Egyptian authorities in February ordered a ban on “Saturday Night Live Arabia,” which airs out of Cairo on top Middle East pay-TV network OSN. “SNL Arabia,” which was in its fourth season, followed a similar format to the U.S. show but did its best to steer clear of provocative political jokes. Producers have appealed the ban, which was allegedly prompted by inappropriate sexual phrases and insinuations.
Meanwhile, Comedy Central Arabia is now a hit on OSN following its launch two years ago with a splashy event at Dubai’s Armani Hotel, co-hosted by Saudi U. of Texas alumni Fahad Albutairi, dubbed the Seinfeld of Saudi Arabia — he helped write and produce “No Woman, No Drive” — and Trevor Noah.
“There is a longstanding tradition of Arab humor,” says Amalia Martinez de Velasco, Viacom Intl.’s senior VP of entertainment brands for continental Europe, Africa and the Middle East, who notes that the Middle East “is a very oral culture.”
As for the censorship obstacle, De Velasco says Viacom’s approach all over the world is to “respect the culture in the region.” Though they obviously oversee their Arabic content, she points out that it’s more the comedians themselves “who know how to touch on specific issues in ways that is funny and not [too] provocative.” So far they have not run into problems.
The first thing Viacom did to produce the Comedy Central Presents format in the Middle East in 2016 was to talk to the major established comedians, comedy clubs and agents. They’ve also been hosting talent development workshops and standup nights across the region to identify and foster local comedic talent. De Velasco notes that some of the best talent in the region comes from Saudi Arabia, especially Jeddah, on the Red Sea, which is considered the kingdom’s most cosmopolitan city.
Jeddah’s Comedy Club recently hosted a two-hour solo performance by Maisaa Sabihi, a Saudi actress who was raised in California. Her show reportedly touched on issues including love, marriage and divorce, and is being considered a game-changer.
“Comedy Central Presents … Al Wagef” now features more than 60 Arab comedians who mostly perform in Arabic (and some also in English), including Arab-American Mohammad “Mo” Amer, who regularly performs with Dave Chappelle.
In April 2017, Comedy Central launched an Arabic version of “Ridiculousness” on OSN hosted by Syrian-born Mohanad Alhattab, with co-hosts Samantha Hamadeh, who is Lebanese, and Moroccan blogger Khalid Sheriff.
De Velasco says Viacom Intl. has a comic web series in the works for the Middle East and will further increase local productions.
