Looking for a fun way to practice your Arabic? Watching Arabic TV shows is one of the best methods for improving your language skills and understanding Arab culture. This article is your guide to the best Arabic tv shows you can watch, from popular dramas to funny comedies, that are perfect for beginners and advanced learners alike.
Why Arabic TV Shows Are Perfect for Language Learning
Arabic TV Shows are perfect for language learning because they offer a real-life context that textbooks cannot.
- Natural Conversation: You get to hear how real people talk. This includes slang, idioms, and different accents, which are crucial for anyone who wants to speak the language naturally.
- Cultural Understanding: TV shows offer a window into Arab culture, customs, and daily life. You can learn about social norms, family traditions, and even local humor.
- Improved Listening Skills: Regularly listening to native speakers helps train your ear to the sounds and rhythms of Arabic. This is a big step in becoming fluent.
A List of the Best Arabic TV Shows
Here are some of the top arabic shows to learn arabic, categorized by genre and dialect.
Modern Dramas and Series (Netflix)
- Finding Ola: This Egyptian comedy-drama follows Ola Abdelsabbour on a journey of self-discovery after her divorce. It tackles themes of female empowerment, second chances, and the challenges women face in Arab society. It’s great for learners because the language is modern and relatable, reflecting everyday Egyptian life.
- Cast: Hend Sabry, Sawsan Badr, Hany Adel
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Faten Amal Harby (فاتن أمل حربي): A powerful Egyptian social drama that tells the story of a woman seeking a divorce and battling personal status laws in Egypt to gain her rights. The show offers a great way to learn legal and social vocabulary and understand the real-life issues women face in the region.
- Cast: Nelly Karim, Sherif Salama
- Number of Seasons: 1
- AlRawabi School for Girls: A Jordanian teen drama that has gained international popularity. The show follows a teenager’s plan for revenge against her school bullies. The series is known for its bold exploration of bullying, reputation, and patriarchy in a high school setting. It offers a modern Levantine dialect and is easy to follow.
- Director: Tima Shomali
- Cast: Andria Tayeh, Rakeen Saad, Noor Taher
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Jinn: A popular Jordanian series that mixes fantasy with local culture. The show follows a group of teenagers who accidentally awaken a supernatural being in ancient Petra, leading to chaos and danger. It’s a great show for practicing the Levantine dialect and learning words related to fantasy and mythology.
- Cast: Salma Malhas, Hamzeh Okab
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Newton’s Cradle: This critically acclaimed Egyptian series tells the story of a married couple who face major problems after traveling to the US for a better life. The plot is a tense drama that explores the complexities of their relationship and the consequences of their choices. It’s great for advanced learners who want to hear complex, fast-paced dialogue.
- Cast: Mona Zaki, Mohamed Mamdouh
- Number of Seasons: 1
- The Exchange: This Kuwaiti show tells the story of two women working at the Kuwait Stock Exchange in the 1980s. It is an empowering story inspired by real events of women breaking into a male-dominated industry. It’s perfect for learning the Gulf dialect and business-related vocabulary.
- Cast: Raneen Al Huneidi, Mona Hussein
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Crashing Eid: This Saudi comedy-drama follows a woman who’s British-Pakistani fiancé surprises her by crashing her family’s Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia. The show is a fun way to learn about cultural clashes and the Saudi dialect.
- Cast: Summer Shesha, Hamza Haq
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Tahir’s House: This Saudi Arabian sitcom on Netflix follows a family of amateur entrepreneurs who try to save their struggling fish shop. The show is a great way to learn comedy-style dialogue in the Saudi dialect.
- Cast: Mohammed Bakhsh, Naeema Alhumaidi
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Paranormal: A critically acclaimed Egyptian series based on the novels by Ahmed Khaled Tawfik. The show stars Ahmed Amin as the lead character, a hematologist who experiences a series of paranormal events in the 1960s. It’s a great show for learners who like a bit of mystery and suspense and want to practice their listening to Egyptian accents.
- Cast: Ahmed Amin
- Number of Seasons: 1
Comedies and Social Commentary
- Watan 3a Watar: A popular Palestinian satirical show that uses humor to comment on social and political issues. The title, which means „homeland on a string,” reflects the show’s clever and often biting commentary. It’s a great way to hear the Levantine accent in a fun context.
- Cast: Imad Farajin, Dima Bayaa
- Number of Seasons: 15+
- Albasheer show: A satirical show from Iraq that is famous for its humorous take on current events and politics. It’s an excellent way to learn Iraqi dialect and understand political satire. The host, Ahmed Albasheer, is a well-known TV personality.
- Cast: Ahmed Albasheer
- Number of Seasons: 10+
- Shankaboot: One of the first Arabic web dramas, this Lebanese series follows a teenage delivery boy in Beirut. The short, five-minute episodes are perfect for learners, and the show offers a realistic look into Beirut’s street culture.
- Cast: Juliana Yazbeck
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Um badela: A popular Saudi comedy show that follows the daily life of a Saudi man in a humorous way. The show is a great way to learn the Saudi dialect in a relaxed setting.
- Cast: Fahad Al-Hayyan
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Melon City Show (Wilayat Batikh): An Iraqi sketch comedy show known for its political satire and black humor. It’s a great way to learn Iraqi slang and understand cultural jokes.
- Cast: Ali Fadel
- Number of Seasons: 10+
Historical and Cultural Dramas
- Omar: A famous Syrian historical series that tells the story of the life of Omar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam. The show uses Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), making it an excellent resource for learners who want to practice formal Arabic and learn about Islamic history.
- Director: Hatem Ali
- Cast: Samer Ismail, Mahyar Khaddour
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Al Hayba: A Lebanese-Syrian series that follows the head of a powerful arms-dealing family that controls smuggling routes between Lebanon and Syria. The show, which stars Taim Hasan, is known for its intense drama and themes of honor, loyalty, and power. It has gained a cult following across the Arab world.
- Cast: Taim Hasan
- Number of Seasons: 5
Educational and Cultural
- Hikayat Simsim: An Arab version of Sesame Street. This show is perfect for absolute beginners and children because it uses simple language and clear visuals to teach vocabulary and basic social skills.
- Knafeh with Chef Omar: A show that teaches you how to cook traditional Middle Eastern food. It is perfect for learning food-related vocabulary and cultural dishes. The show is hosted by Chef Omar, a well-known figure in the food industry.
Conclusion
Watching Arabic TV shows is a fantastic way to learn the language and immerse yourself in the culture. The variety of shows, from drama to comedy and educational content, means there is something for every taste and every level. So, grab some popcorn, turn on the subtitles, and start your learning journey today! For more great resources, check out our website and download the Kaleela Arabic learning app!