Netflix secures first Middle East original

netflixNetflix has ordered an Adel Karam stand-up comedy special, its first original production in the Middle East.

The Lebanese comedian will see his debut on Netflix worldwide in 2018. Kamal will go back to his hometown to record his performances, appearing in Beirut’s Casino du Liban.

Produced by Creative Arab Talent, Karam will tackle everything from relationships to social issues that most Arabs face every day.

Karam joins a string of notable comedy stars hosting specials on the platform from Jack Whitehall to Jerry Seinfeld.

“Adel Karam is a very strong voice in comedy,” said Erik Barmack, vice president of international originals at Netflix. “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.”

Netflix has been ordering more and more shows from the international market this year, with numerous analysts and forecasts suggesting this is where most of its future growth will come from.

In Italy, Netflix has also announced Juventus FC, which is a four-hour documentary series about the titular football team.

The show will go behind the scenes at the club, which has won six straight Italian league titles and is a Champions League winner.

“It’s a source of pride that Juventus is the first football club to be the subject of a Netflix original documentary,” said Federico Palomba, co-chief revenue officer at the club.

“Collaborations of this kind confirm our passion for innovation and being, in every sense, a sport entertainment brand. In this way, we are determined to reach fans across the world and millions of Netflix users, who thanks to this docuseries can get to know Juventus from every angle.”

Netflix is already producing Suburra as an original drama in Italy.

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