In a significant shift within the Egyptian drama landscape this Ramadan, director Mohamed Sami announced his retirement from television drama in a heartfelt farewell posted on his Facebook account. With a career spanning over 15 years, this year marks his final works in television with the airing of two series: Esh Esh and Sayed Al-Nas.
Sami's announcement, made on March 21, 2025, shortly before the iftar meal, quickly captivated audiences and ignited a flurry of discussions across social media platforms. He stated, "Farewell to television drama.. This year, I presented my last dramatic works, and after a long journey that lasted over 15 years, I presented through them everything I could to please the Arab public." This heartfelt message reflects his acknowledgment of the deep connection he has made with his audience throughout his illustrious career.
In the hours following his declaration, social media interactions soared, with over 130,000 mentions of Sami on Facebook. The number of posts discussing his decision prominently featured keywords like "Mohamed Sami" and "the director Mohamed Sami," demonstrating the emotional impact of his retirement on fans and fellow artists alike. Notably, famous singer Tamer Hosni shared a long, touching comment praising Sami's contributions to Egyptian drama, which resonated with thousands.
Meanwhile, the series Qahwa Al-Mahatta continues to make waves, showcasing the dynamic energy of Ramadan television programs. Produced by Watch It in collaboration with United Media Services and Synergy, Qahwa Al-Mahatta has captured the attention of viewers both in Egypt and abroad, trending not only in local viewership but also achieving notable recognition globally. It has reached the remarkable position of being among the top trending shows on various streaming platforms.
Scheduled to be broadcast daily during Ramadan across multiple channels, including ON, CBC, and the Yango Play platform in addition to Al Dhafra channel in the UAE, Qahwa Al-Mahatta had successfully hooked audiences with its portrayal of social issues through a captivating narrative. The series follows the story of a young man, Moamen, who migrates from Upper Egypt to Cairo, pursuing his dreams while facing challenges that culminate in mystery and suspense, drawing audiences into a dramatic exploration of contemporary issues.
As the series continues to air, its cast, featuring talents such as Ahmed Ghazi and Hala Sedqi, brings life to Abd Al-Rahim Kamal's compelling script under the direction of Islam Khairy. With every new episode, ratings continue to soar, reinforcing predictions that it would be a dark horse of the Ramadan season, becoming the primary subject of conversations not only on platforms like Instagram and Twitter but also through direct search activities on Google.
Interestingly, this successful reception doesn’t just reflect positive critical acclaim; it underscores an evolution in audience preferences during Ramadan. Both Qahwa Al-Mahatta and the farewell of Mohamed Sami highlight an era in Egyptian television characterized by fervent engagement, where compelling storytelling and the resonance of the director's journey become intertwined.
As this Ramadan season unfolds, the landscape of Egyptian television faces changes. While Sami may be stepping away from the director’s chair, his influence is undeniable, having left a lasting legacy through successful series such as Al-Astoura and Jaafar Al-Omda. His works have elevated the expectations of audiences, marking the narrative foundation upon which new creators can build.
In conclusion, the contrasting narratives of a director’s farewell and the triumphant return of a promising series encapsulate a pivotal moment in Ramadan television. As fans keep tuning in to Qahwa Al-Mahatta, conversations about Mohamed Sami’s legacy will reverberate within the community, ensuring his impact endures well beyond the screen.
