by Olly Richards
Watching Arabic shows on Netflix is a great way to learn Arabic.
It’s often more exciting than other study methods. It also gives you high-quality access to new vocabulary and listening practice.
Plus, if you find a show you really like, you don’t need any excuses for binge-watching.
You’re learning a language, after all!
If you're learning a dialect, there are definitely some Arabic shows on Netflix that I recommend checking out.
And I’m going to give you a list of 6 of them!
So grab your computer, pour yourself an Egyptian ahwa, and let’s get started.
Pro Tip
By the way, if you want to learn Arabic though stories, not rules, then I have some great news for you!
My course, Arabic Uncovered, teaches you Arabic through the StoryLearning® method! It’s fun, easy, and effective! Get your free 7-day trial here.
A Disclaimer About Arabic Shows On Netflix & Some Good News
Major disclaimer: the community of Arabic learners is still quite underserved when it comes to good learning content. This includes listening material that has quality subtitles.
A big problem with Netflix is that Arabic subtitles are often (but not always) presented in Standard Arabic. There is usually no correlation between Standard Arabic and Arabic dialects. For just about all dialects.
How’s that for a mismatch!
But not to worry. After my list of shows I’ll also give you some advice about how you can use Netflix most effectively, strategies for vocab acquisition, and my “golden rule” of language learning with Netflix.
For now, let's discover these TV show recommendations.
#1 Paranormal
This series is based off the book series by Egyptian author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik.
It’s also the first original Egyptian Arabic language series on Netflix.
Paranormal stars the famous Egyptian actor/comedian Ahmed Amin (check out his show Al Plateau on Youtube if you want a laugh).
He plays Refaat Ismail, a hematologist in his 40’s. A lifelong cynic, Refaat’s convictions in science start to fail as he begins to experience a series of paranormal activities. He teams up with his colleague Maggie to save their loves ones from the danger surrounding them.
This show is funny, dark, and exciting, all at the same time. It’s also terrifying. If you're interested in shows that are a bit more scary, give Paranormal a chance.
Paranormal is also culturally relevant, and a lot of Egyptians would be impressed that you’ve seen it. And with Egyptian Arabic subtitles? Definitely a Netflix series to check out!
#2 Secrets Of The Nile
This is a show set in the 1950s. It follows Ali, a man investigating the disappearance of his sister, who works as a maid at one of the largest hotels in Aswan.
Secrets of The Nile is an interesting show to watch because you really get a glimpse into what Egyptian culture was like a full 70 years ago.
Whether it’s the clothing or the events they reference, it really is a different time! The views of the Nile in Aswan are also breathtaking. If you’ve never traveled to Egypt before, this show alone will inspire you to start planning your trip!
#3 Jinn
This show was the very first Netflix Arabic production.
While there are a few different dialects in this show, it’s mainly Jordanian.
High school students take a trip to Petra, which causes two “Jinns” (one good, one evil) to enter the human realm. This turns a Jordanian high school into a battleground for ghosts and other supernatural spirits.
No joke.
One of the reasons this series is so popular is that it breaks a lot of conservative stereotypes Arabic shows are known for.
- Experimenting with drugs
- Parties with alcohol
- Young high school kids making out
Not exactly the first things you think about when it comes to Arab cinema! If you're looking for a somewhat absurd Arabic series on Netflix, Jinn might be for you.
#4 Black Crows
This show is intense.
Black Crows portrays the lives (and struggles) of the recruits, wives, children, and slaves of ISIS.
Their reasons for joining the extremist group, what they hope to gain, and their back stories. Black Crows is obviously not for the faint of heart. That said, its riveting storytelling and does a great job to inform you.
While this show is mostly in the Syrian dialect (and not Egyptian Arabic, which I usually recommend), it’s worth a watch. Especially if you want to get an insight into recent Middle Eastern history.
Two Egyptian Arabic Shows On Youtube
No list of Arabic shows would be complete without a few from Youtube.
While Netflix is great, sometimes there are shows that it doesn’t host. And that’s when Youtube comes in handy!
