Egypt’s National Media Authority has announced its return to scripted television production, ending a ten-year hiatus and marking a significant shift in the state-supported programming approach ahead of the 2026 Ramadan drama season.
The Authority’s production division, Maspero, will relaunch its activities with “Justice Within,” a 15-episode psychological thriller that is co-produced with Xylophone Film Production under producer Awad Maher’s guidance. The project, selected from 53 submissions by a 12-member panel of industry experts, aims to serve as a pilot for reviving Maspero’s production capabilities and as a crucial component of broader reforms within Egypt’s national broadcasting landscape.
Filming is expected to commence on January 7, 2026, and will be attended by Ahmed Al Muslemany, the President of the Egyptian National Media Authority, along with senior officials from the organisation.
This timing underscores the significance of Ramadan as the most culturally and commercially vital period for Arabic television drama. In Ramadan 2025, average daily viewership across satellite and digital platforms reached approximately 9.1 million, totalling around 13.3 million unique viewers throughout the month. Audiences devoted an average of 4 hours and 35 minutes daily to content consumption, with satellite television accounting for about 56% of viewing time and streaming platforms accounting for the remaining 44%. This trend illustrates the growing intersection between broadcast and digital viewing. Moreover, regional advertising spending during Ramadan is projected to exceed $1 billion, establishing the season as a crucial market for high-quality scripted content.
“Justice Within” is set to premiere on Egypt’s national television channels during Ramadan 2026, with ongoing discussions about regional digital distribution. The production team is also investigating options for international platforms beyond the region and plans to release subtitled versions globally after the Ramadan airing.
Producer Awad Maher described the series as a reflection of modernisation in Egyptian drama. “Justice Within symbolises a fresh production mentality that resonates with contemporary audiences while upholding the values and responsibilities of national television,” he stated.
Ahmed Al Muslemany highlighted that this initiative represents a fundamental shift rather than a mere symbolic gesture, asserting, “This is not just a single production. The revival of Maspero’s production arm is part of a larger strategy to modernise Egyptian television drama and reclaim its competitive edge both regionally and globally.”
