Ramadan TV picks 2017: Al Sadma 2, Fel La La Land and Min Raheeq Al Iman

A screenshot of Al Sadma. Courtesy MBC

Ranging from practical advice to fantasy, here are some of our favourites showing on your screens during the holy month.

Al Sadma 2

The Shock, a reality TV show where provocative scenarios are staged in different Arab countries to gauge the public's reaction, garnered a popular following last year. Back for its second season, the episodes are as heart-wrenching as ever. Child actors in Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and Tunisia are seen wandering the streets in light clothing, wearing short sleeves and shivering, while passers-by are decked out in winter clothing. The children implore the adults for a jacket or scarf, or an old sweater, insisting that they're not begging. Many people, unaware they are being filmed, ignore them or shoo them away. Some others however, are quick to offer their scarves and gloves. The Shock's message is as clear: don't forget your humanity. Show mercy. Do good. It's a prank show with a heart, and certainly makes for some moving moments this Ramadan.

• Airs immediately after iftar on MBC, at around 7.45pm

Fel La La Land

Acting alongside her actor father, Samir Ghanem, Egyptian singer and actress Donia Samir Ghanem stars in the hilarious 30-minute comedy series Fel La La Land (In La-La Land) which happens to resemble the plot line of Lost.

A plane full of questionable individuals is heading to China. When an engine fails, the pilot is forced to make an emergency landing and crashes the plane on a deserted island in Thailand. Donia plays Etab, an air stewardess who seems to be the only level-headed character out of the Egyptian cast. Also on board is a convict who senses his opportunity for freedom. The survivors are desperate to find a way off the island but not without quite a few laughs along the way. In La-La Land is definitely worth your time if you're looking for some light entertainment.

• Airs on Dubai TV at 8pm, on OSN Ya Hala Al Oula at 8:30pm and on CBC at 9pm

Min Raheeq Al Iman

Sheikh Waseem Yousef's gripping live show, which has become a daily staple on Abu Dhabi TV, continues during Ramadan. The charismatic Yousef answers viewers' questions on air with logic, pragmatism and even a healthy dose of sarcasm. For example, a teenage boy calls in, saying: "I had a piece of Extra gum. Sheikh Waseem, do you think I broke my fast when I had that gum." The Emirati shakes his head and chuckles. "Are you serious?," he says, "I want you to listen to this joke I received today." Yousef plays a recording and a child's voice says: "Does a plain croissant break the fast? Just a plain one." Once he's done laughing, Yousef shakes his head in exasperation, and tells the teenager, "There's your answer. You better make up that day you just lost." Full of insight and practical advice, Min Raheeq Al Iman is a useful guide during the holy month.

• Daily on Abu Dhabi TV, live at 5:30pm