Netflix to produce first Middle East content

Lebanese stand up Adel Karam's show to star in streaming service's regional debut

Lebanese comic Adel Karam
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Netflix is set to produce its first Middle Eastern original show, almost two years after it launched in the region in January 2016.

The show will be a stand-up special by Lebanese comedian and actor Adel Karam, and will launch to Netflix members all around the world in 2018.

Karam will shoot he show at the Casino du Liban in his hometown of Beirut, the first time the comedian will have appeared at the venue.

Netflix has successfully established itself as a hot spot for comedy specials, with international comedians including Louis CK and Jim Jefferies having previously filmed specials for the streaming service.

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Karam is well-known as an actor and comedian across the Arab world, and as well as his stand up shows he has appeared in Lebanese movies such as Caramel, directed by Nadine Labaki, and The Insult, directed by Ziad Doueri which premièred in the official competition of this year's Venice Film Festival.

Karam commented: “I am very happy and excited to be a part of Netflix's first original production to be produced in Middle East. It is a great honour and privilege and I can't wait to embark on this new adventure."

Erik Barmack, vice president of international original series at Netflix, added: “Adel Karam is a very strong voice in comedy. We are extremely excited to collaborate with him, and can’t wait for the local audience, who have a deep appreciation of comedy, to watch the show as well as to introduce him to our global audience.”