Ramadan 2023: Top TV Series & Characters Captivating Audiences

As the first third of Ramadan concludes, several dramas are resonating with viewers across the Arab world, captivating audiences with both artistic merit and compelling characters. Some series have broken through thanks to their storylines, while others have gained traction due to the performances of their actors, or even the discussions they’ve sparked.

A key indicator of a series’ success is its ability to connect with diverse Arab households, whether a popular Egyptian reveal is trending in Lebanon, a Syrian drama is gaining acclaim in Cairo, or a Saudi or Gulf production is uniting viewers across the region.

“Al-Set Mona Lisa” (“Mona Lisa”)

The Egyptian series “Al-Set Mona Lisa” is generating significant buzz on social media platforms since its first 15 episodes aired. Much of the attention centers on the character of Mona Lisa, played by Mai Omar. Opinions immediately divided over the character’s naiveté, with some seeing her as kind-hearted while others empathized with her plight. Mona Lisa is a hotel chef who unexpectedly reconnects with her childhood love, Hassan (Ahmed Magdy), believing marriage will fulfill her dreams. However, she soon discovers he married her solely for her inheritance, turning her life into a nightmare orchestrated by him and his family, and she passively accepts her fate rather than rebelling.

“Al-Set Mona Lisa” and Mai Omar are currently trending in numerous Arab countries, as the actress delivers a role unlike any she’s taken on before. Debate rages online about the story’s plausibility, but viewers may want to remain patient, as the series is based on a real-life crime that shocked public opinion in Egypt.

“Five Souls” (“Bkhams Arwah”)

Crossing borders from Syria and Lebanon, the series “Five Souls” has resonated throughout the Arab world. Sidar Arts – Sabbah Brothers Productions bet on the story of singer “Samar” and her lover “Shams,” and the gamble paid off. Karis Bashar and Qusai Khouli form the heart of the series, facing strange events that test their relationship, from discovering a garbage collector, “Shams,” is the son of billionaire “Amir Badi” and his heir, to Samar’s attempts to prove her son’s paternity.

“Five Souls” is characterized by its fast-paced and suspenseful events, but the key to its appeal and popularity is undoubtedly the character of Samar, who surprised audiences. In this role, Syrian actress Karis Bashar exceeded all expectations, with her distinctive voice in song and her Iraqi dialect, which sparked debate.

“Molana” (“The Scholar”)

Every time Syrian actor Taim Hassan takes on a new character, he makes a lasting impression. That’s the case with “Jaber” in the series “Molana,” who has grow a trending topic not because of his story, but because of his artificial lisp and strange, comical behavior, such as scenting himself with lemon.

He’s “Zaber” then, not Jaber, and that lisp affects his speech, leading chicken and sweets shops in several Arab capitals to adopt it, displaying signs reading “Zaber Shawarma” and “Zaben Sweets.”

“Molana,” which also stars Mona Wasef and Nour Ali, features a contrast between Jaber’s behavior and the persona he’s supposed to embody. He pretends to be a wise man whom the villagers rely on, but his demeanor is quite different, serving the fantasy upon which the plot is built.

The series has also sparked debate, with viewers noting similarities to the Iranian film “Marmolek” (The Lizard), which tells the story of a thief who hides in a village and is mistaken for a cleric.