character, his relationship with his two wives, Moza and Shamsa, and the conflict between them. Starring Jassem Al Nabhan, Habib Ghloum, Haifa Hussein and Abel Mohsen Al Nemr. Showing on: Emarat TV

Maral (Turkish dubbed in Arabic): Maral’s biggest ambition is to become the CEO of Luna, a ritzy department store. As a way of getting a foot in the door, she finds a job as a waitress in the pastry shop and begins to fall for the young man Sarp, who works with her. But as her dream career gets closer, relationships get complicated. Starring Aras Bulut Iynemli and Hazal Kaya. Showing on: Zee Alwan

Forsa Akhira: Abandoned by her husband and father of her child, a woman agrees to marry another man. But a host of problems follow. Starring Mohammed Al Ahmad, Moatasem Al Nahar, Darine Hamza and Jenny Asper. Showing on: Zee Alwan

El Futowa: Set in poor neighbourhoods that are organised and run by a class of powerful people. Starring Yasser Galal and Ahmed Salah Hosny. Showing on: OSN Yahala AlOula

El Haramlek: How the reign of the Memluks in Egypt, who moved from enslavement to fighting wars to ruling a significant country in the region, affected the sociopolitical status of the country. Starring Jamal Suleiman, Bassem Yakhour, Sulafa Memar and Ahmed Fahmi. Showing on: Zee Alwan, MBC Drama

Souk Al Hareer (Silk Shop) explores the history of trade in Damascus in the 1950s, particularly following the withdrawal of the French and leading to the Syria’s full independence. The historic Damascus International Fair was established, famously dubbed the “Syrian economy’s window to the world”, and now recognised as one of the oldest fairs in the Middle East. Starring Bassam Koussa. Showing on: MBC1

El Prince: In this suspense thriller, Radwan El Prince, after the death of his parents, finds himself shouldering heavy responsibility. Following their collaboration on 2016’s ‘Al Ostoura’ actor Mohamed Ramadan and director Mohammad Sami join forces again. Showing on: MBC1, OSN Yahala AlOula

Al Mirath (Inheritance): Saudi Arabian soap opera ‘Al Mirath’ — touted as ‘the first Arab soap opera’ — is a long form television series tackling social and familial issues in a dramatic format. While it began airing on March 1, it will continue airing during Ramadan and thereafter. Showing on: MBC1

Shaghaf: Kuwaiti actress Huda Hussain plays a famous artist in ‘Shaghaf’ (Passion), who goes against traditional rules of society and family and falls in love with a younger man. Will their love survive? Showing on: MBC Drama

Al Kon Fi Kaffa: Kuwaiti actress Elham Al Fadalah wreaks havoc as a tyrannical figure determined to control her four brothers and their families.Showing on: MBC Drama

Haya w Banatha: Haya is an outcast, due to a tragic accident in her young life. We follow how she became the mother she is, and her relationship with her daughters. Starring Basima Hamada. Showing on: MBC Drama

Al Ekhteyar: A real-life account of Egyptian army colonel Ahmed Al Mansi — the commander of the Thunderbolt Forces — who died in a terrorist attack in Rafah, North Sinai in 2017. Showing on: MBC Drama, OSN Art

Sultanat Al Ma’az: An owner of a liver truck, which she inherited from her dad, has no other income along with her brothers — until something unexpected happens. Starring Ghada Abdel Razek. Showing on: OSN Art

Jamea’ Salem: The thriller follows four siblings, adopted from different families after their parents passed away, and who are united by a complicated situation. Showing on: OSN Art

Forsa Tanya: Malak, a successful engineer, has had many failed romantic relationships due to work, until she finds herself becoming a prey for the greedy. Starring Yasmine Sabry. Showing on: MBC Drama, OSN Art

Laialina80: Set between the 1950s and 1980s, a great struggle rocks two families as events continue to escalate. Starring Eyad Nassar, Ghada Adel and Khaled El Sawy. Showing on: OSN Art

Louha Mae’la (starts on 21st of Ramadan): This suspenseful drama follows two friends Tarek and Thamer, the search for the truth and the pursuit of revenge. Starring Bader Al Ladeed and Ali Al Saad. Showing on: OSN Yahala AlOula

Kohol Abiad (starts on 15th of Ramadan): University student Rahaf struggles with depression and finds herself in a compromising position when she is blackmail by her friend Aser. Starring Turki Youssef and Shaimaa Sabat. Showing on: OSN Yahala AlOula

Shahed A’ayan: Security officer Omar participate in an investigation for his missing wife. The action spy thriller stars Hassan El Raddad. Showing on: OSN Art

Hares Al Jabal: This Bedouin drama explores tribal stories in a suspenseful format. In a year called the “Year of Death”, the region witnessed starvation, disease and drought that led to wars and invasions between tribes to survive. Despite all these challenges, love remains in place. Showing on: OSN Art

Reality TV

Ramez Galal — Ramez Magnon Rasmy: Ramez Galal’s controversial prank show is back with another season. The title this year translates to ‘Ramez Galal — Ramez Is Officially Crazy.’ The trailer shows the host dressed as various horror icons such as Freddy Krueger and Count Dracula, as the actor says he’s going face-to-face with his guests this year. Showing on: MBC1

Ayez Atgawez: In this Arabic prank show called ‘Ayez Atgawez’ (‘I Want To Get Married’), a man wants to marry a strange girl named ‘Basma’, and gets his family and friends involved. Showing on: Zee Alwan

Mahadesh Fahem Haga: Mohamed Tharwat takes to the streets — disguised as a different character every day — to meet ordinary people and ask them strange requests, to see how they will respond. The title translates to ‘No One Understands a Thing’. Showing on: MBC1

Eghleb El Sakka: Egyptian actor Ahmed El Sakka and Razan El Moghrabi host this competitive show, which sees Al Sakka — known for his action scenes — take on contestants in various challenges, with money donated to various causes in the end. The title means ‘Defeat El Sakka’. Showing on: MBC1

Cooking Shows

Hala B Ramadan: Each episode features two recipes, tips and favourite dishes by some of the Arab world’s favourite celebrities. Showing on: MBC1

Baytak Wa Matbakhak: Baytak Wa Matbakhak (Your Home, Your Kitchen) returns with popular recipes to try during Ramadan, from snacks to full meals. Showing on: Zee Alwan

Matbakh Manal Alalem: Chef Manal Alalem will showcase a four-course set menu of appetiser, main course, dessert and accompanying beverage in each episode, featuring some of Manal’s own creations. Showing on: Fatafeet

Shu Biyheb Al Orf: Chef Mohammad Orfali takes you into his home kitchen, as he prepares some of his favourite dishes. In each episode, he crafts three recipes from a mix of cuisines and shares his personal stories behind each of the dishes. Showing on: Fatafeet

Bil Afya Maa Hayat: Emirati Chef Hayat Al Shaibani explores the flavours of the Gulf region with a twist. Every menu either uses the foundations of a traditional GCC-inspired menu but with an international twist, or incorporates GCC cooking techniques into international menus. Showing on: Fatafeet

Al Matbakh Al Arabi (1st of Ramadan, daily at 17:30 KSA): Chef Suliman Al Khowund presents savoury dishes, as well as desserts found in different countries from the Mediterranean and Arab region. Showing on: OSN Art

May’s Kitchen s1 (1st of Ramadan, daily at 18:00 KSA): May Yacoubi takes you into her home and kitchen, in a cooking show involving her friends and family. Showing on: OSN Art