Asharq Discovery launches a lineup of new original shows in culture, art and entertainment

• Three months since its launch, free-to-view platform Asharq Discovery is introducing exclusive new original programmes
• Programmes include a variety of rich stories from arts and culture, entertainment, thrill, and adventure with prominent figures such as renowned actress Yusra, singer Samira Saeed, aerospace engineer Mishaal Ashemimry, popular influencers Muhannad Al-Hattab and Qasim Al-Hatto, amongst many others
• The exciting lineup includes: ‘Bassma’, ‘Dark Minds’, ‘Food Tales’ ‘Test Drive’, ’In Other News’, ‘The Critics’ and ‘Diet Master’

 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 30 January 2024: Asharq Discovery launched in 2023 as a result of a strategic partnership between SRMG, the largest integrated media group form the MENA region, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Today, the free-to-view platform has announced the launch of seven outstanding original productions. The new shows have been created to meet the growing demand for free, high-quality Arabic content and appeal to Arabic-speaking audiences all over the world. The line-up is unique and covers a wide range of genres, including art, lifestyle, education and entertainment quiz formats, crime and mystery, and food and cooking.

New original shows include:

‘Dark Minds,’ the Arab world’s first true crime docuseries will air soon on all Asharq Discovery platforms: ‘Dark Minds’ is the first show in the region to spotlight the crimes committed by serial killers from the MENA region. Featuring stories of murders that have gone untold, the show digs deep and explores the motives behind these crimes through a series of interviews with experts and researchers. The series also showcases a large collection of documents, facts and evidence, in addition to exclusive, never-before-seen footage to bring the horrific events to life.

‘Bassma,’ airs every Monday at 9:00pm KSA time: The show features exclusive interviews that showcase the extraordinary achievements of a selection of Arab women who have made a powerful mark in various fields. The programme focuses on the women’s journeys, the challenges that they faced and the secrets to success. Featuring famous and highly-respected Arab women such as actress Yusra, singer Samira Saeed, the first Saudi female aerospace engineer Mishaal Ashemimry and the accomplished lawyer Sofana Dahlan, as well as other iconic figures that have shaped and inspired the Arab world.

‘Food Tales,’ airing every Friday at 6:00pm KSA time: This show is a delight for every food lover, presented by popular social media star Qasim Al-Hatto. This series introduces viewers to the stories behind popular and renowned foods from the MENA region. Each episode features a famous dish and the stories behind them, exploring their origin and history and how they became part of the region’s heritage and culture.

‘Test Drive Riyadh’ is now available on all Asharq Discovery Platforms: Presented by actor and media personality Tariq Al-Harbi, the show takes contestants on an exhilarating and educational road trip exploring famous landmarks, discovering new places, and engaging in traditional activities. The quiz-based format rewards contestants for their correct answers by taking them on the shortest route. When the contestant gets the answer wrong, more miles are added to the journey.

A Captivating Daily News Show – ‘In Other News,’ airs daily Sunday to Thursday at 6:00pm KSA: Co-presented by Sultan Al-Shaddadi and Leen Al-Halawani, the show presents the latest thought-provoking news from art, business, economy and technology in just 30 minutes.

“The Critics” airs every Thursday at 9:00pm KSA: Presented by Passant Shams Ell Dean, Maher Mosly and Mahmoud Mahdy, the show critiques the latest cinema releases and films with industry experts to give audiences an objective opinion on the latest box office hits.

‘Diet Master,’ will be available soon on all Asharq Discovery platforms: The show explores a diverse range of popular diets, examining the advantages, disadvantages and risks of each. Influencer Mohanad Al Hattab examines the most popular diets of our time, assessing their pros and cons to provide viewers with all the information they need to make an informed decision. Every episode features insights from dieticians and medical experts alongside people who have tried the diets to provide a first-hand account of their experiences.

Paul Edwards, General Manager of Asharq Discovery, said: “Asharq Discovery is fulfilling its promise to enhance the MENA region’s infotainment scene through the launch of its high-quality original programming. The demand for high-quality Arabic-language content is constantly increasing. Our new line up of Arabic language original shows not only entertain, but they also empower regional talent, showcasing authentic and diverse narratives that truly represent the region. The shows announced today are only the beginning and we look forward to producing more of our own original programmes as well as co-production with our partners at Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO.”

In addition to the original programming, Asharq Discovery also features a wide variety of programmes from the award-winning Warner Bros. Discovery catalogue, across different genres. Popular programmes include shows that have never been seen before in Arabic for free including Gold Rush, 90 Day Fiancé, Morgan Freeman’s Through the Wormhole, and Wheeler Dealers. The partnership also includes the opportunity to co-produce up to 30 hours of content per year with Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO, creating quality original programming that shines a light on stories and people from the MENA region on a global stage. Warner Bros. Discovery has the option to distribute the content that is produced in partnership globally through the Discovery network, which will provide the opportunity to showcase programming from the region to the rest of the world.

Asharq Discovery is accessible 24/7 free-to-view across the region through satellite coverage on Arabsat and Nilesat, and it can also be accessed on the catch-up service Asharq NOW and Asharq Discovery’s social media platforms.