Netflix Announces First Arabic Original Series, The Teen Thriller ‘Jinn’

After setting series in France, Italy, and Korea, Netflix is headed to the Middle East for its first Arabic original series, Jinn — a supernatural thriller for teens.

The six-episode project, which is set to premiere on the streaming service next year, will be filmed in Jordan. It’s about a group of teenagers who see a Jinn — a supernatural being that exists in Arabian mythology — and whose friendships and romances are subsequently tested when they set out to stop dark forces threatening to destroy the world. Jinn will be helmed by up-and-coming Lebanese director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya (Very Big Shot), written by Bassel Ghandour (whose film Theeb was nominated for an Oscar), and executive produced by twins Elan and Rajeev Dassani (SEAM). The series will be produced by Master Keys Productions.

“It is very common in the Middle East that people know someone who has a Jinn story, so it’s nice to take that and turn it into a fun and mysterious teen adventure that everyone can enjoy,” Ghandour said in a statement. “On a broader note, I love that Netflix is investing a lot in the region, it’s a real turning point. We have such a rich storytelling culture, and we’ll finally be able to enjoy Arabic content with Netflix quality.”

While Jinn is Netflix’s first Arabic original series, its first original project to hail from the Middle East is actually a stand-up company special titled Adel Karam: Live From Beirut, which bows on the service this Thursday.