14-years-ago, Ayza Atgawaz aired on TV and became an instant hit. Its success has never dwindled, making it the go-to comedy whenever you need a laugh without disconnecting from reality. Back then, Ola Abdelsabour, the charming pharmacist with academic achievements, was under immense pressure from her mother to get married. The endless stream of potential suitors throughout the 30-episode series was not only relatable for any woman in her late 20s but also offered wisdom in the most unintentional ways.
At the time, I was just 17, but the show still spoke to me. Ola was like my cousins and aunts, living that hilariously painful experience. It prepared me for what was to come, better than anything else could. The biggest lesson I took? “Don’t trust your mom’s taste in men,” a truth that’s held up every time my mom introduces a new “candidate.”
Fast forward over a decade, and Ola Abdelsabour reappears in my life with two seasons of Netflix’s readaption, Finding Ola.
Ola has grown, just like all of us, navigating life after her divorce. Does she speak to me, though? Not exactly! I’m neither married nor a mom. But I have tried to find myself through heartbreaks, disappointments, career shifts, and vulnerability. That’s why Finding Ola was high on my watchlist when the streaming giant first announced it. Starring Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, Ola’s vulnerability and strength is portrayed with such authenticity that you can’t help but root for her. Sabry’s ability to move between comedy and heartfelt emotion shows why she’s one of the best talents in the region. Add Dhafer L’Abidine into the mix, and I was sold.
Here, all the thoughts I had while binge-watching Finding Ola Season 2.
- Next time I illegally park, I’ll make sure to block someone like Dhafer L’Abidine’s car—because who wouldn’t want to bump into him, right? I’ve never seen anyone get a wheel clamp that sexy.
- Ola is the queen of multitasking, but even queens need a break. Between her kids thinking she’s some absentee mom and her business teetering on disaster, I’m honestly amazed she hasn’t cloned herself yet. Get yourself an Ola-sized army, girl!
- Work-life balance? What’s that? Ola’s struggles are so relatable. Who hasn’t felt like they’re failing on all fronts while keeping it together? Although, where’s my random Netflix-style miracle solution when I need it?
- Sawsan Badr steals every scene she’s in. Her old-school views crashing into Ola’s modern chaos is pure comedy gold. Can we get a spin-off just for her? My mom’s already pitching scenario ideas, Netflix—she’s ready!
- Teenagers are a nightmare, and Ola’s kids are no exception. They want all the attention, yet can’t understand their mom is trying to rebuild her life post-divorce. Meanwhile, they feel closer to their dad because he’s texting them from abroad 24/7. Honestly, it’s made me rethink having kids—no thanks, I’m good without the emotional gymnastics.
- Dhafer L’Abidine as Karim? Talk about an entrance! His initial clashes with Ola over the land are pure enemies-to-lovers tension. I mean, who can resist a slow-burn romance with a twist? Plus, the business partnership makes it even juicier!
- Can we talk about Ola’s love life? Just when you think she’s about to settle down, her guy slams on the brakes. Girl, forget him! Go find yourself, because your hero is YOU. Who needs a man when you can be your own savior?
- Ola’s hustle mentality is a whole mood. Running a business while being a single mom? Hats off to her. But please, Ola, don’t go smashing up your shop out of frustration. Sign up for a boxing class instead, it’ll save your inventory!
- Zeina, the influencer kid, is everything Gen Alpha aspires to be. How is this girl smarter and more responsible than half of us adults? Her influencer skills have officially crushed every stereotype about teens glued to their screens.
- Zeina shows real sisterhood to Nada, Ola’s daughter. It’s the kind of big-sister energy we all need in real life—supportive, honest, and full of wisdom beyond her years.
- Why do I find myself grinning like a fool whenever Selim, Ola’s son, appears on screen? Watching him struggle with masculinity while learning to be a good brother—without absorbing his uncle’s toxic masculine traits—is just heartwarming.
- The comedic timing is on point. Whether it’s family dinners going sideways or workplace chaos, the series delivers laughs exactly when you need them. And shoutout to Ola’s brother, Hazem—played by Tarek El Ebiary—for adding that extra layer of humor, making us nostalgic for Ayza Atgawaz days.
- We all have a Hazem in our lives. Spoiled, coddled, and always the favorite child. His mom overlooks every mistake while Ola’s left holding the fort. Sisters everywhere will feel that frustration! It’s a sibling dynamic we know too well.
- Nidal Saadi’s cameo with the Balti song “Alo Alo” in Paris? It totally pokes fun at Emily in Paris and every Montasar in our lives thinking Paris is some otherworldly paradise. Spoiler: it’s not.
- The cinematography of Cairo adds so much charm. From the Nile cruise in the last scene of Season 1 to the dreamy but less-than-authentic backdrops of Ola’s journey in Season 2, it grounds the show in Egypt’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- The social critique is sharp. From the judgment Ola gets from her mom and brother to the pressure of being the perfect “superwoman,” the series subtly critiques societal expectations. It’s a refreshing reflection on modern womanhood in Egypt and everywhere in the region.
- I wasn’t ready for it to end. Six episodes? That’s it?! We need more second chances, more boldness, and more inclusivity. Netflix, if you’re listening, we’re waiting for Season 3. ASAP!
