The Ramadan 2024 television landscape in Egypt is proving to be a particularly dramatic one, and not just on screen. Reports emerging from Cairo indicate a surge in on-set conflicts, legal disputes, and even outright clashes between stars, raising questions about the pressures facing the industry and the changing dynamics of Egyptian television production. While the anticipation for the annual slate of Ramadan series remains high, the behind-the-scenes turmoil is becoming a significant story in itself.
Several high-profile productions are reportedly embroiled in disagreements. Sources indicate that disputes are escalating to the point of involving lawyers and potentially impacting the final cut of some series. While specific details remain closely guarded, the common thread appears to be creative control and billing disputes. One report specifically mentions issues surrounding actor Mohamed Samy, though the nature of those issues remains unspecified.
The upcoming Ramadan season boasts a diverse range of programming, from period dramas to comedies. , Cairo Gossip published a guide to the most anticipated shows. Among them is “El Hashashin,” a 30-episode series starring Karim Abdel Aziz as Hassan Al-Sabbah, the historical commander of the Hashashin clan. The series, described as being based on a real story and likened to “Assassin’s Creed,” is set to air on DMC and WATCH IT. Another highly anticipated comedy is the eighth season of “El Kebeer,” featuring Ahmed Mekky and guest stars Amina Khalil and Mohamed Tharwat, which will be broadcast on ON and WATCH IT. “Beit El Refa3y,” a 30-episode drama starring Amir Karara, also promises a compelling narrative of family strife and a quest for truth.
However, the focus is shifting from the narratives themselves to the increasingly fraught production environments. A report from The New Arab suggests a broader trend of Ramadan TV series targeting younger audiences with “grittier” content, moving away from traditional soap operas. This shift in content may be contributing to the heightened tensions, as productions attempt to push boundaries and attract a new demographic.
Beyond creative clashes, legal battles are also brewing. Reports suggest that several disputes have escalated to the point of involving lawyers and potentially impacting the final cut of some series. The exact nature of these legal challenges remains unclear, but they underscore the complex web of contracts, rights, and obligations that govern Egyptian television production.
The series “Embratoryet Meem,” starring Khaled Al-Nabawi and Hala Shiha, based on the works of Ihsan Abdel Quddus, is also generating buzz. The 30-episode drama will air on DMC, Shahid, and WATCH IT. “Qal’a Al Hagar,” set in Upper Egypt, tackles the theme of women’s rights and features an ensemble cast including Mohamed Riyad and Susan Badr, and will be one to watch for its social commentary.
The increasing frequency of these disputes raises questions about the pressures facing the Egyptian television industry. One article from The American University in Cairo explores whether Ramadan TV shows accurately reflect the economic realities in Egypt, and the portrayal of the Egyptian middle class. The article suggests a disconnect between the on-screen narratives and the lived experiences of many Egyptians, potentially contributing to a sense of frustration and discontent.
The situation is further complicated by the intense competition for viewership during Ramadan, a period when families traditionally gather to watch television together. This competition puts immense pressure on producers, directors, and actors to deliver hit shows, leading to increased stress and potentially exacerbating existing tensions. The stakes are high, with the success or failure of a series often determining the future career prospects of those involved.
As Ramadan approaches, all eyes will be on the Egyptian television industry. While the anticipation for the new series remains strong, the behind-the-scenes drama is casting a shadow over the proceedings. Whether these disputes will ultimately impact the quality of the programming remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ramadan 2024 is shaping up to be a particularly turbulent season for Egyptian television.
The guide published by Ahram Online lists a number of series and their broadcast locations, providing viewers with a comprehensive overview of the upcoming programming. However, the reports of on-set conflicts and legal battles suggest that the road to Ramadan may be more challenging than anticipated for those involved in bringing these stories to the screen.
