Many Egyptians have criticised the sexualised portrayal of women and the prevalence of violence, crime, and revenge in this year’s Ramadan lineup [Shahid/X]
Promotional trailers for several Egyptian TV dramas set to air during the Islamic month of Ramadan have sparked outrage, with critics calling them inappropriate for the holy month and urging a boycott of streaming platforms.
The most controversial series, Ish Ish, starring Mai Omar as a struggling belly dancer, has drawn fierce backlash for its provocative costumes and suggestive dialogue.
The show, directed by Omar’s husband Mohamed Sami, is set to air on Saudi-owned MBC Egypt and its streaming platform Shahid.
Many Egyptians, including politicians and diplomats, have criticised the sexualised portrayal of women and the prevalence of violence, crime, and revenge in this year’s Ramadan lineup.
“Is this how we welcome Ramadan?” asked former ambassador Mohamed Morsi, condemning Ish Ish in a social media post.
Calls for a boycott have gained momentum, with Egyptians urging people to unsubscribe from streaming services like Shahid and turn off their televisions in protest.
Ish Ish is not the only show causing controversy. Amr Saad’s Sayyid Al-Nas, also directed by Mohamed Sami, has been criticised for inappropriate scenes, including a shirtless portrayal of the lead character, despite being set in Upper Egypt’s conservative society.
Meanwhile, Al-Atawla 2, starring Ahmed El-Sakka, Tarek Lotfy, and Zeina, has been slammed for graphic violence, fight scenes, and excessive nudity.
Critics argued that these themes contradict the spiritual and moral values of Ramadan, with many lamenting the lack of religious or socially conscious dramas in recent years.
Veteran film critic Tarek El-Shennawy defended the presence of dance and romance in Ramadan shows, arguing that entertainment standards have evolved over time.
“Before Egyptian television launched in 1960, watching films and live performances at cinemas and nightclubs was a normal part of Ramadan culture,” he said.
However, actor Hesham Abdallah rejected this defense, calling the trend part of a broader moral decline in Egyptian media.
“This is an ideological war – corrupting values, weakening faith, and eroding the ethics of an entire generation,” he warned.
Saudi Arabia’s role under scrutinyÂ
Some critics have also questioned Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting such content, given that Ish Ish was being produced and aired by MBC Egypt, a Saudi-owned network backed by the General Entertainment Authority as part of Vision 2030.
“How can the land of the Two Holy Mosques be funding this while Palestinians in Gaza endure genocide?” asked Hesham Abdallah, criticising the contrast between cultural policies and regional crises.
Media analysts have noted that Arab entertainment has grown increasingly provocative, with Turkish soap operas paving the way for taboo-breaking themes in Arab productions.
Critic Iman Nabil warned that Egyptian Ramadan shows are now saturated with racy content, violence, and classless humour, a stark departure from the golden age of Arab drama.
“TV once gave us rich storytelling, poetic dialogue, and timeless performances,” she said. “Now, it’s all about cheap thrills, manufactured scandal, and shock value.”
