Ramadan Rewind| The Evolution of Prank Shows

 

Prank shows and Ramadan—it’s a combination that has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. From simple street tricks to high-budget, celebrity-filled chaos, prank shows have become a staple of Ramadan TV, something viewers eagerly anticipate each year. But where did it all begin? Today on Ramadan Rewind—airing Sundays to Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 4:45 PM on Nile FM—we’ll be delving into the history of prank shows .

The Birth of Hidden Camera Pranks

In the early 1980s, the legendary Fouad El-Mohandes introduced the Arab world to hidden camera pranks with his show Al-Kamera El-Khafeya (الكاميرا الخفية). Featuring prankster Ismail Yousri, the show captured spontaneous reactions from unsuspecting people in the streets. Fouad’s witty commentary turned these lighthearted tricks into TV gold, creating a format that would define prank shows for decades to come.

The Golden Age: Ibrahim Nasr and Zakeya Zakareya

The 1990s marked the golden age of prank shows, with Ibrahim Nasr leading the charge. His version of Al-Kamera El-Khafeya elevated pranking to a new level, particularly with his unforgettable character Zakeya Zakareya. Dressed in a headscarf and oversized glasses, Zakeya confused and pranked people in the most hilarious ways, quickly becoming a cultural icon. Nasr’s show became a Ramadan must-watch, cementing his place as a household name.

The Rise of Edini Aqlak

By the late 90s, Edini Aqlak (اديني عقلك) introduced a fresh take on hidden camera pranks. Featuring a rotating cast that included Hussein Mamlook, Mounir Makram, and Fathy Saad—later joined by Talaat Zakaria with his iconic “Elha’ouna” bit—the show perfected the art of playful yet clever pranks. Its mix of humor and awkward interactions kept viewers glued to their screens.

Pranking Celebrities: A New Era

In the early 2000s, prank shows took a bold new direction—targeting celebrities. Hussein El-Imam revolutionized the genre with Hussein Ala El-Hawa (حسين على الهوا) in 2002, tricking celebrities into chaotic, staged talk-show scenarios. Ashraf Abdel Baky followed with Maqlab Dot Com (مقلب دوت كوم), adding a modern, polished feel to celebrity pranking.

The Ramez Galal Phenomenon

Then came 2011—the year prank shows turned into blockbuster productions. Enter Ramez Galal, who launched Ramez Qalb El-Asad (رامز قلب الأسد), bringing big budgets and even bigger stunts to the genre. Whether it’s sharks, haunted houses, or skydiving gone wrong, Ramez has consistently pushed the limits of prank shows, keeping audiences hooked for 15 consecutive years.

This Ramadan, he’s back with Ramez Elon Masr (رامز إيلون مصر), promising even more extreme pranks and jaw-dropping reactions.

What’s Your Favorite Prank Show Memory?

Love them or hate them, prank shows have become an integral part of Ramadan TV. But the real question is—what’s your favorite prank show memory? Did you grow up watching Fouad El-Mohandes and Ibrahim Nasr, or are you all about the Ramez era? Let us know.

That’s it for today’s rewind! Stay tuned for us tomorrow where we take you on another rewind session on Ramadan Rewind with Basma—only on Nile FM Egypt’s #1 for hit music!