RIYADH: It is a tradition for families to gather after iftar during Ramadan to watch seasonal shows such as Tash Ma Tash, Selfie and Al-Assouf.
For convenience, this year the shows are mainly being watched on streaming services, such as MBC’s Shahid and OSN+. As the regional film scene and production houses continue to rise in prominence, Ramzan TV this year offers more than just laughs – but a series of shows with historical, emotional and educational significance.
saw
The second season of The Scene, by Ahmed Al-Shugairi, returns to the streaming service Shahid, which explores a range of social, economic and lifestyle topics. Al-Shugairi has always found ways to include and unveil the highlights of Saudi Arabia, both as a nation and as a collective community. From staging the role of Saudi industries globally to tackling issues of public safety and food security, the show will educate viewers in unexpected ways. For those who like to binge-watch or are curious to know more, the entire first season of the series can be streamed on Netflix.
Safar Barlik
Set during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, Safar Barlik is a typical historical tale. The story follows four Arab college students who rise in rebellion against the sultanate’s oppression, after an arrest warrant is issued for Arabs following a shooting incident in Istanbul.
‘Scene’, a docu-series by Ahmed Al-Shugairi, highlights the progress of Saudi Arabia as a nation and a collective community. (supply)
After his uncle is murdered by the Ottomans, Radwan vows to seek vengeance for his family and nation. Radwan’s brother, Abdulrahman, attempts to stop him but fails. Abdulrahman later visits, and is persuaded to embark on the quest for Esmat Pasha’s murder, as the Ottoman army begins a series of arrests. Actors Abd Alrahman Yamani, Wissam Fares, Anas Tayara, Pio Shihan and Abed Faheed star in the historical epic, which is now streaming on Shahid.
Majrieh
Regional TV discusses taboo topics with Mazreeh, which has been ranked among the top 10 most watched shows on Shahid. The drama series follows the life of 80-year-old Ghanima, who was released from prison after spending 36 years of her life in prison. Starring renowned Kuwaiti actress Suad Abdullah, the show demystifies and humanises the situation, uncovers a life after a difficult past filled with traumatic experiences, and highlights the complexities of a new beginning.
el harsha el saba
Egyptian actors Amina Khalil and Mohamed Shaheen share the spotlight in the latest drama series El Harsha El Sabah. The show follows the story of Adam and Nadine, two high school sweethearts who have been married for seven years. As the reality of marriage dawns on the couple, caused by boredom and fatigue and the growing pains of parenting two twins, they are left to test whether love conquers all.
The show highlights the contrast between life before marriage and life after marriage. Despite knowing each other for 17 years, the couple struggle to balance their newly established life together. Moving from relevance, the episodes deal with everyday struggles such as health setbacks, job uncertainties, living through the pandemic and falling out of love. You can catch all the missed episodes on the streaming service Shahid.
Tuwaiq
This docu-series takes an in-depth look at Saudi Arabia’s tremendous progress in various fields. Through the lens of Mohamed Alnhat, Saudi Arabia is seen paving the way for industries globally through innovation. The show takes a look at the past and its impact on the state’s present and future, featuring guest appearances from industry leaders, heritage experts and community changemakers.