One of the things Egyptian TV series do best is their portrayal of family. They portray healthy relationships, toxic ones, and everything in between. They are portrayed equally well in comedy and drama shows. Here is a diverse list of shows that explore family dynamics.
Catalog
A story about a workaholic father struggling to navigate life and fatherhood with his two children after the death of his wife. He finds his wife’s YouTube channel “Amina’s Catalog,” which features videos on parenting. He slowly starts his journey to becoming a better father. The show depicts the complexities of fatherhood, the struggles of dealing with the death of a mother, and the effects it has on strengthening or weakening the relationship between children and their father.
Ekhwaty
A series about four sisters who take care of each other through thick and thin while navigating married life and the struggles of social class hierarchy. Their lives take a dramatic turn when one of their husbands is murdered. This suspenseful plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. The show portrays the loving but complex relationship of sisters who always have each other’s backs regardless of the circumstances.
Lam Shamseya
This TV show centers around the protagonist Nelly discovering that her husband’s friend, Wessam, is abusing her stepson, Youssef. The show represents child abuse, its struggles, and its effects on children. It highlights the complexities of abuse. Even though the show got many mixed reviews, it still stands as one of the most important shows discussing the issue of child abuse.
Kamel El Adad
A comedy-drama TV show that discusses a remarriage between two divorcees who both have multiple children and the struggles of becoming one family. The show represents domestic marriage life in Egyptian society and the effect of remarriage on children in a light manner. The series is filled with playful scenes as the children scheme against their parents, trying to sabotage their relationship. It is filled with happy, sad, and heartwarming family moments. They represent the daily lives of real families with love and drama, addressing different behaviors and ages of children.
Faat El Maad
The new and viral TV show has people on the edge of their seats waiting for the finale. The series follows the protagonist, Basma, and discusses the aftermath of her divorce from her abusive husband. It talks about domestic abuse, its effects on its victims, post-divorce journey, family pressures, and their disapproval of the divorce. This represents similar situations for women in Egyptian society who are treated unfairly and struggle through the aftermath of these situations.
Aysha El-Dor
A light comedy series following the protagonist, Aysha, leading a double life. She switches between being a single and caring mother, and pretending to be a college student. The series encourages young women to pursue their education, dreams, and not to give up regardless of the circumstances. It shows the depth of women’s personality, how Aysha can seamlessly switch between being a responsible parent to a carefree college student.