Kuwaiti series have long been at the heart of Gulf drama, shaping the region’s television and theater landscape. Known for their early influence, these shows have a knack for tackling societal issues with a blend of creativity and simplicity, making them a favorite among audiences in the Gulf and beyond.
What sets Kuwaiti dramas apart is their ability to adapt to changing social dynamics while exploring themes that connect with all walks of life. A standout feature is their focus on women’s stories, with complex, multifaceted female characters often taking center stage, reflecting the realities of Gulf society in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
This emphasis on women’s narratives has given rise to iconic stars like Hayat Al-Fahad and Soad Abdullah, who paved the way for Gulf drama. Today, a new wave of talent, including Shjoun Al-Hajri and Fatima Al-Safi, continues to deliver compelling performances that keep viewers hooked.
Here’s a selection of must-watch Kuwaiti dramas—from timeless classics that laid the groundwork for Gulf storytelling to modern hits that tackle today’s issues with creativity and realism.
High School Girls (2022)
If you’re looking for a Kuwaiti series that explores the challenges faced by teenage girls, High School Girls is an ideal choice. This social drama addresses the issues faced by teenage girls in high school, including friendship, love, and family pressures. The show highlights the daily lives of students and the struggles they encounter in a conservative society. It became particularly popular among younger audiences.
Director: Saed Al-Hawari
Main Cast: Shahad, Fatima Al-Safi, Abdul Imam Abdullah
Available on: Shahid
The Cage (2022)
Netflix’s first Kuwaiti production veers away from traditional social drama, offering a refreshing comedic take instead. The Cage is a delightful series that examines marital issues through the perspective of a relationship counselor. Each episode introduces a new couple’s story with a blend of comedy and tension, keeping viewers intrigued about each couple’s fate.
Director: Jassim Al-Muhanna
Main Cast: Khaled Amin, Lamia Tareq, Hussein Al-Mahdi
Available on: Netflix
One Wife Is Not Enough (2024)
If you enjoy dark social comedy, One Wife Is Not Enough delivers hilarious and awkward moments as a man plans to marry a second wife. The series humorously explores polygamy’s impact on family and relationships, blending lighthearted comedy with deeper social messages. The storyline unfolds in an entertaining manner, offering witty insights into the dynamics of polygamous marriages.
Director: Hussein Al-Hulaibi
Main Cast: Hassan Al-Balam, Maram Al-Balushi, Mais Kamar
Available on: Shahid
Sanawat Al-Jareesh (2022)
Sanawat Al-Jareesh presents a poignant historical story set during World War II and its impact on the Gulf region. One of the show’s standout features is its ability to accurately depict the era’s details, including costumes, settings, and social conditions.
Director: Manaf Abdul
Main Cast: Hayat Al-Fahad, Hassan Al-Balam, Ali Al-Sabea, Heba Al-Hussein
Available on: Shahid
Al-Namous (2021)
Al-Namous stands out for its well-crafted storyline that blends crime, mystery, and suspense within a classic timeframe. One of the series’ strengths is its meticulous recreation of the 1970s, with detailed sets, costumes, and dialogue that add authenticity to the show.
Director: Jassim Al-Muhanna
Main Cast: Mohammad Al-Mansour, Haifa Adel, Khaled Amin, Abdullah Bahman
Available on: Shahid
The Exchange (2023)
The Exchange captured audience attention from the very first episode with its compelling story and strong characters. This Netflix-produced Kuwaiti series follows two women who enter the male-dominated world of the stock market in the 1980s, facing intense competition and scheming.
Director: Jassim Al-Muhanna
Main Cast: Rawan Mahdi, Mona Hussein, Mohammad Al-Serafi, Faisal Al-Amiri
Available on: Netflix
Jood (2016)
In Jood, we follow the poignant journey of a woman who faces cruelty and discrimination within her family. The series highlights the reality of Gulf women struggling in a traditional environment that imposes strict limitations. Through powerful performances and an emotionally charged plot, the series explores themes of social injustice and family conflict, creating a moving experience that reflects women’s strength in overcoming challenges.
Director: Munir Al-Zoubi
Main Cast: Huda Hussein, Abdul Imam Abdullah, Asmahan Tawfiq
Available on: Shahid
Saq Al-Bamboo (2016)
Based on the acclaimed novel by Kuwaiti author Saud Al-Sanousi, winner of the 2013 Arabic Booker Prize, Saq Al-Bamboo addresses identity and belonging. The story follows Issa, a young man born to a Kuwaiti father and a Filipino mother, who returns to Kuwait in search of his roots amid social and cultural conflicts.
Director: Mohammad Al-Qaffas
Main Cast: Faisal Al-Amiri, Shjoun Al-Hajri, Fatima Al-Safi, Soad Abdullah
Available on: Shahid
Hiya wa Banatuha (2020)
Hiya wa Banatuha is a Kuwaiti series that garnered significant attention for its plot filled with secrets and suspense. The story revolves around a family embroiled in complex conflicts, where the mother hides a secret that could change the family’s destiny.
Director: Khaled Radi Al-Fadhli
Main Cast: Zahra Arafat, Hussein Al-Mahdi, Eman Al-Husseini, Mohammad Jaber
Available on: Shahid
Ana Endi Nass (2019)
Ana Endi Nas is a standout Kuwaiti series that follows the journey of a woman seeking her rights and place in society. Veteran actress Soad Abdullah delivers an exceptional performance as Sharifa, a woman who faces daily challenges with a sarcastic philosophical outlook and her own unique style.
Director: Munir Al-Zoubi
Main Cast: Soad Abdullah, Shjoun Al-Hajri, Suleiman Al-Yaseen, Fatima Al-Safi
Available on: Shahid
Al-Maleka (2011)
Al-Maleka takes viewers on a gripping journey behind the scenes of the music world, where a famous singer struggles to balance the pressures of her professional and personal life. The series highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by the star, as well as the tough decisions she must make to maintain her success and fame.
Director: Khaled Al-Rifai
Main Cast: Huda Hussein, Ibrahim Al-Harbi, Ahmed Iraj, Maram Al-Balushi
Available on: Shahid
Khareg Al-Aswar (2011)
Khareg Al-Aswar delivers a powerful drama addressing real and impactful social issues, such as divorce, greed, and forced marriage, focusing on life-changing decisions that affect individuals and families, and reflecting society’s complexities through emotionally charged and realistic plots.
Director: Ahmed Al-Muqla
Main Cast: Elham Al-Fadalah, Khaled Amin, Hussein Al-Mansour, Asmahan Tawfiq
Available on: Shahid
Laylat Eid (2010)
In Laylat Eid, we enter a world filled with secrets and suffering through the story of Lulwa, a woman who has faced social and familial injustice since childhood. As the events unfold, we witness how discrimination and cruelty have shaped her life, turning Lulwa’s journey into a constant struggle between her painful past and attempts to break free from its grip.
Director: Hussein Abul
Main Cast: Hayat Al-Fahad, Ghanem Al-Saleh, Huda Hussein, Abdul Imam Abdullah
Available on: Shahid
Bayaat Al-Nakhi (2016)
A woman’s luxurious life collapses unexpectedly, forcing her to confront an entirely new reality in Bayaat Al-Nakhi. Fawz, a wealthy woman who loses everything, becomes a seller of nakhi (boiled chickpeas) to provide for herself and her family. The series shows how a devastating fall can turn into an opportunity to rise again with strength and determination.
Director: Shaalan Dabbas
Main Cast: Hayat Al-Fahad, Mariam Al-Saleh, Salah Al-Mulla, Hind Al-Balushi
Available on: Shahid
