Egypt state broadcaster invests in scripted TV production after 10-year hiatus

Written by Heba Korayem on behalf of Egypt's National Media Authority

Egypt’s National Media Authority is re-entering scripted television production for the first time in 10 years, marking a significant shift in the country’s state-backed content strategy ahead of the Ramadan 2026 season.

The Authority’s production arm, Maspero, will launch its comeback with “Justice Within,” a 15-episode psychological thriller co-produced with Xylophone Film Production, led by producer Awad Maher.

The project was selected by a 12-member committee from 53 submitted projects by established writers, positioning the series as both a pilot for restarting Maspero’s production slate and part of a broader reform and modernization effort within Egypt’s national broadcasting framework.

Filming is scheduled to begin on January 7, 2026, in the presence of Ahmed Al Muslemany, President of the Egyptian National Media Authority, alongside senior leadership figures from the Authority.

Ramadan Scripted Series Market Context

Ramadan remains the most commercially significant window for Arabic-language television drama, commanding the highest concentration of viewership and advertising spend across the region. During Ramadan 2025, average daily viewership across satellite and digital platforms reached approximately 9.1 million viewers, with an estimated 13.3 million unique viewers tuning in over the course of the month. Audiences spent an average of 4 hours and 35 minutes per day watching content, underlining the season’s cultural and commercial weight. Satellite television accounted for around 56% of viewing time, while 44% came from streaming platforms, reflecting the rapid convergence of broadcast and digital consumption. Regional advertising spend during Ramadan is widely estimated to exceed $1 billion, making the season a critical battleground for premium scripted content.

Distribution Strategy

Justice Within will premiere on national Egyptian TV channels during Ramadan 2026, with regional digital distribution currently under discussion. The producers are also open to international platforms and streamers outside the region, with plans for the series to travel internationally following its Ramadan release, supported by subtitled versions aimed at global audiences.

“Justice Within represents modernization in the evolution of Egyptian drama,” said producer Awad Maher. “It reflects a renewed production mindset that speaks to contemporary audiences while preserving the scale and responsibility of national television.”

Ahmed Al Muslemany emphasized that the project signals a structural shift rather than a symbolic return, stating: “This is not a one-off production. The return of Maspero’s production arm is part of a broader effort to modernize Egyptian television drama and restore its competitive position regionally and internationally.”

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