Both these recommendations are Ramadan series. These kind of shows are a staple of Arab culture, and usually release a new episode during each day of Ramadan.
And lucky for you – both of them come from Cairo. That means they are filmed in Egyptian Arabic.
#5 Bent Esmaha Zat
This is a show that follows a girl named Zat all the way from her childhood until old age.
Starting at 1952, it ends in 2011 as the Egyptian Revolution is beginning. Quite the history lesson!
The power of Bent Esmaha Zat is in the excellent storytelling.
You as the viewer follow Zat (Nelly Karim) as she confronts many life challenges. All the way from Egypt through the eyes of a child to political upheaval through the eyes of 60 year-old woman, Bent Esmaha Zat acts as a primer to 60 years of Egyptian history.
A wonderful idea for a show!
This is the perfect Arabic series to watch if you want to improve your Egyptian Arabic at the same time as learning a bit about Egyptian culture.
This is the first Ramadan series I ever watched. It remains the best. Because it doesn’t have subtitles, Bent Esmaha Zat is definitely a show for advanced learners.
But don’t let that deter you from watching. It’s worth the extra effort.
#6 Taht El Saytara
This is another Arabic series with Nelly Karim. And it’s all about drugs. Quite literally.
Nelly Karim plays the role of a former drug addict who just can’t seem to shake her former life. The show follows her (and some other addicts as well) as they struggle with addiction and withdrawal.
Taht el Saytara is actually super intense. As I mentioned before, typical Arab cinema can be super conservative.
Not so with this show!
How To Make The Most Of Your Time Watching Arabic Shows On Netflix
So you actually decided to take my advice and watch one of these Arabic shows on Netflix?
That’s awesome.
Now that you are, I want to give you three main tips about how you can maximize your Netflix study time.
Listen Actively
Netflix is great for mindlessly chilling.
Everybody knows that.
But save that for you native language! When using it for language practice, active listening is key. So don’t just passively sit there.
And how exactly do you do that? Well, it really just comes down to being a good listener.
That means:
- writing down words you don’t know and studying them later
- rewinding parts that you don’t understand
- repeating what you hear to get the correct accent down
These all sound like homework. And they kind of are. You're learning a new language, after all.
Use Subtitles Correctly
I’ve already covered how Arabic subtitles are usually (but not always) in Standard Arabic.
Unless you are learning fus7a, these aren’t useful.
Another option is English subtitles (as well as more “common languages”). Admittedly, this is far from the ideal situation. Accurate subtitles in the language you are learning are what really propel your leaning forward.
That said, assuming they have subtitles in a language you’re strong in, you can use this to your advantage.
Let’s say you’re a native English speaker. You’re watching a Netflix series in Egyptian Arabic, and using English subtitles to aid in your understanding.
If you’re an advanced learner, write down new Egyptian Arabic phrases that you hear and add them to your vocab cards.
I usually recommend Flashcards Deluxe.
If you’re more of a beginner? Just bring the phrases to a teacher (iTalki is a great choice)!
Write down the phrase in English, as well as what you hear in Egyptian Arabic. A good teacher will often know exactly what you mean.
Go back and watch the episode again once you’ve studies a bunch of phrases like that. You’ll be impressed with how much more you understand.
Watch Interesting Shows
I’ll keep this one short and sweet: only watch a show if you find it interesting. This is my “golden rule” of learning Arabic through Netflix. Interest is what inspires passion, and passion is what builds habits.
Find a show you love, and then stick with it. Regardless of the medium, you always get the best language learning results when you consume engaging content.
Trust me on this “golden rule.” The effects on your Arabic progress will be profound.
Give Arabic Shows On Netflix A Try!
Netflix is making a clear effort to boost its activity in the Middle East. That means quality Arabic shows (with proper subtitles) will be more common in the coming years. How exciting for Arabic learners!
All in all, Netflix is an excellent resource to use when learning Arabic. It gives you quality exposure to native speakers of your dialect, and if you’re lucky, teaches you something about Arab culture.
Plus it’s just fun! So sit back, relax, and enjoy learning Arabic with Netflix!
