5 TV Shows Featuring Arab American Actors You Can Watch in Celebration of Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Arab Americans to American society. One great way to honor this month is by watching TV shows featuring Arab American actors and showcasing the diverse and rich Arab American culture. Here are five TV shows you can watch in celebration of Arab American Heritage Month.

“Ramy” (Hulu)

“Ramy” is a groundbreaking comedy-drama series created by and starring Ramy Youssef. The show follows the life of a young Egyptian American Muslim named Ramy as he navigates his identity and spirituality in modern-day America. The show explores issues of religion, family, love, and culture with a sharp wit and a heartfelt sincerity. The show has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Ramy Youssef’s performance.

“Little America” (Apple TV+)

“Little America” is an anthology series that tells the stories of immigrants and their experiences in America. The series features an episode titled “The Son” that follows the story of a Syrian American teenager who takes over his family’s motel in Utah after his father is deported. The episode is based on the real-life experiences of Feras Antoon, a Syrian American who found himself in a similar situation. The series highlights the diversity and resilience of immigrant communities in America.

“Transplant” (NBC)

“Transplant” is a medical drama series that follows the story of a Syrian refugee named Bashir Hamed, who flees his war-torn country to come to Canada. Bashir is a talented doctor, but his credentials are not recognized in Canada, and he has to start over as an intern in a Toronto hospital. The show explores themes of identity, culture clash, and the challenges faced by refugees in a new country. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the immigrant experience.

“Quantico” (ABC)

“Quantico” is a thriller series that follows a diverse group of FBI recruits training at the Quantico base in Virginia. One of the main characters is Nimah Amin, played by Yasmine Al Massri, an Arab American Muslim who joins the FBI to clear her family’s name after they were wrongfully accused of terrorism. The show tackles issues of Islamophobia and stereotypes faced by Arab Americans in the wake of 9/11. Yasmine Al Massri’s performance was praised for its complexity and nuance.

“The Bold Type” (Freeform)

“The Bold Type” is a drama series that follows the lives of three best friends working at a women’s magazine in New York City. One of the main characters is Kat Edison, played by Aisha Dee, an Arab American woman who explores her sexuality and identity throughout the show. The show features storylines that tackle issues of race, gender, and sexuality in a thoughtful and inclusive way. Aisha Dee’s performance has been praised for her portrayal of a complex and multidimensional Arab American woman.

In conclusion, Arab American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Arab Americans to American society. Watching TV shows featuring Arab American actors is a great way to honor this month and learn about the diverse and rich Arab American culture. These five TV shows are just a few examples of the incredible work being done by Arab American actors and creators in the entertainment industry.