In 1962, the region witnessed its very first Ramadan series. From the time the TV drama, Hareb Min el-Ayyam (Escaping from Time), was broadcast from Egypt we haven’t looked back. A mystery thriller about a spate of robberies in a small village, director Nour El Demerdah’s creation took the region by storm, establishing Egypt as the most prominent producer of serials for the next four decades. Ramadan has steadily become the biggest, most lucrative TV season of the year, boasting the region’s biggest talents and seemingly endless advertising money.
Standing as one of the enduring icons of the most significant TV seasons of the year is Fawazeer. Translating to “riddles,” this uniquely Egyptian creation made its debut on the radio, before evolving into television in 1967, captivating audiences with its enigmatic challenges spread across 30 episodes. Each episode engaged viewers with a mystery, infused with music, dance, and an eye-catching wardrobe, revealed only at the month’s end. Over the years, Fawazeer evolved into a spectacle of grandeur, reaching its zenith with the luminaries Nelly and Sherihan at its helm.
From 1975 to 1995, Nelly and Sherihan mesmerized audiences with their singing, dance moves, and glamorous hair and makeup, crafting visual masterpieces that remain etched in Arab TV history. With Nelly’s reign from 1975 to 1981 before passing the torch to Sherihan from 1985 to 1987, viewers were treated to a feast for the senses via heavily-curated sets, camp-esque styling, infectious tunes, and inventive choreographed dance numbers laced with surrealism. Sherihan, known for her flamboyant persona, even went on to become a queer icon without even knowing it.
Below, discover some of our favorite fawazeer moments that live in our head, rent-free.
El Khatba (The Matchmaker) – Nelly (1981)
In 1981, Nelly took audiences on a journey of love as the matchmaker, orchestrating 30 potential matches for a young woman seeking marriage. Viewers eagerly guessed the professions of each suitor, adding an interactive dimension to the spectacle.
Alf Leila W Leila (1001 Nights): The Bride of the Seas & The Proverb Riddles – Sherihan (1985-1986)
Sherihan’s debut in 1001 Nights dazzled with tales from the Arabian Nights, epitomizing camp excellence at its finest.
Hagat Wa Mehtagat (Things and Needs) – Sherihan (1994)
Sherihan’s grandiose gowns adorned with crystals transported viewers to a bygone era, accompanied by the comedic prowess of Egypt’s legends Mohamed Henediy and Alaa Morsy.
Fawazeer Hawl Al A’alam (Around the World) – Sherihan (1987)
In this season, Sherihan embraced opulence, donning costumes that paid homage to diverse cultures. With larger-than-life productions and captivating dance numbers, she redefined extravagance onscreen.
