There's a clear distinction between using the same franchise and format of an existing show, adapting it into an Egyptian context, and being inspired by or basing your story on another show. The latter can be seen in series like Halawet El Donia by Hend Sabry, based on a Mexican show, Amin Khalil's Layaly Eugenie, Dina El Sherbiny's Le3bet el Nesyan, and many more.
As the newly released adapted version of The Good Wife, Moftaraq Toroq, takes the screens by storm, we look at a list of Egyptian shows inspired by international series.
Moftaraq Toroq - (The Good Wife)
Moftaraq Toroq has 45 episodes and stars the talented Hend Sabry. The show features a star-studded cast that includes Eyad Nassar, Huda El Mufti, Maged El-Masry, and Joumana Murad. This adaptation promises to deliver the intense legal drama and personal struggles that made the original a hit.
Tel3et Rohy - (Drop Dead Diva)
Premiering in 2018, Tel3et Rohy stars Engy Wegdan, Nicolas Moawad, Mayar El-Gheity, and Islam Ibrahim. The series is adapted from the American show Drop Dead Diva. The story follows Dalida, an aspiring model who, after an accident, finds herself in Alia's body. The series explores her journey of self-acceptance and the humorous and dramatic situations that arise from her new identity.
Heba Regl El Ghorab - (Ugly Betty)
Adapted from the American hit series Ugly Betty, the show spans four seasons, revolving around Heba this time. A young woman from a middle-class family working in a prestigious fashion house, exposing her to different social classes. Amy Samir Ghanem portrayed Heba in the first two seasons, while Nahed El Sebaei took over the role in the third and fourth seasons.
El Anesa Farah - (Jane the Virgin)
The first season of El Anesa Farah premiered in 2019. It features Asmaa Abu El Yazid, Rania Youssef, Mohamad El-Kilani, and Ahmed Magdy. This series is an adaptation of the American show Jane the Virgin and is directed by Wael Farag. The plot follows Farah, whose life takes an unexpected turn after an accidental artificial insemination.
Suits Bel 3araby - (Suits)
Suits Bel 3araby is the Arabic adaptation of the infamous American series Suits, featuring Ahmed Dawoud and Asser Yassin. The series revolves around Adam, who accidentally becomes a lawyer at a prestigious firm. When he reveals his secret to lawyer Zain, they team up to tackle challenging cases, blending legal drama with personal conflicts.
Lunch Box - (Good Girls)
Premiering last Ramadan, Lunch Box is based on the American show Good Girls. The series follows the lives of three housewives who turn to crime to solve their financial problems. These ordinary women, who lead mundane lives, transform into a gang, engaging in various illegal activities to protect and defend their families. The housewives were played by Ghada Adel, Jamila Awad, and Fadwa Abed.
Magnouna Beek - (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)
Magnouna Beek is a romantic musical series adapted from the award-winning show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. It follows Randa, a successful and passionate lawyer who makes a rash decision to change her life after a chance encounter with her ex-boyfriend. The series stars Mariam El Khosht, Adam El Sharkawy, and Amir El Masry.
Qawa3ed El Tala2 El 45 - (Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce)
The show consists of 45 episodes and is based on the American comedy-drama series Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce. The series centres on three women who struggle against society's stereotypes of divorced women. Each character navigates life in their forties, seeking happiness and new romantic relationships while challenging societal norms.
Mon3ataf Khatar - (The Killing)
In Mon3ataf Khatar, detectives investigate the murder of Salma Al Wakeel, a famous social media figure, whose body is found in the car of Khaled Yahya, a presidential candidate. The deeper the investigation goes, the more layers of mystery and intrigue are uncovered. The series stars Reham Abdelghafour, Bassem Samra, and Salma Abu Deif. It is an adaptation of the hit show The Killing.
El Nazwa - (The Affair)
El Nazwa, starring Aicha Bin Ahmed and Khaled El Nabawy, is an adaptation of The Affair. The series follows Omar and Hala, who recall their past romance and marital infidelity during a murder investigation. The story explores their complex relationship and the escalating events leading to the present.
