Arabic Saturday Night Live returns to OSN

Arabic Saturday Night Live returns to OSN

Rebecca Hawkes | 01 September 2016
Comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) Bilarabi returns to Middle East pay-TV network OSN Yahala HD on 17 September.

The localised Arabic version of the long-running, multi-award winning US show features Khaled Mansour and Shady Alfons as hosts (and part of the team of lead writers). This season, featuring comedy sketches and musical performances, will be co-hosted by Arab celebrities, including Rania Youssef, Nelly Karim and Asser.

“SNL Bilarabi brings together the region’s best Arabic comedy talents with leading names in music for a truly unique production,” said Emad Morcos, chief content officer, OSN. “We are delighted to have the new season only on OSN, and its success reflects our continued commitment to deliver relevant content that resonates with our audiences. SNL Bilarabi has given a platform to an incredibly talented cast of scriptwriters, actors, and comedians and the programme has set a new industry benchmark in Arabic entertainment.”

Like its US counterpart, SNL Bilarabiis filmed in front of a live studio audience. The recently renovated Masr Theatre in Cairo is home to the Middle East’s version of the show.

Host Alfons noted: “SNL is such a great show to be part of – the rush you get from performing live and creating great fresh material and sketches every single week is the lifeblood of entertainment – it’s what we do this for. I’m confident fans of the show will love the new season even more – we have some serious comedy lined up.”

Comedians lined up for this season include Nancy Salah, Mahmoud El Leithy, Tony Maher, Islam Ibrahim, Nour Qadry, Mirna Gamil, Hazem Ehab Alwi al Husseini, Yara Fahmy and Ahmed Sultan. Performances from the bands Black Theama and Masar Ejbari, and singer Nessma Mahjoub are also scheduled.

“Comedy is having its moment in the spotlight in the Middle East,” Mansour said. “We have a crazy and creative cast, and we all work incredibly hard to bring this show to life and put the Middle East on the map for comedy entertainment.”

SNL, which is now in its 42nd season on NBC, is credited with launching the careers of a number of American comedians, including Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock and Seth Meyers. There are now ten international versions of the comedy sketch show.