Maspero will make its comeback with a 15-episode psychological thriller co-produced with Xylophone Film Production, led by producer Awad Maher.
Egypt’s National Media Authority has announced its return to scripted television production after a decade-long hiatus, signalling a major change in state-backed programming strategy ahead of the Ramadan 2026 drama season.
The Authority’s production arm, Maspero, will mark its comeback with Justice Within, a 15-episode psychological thriller co-produced with Xylophone Film Production under the leadership of producer Awad Maher. The project was selected from 53 submissions by a 12-member committee of industry professionals, positioning the series as both a test case for reviving Maspero’s production activities and a key element of wider reform efforts within Egypt’s national broadcasting system.
Production is scheduled to begin on January 7, 2026, with filming set to take place in the presence of Ahmed Al Muslemany, President of the Egyptian National Media Authority, along with senior officials from the organisation.
The timing reflects the continued importance of Ramadan as the most commercially and culturally significant period for Arabic-language television drama. During Ramadan 2025, average daily viewership across satellite and digital platforms reached around 9.1m viewers, with an estimated 13.3m unique viewers over the course of the month. Audiences spent an average of four hours and 35 minutes per day watching content. Satellite television accounted for approximately 56% of viewing time, while streaming platforms made up the remaining 44%, highlighting the growing convergence of broadcast and digital consumption. Regional advertising expenditure during Ramadan is widely estimated to surpass $1bn, reinforcing the season’s status as a critical marketplace for premium scripted content.
Justice Within is set to air on Egypt’s national television channels during Ramadan 2026, with discussions ongoing regarding regional digital distribution. The production team is also exploring opportunities with international platforms outside the region, with plans to distribute subtitled versions globally following the Ramadan broadcast.
Describing the series, Producer Awad Maher said: “Justice Within represents modernisation in the evolution of Egyptian drama. It reflects a renewed production mindset that speaks to contemporary audiences while preserving the scale and responsibility of national television.”
Ahmed Al Muslemany emphasised that the project signals a structural shift rather than a symbolic return, and stated: “This is not a one-off production. The return of Maspero’s production arm is part of a broader effort to modernise Egyptian television drama and restore its competitive position regionally and internationally.”
