Seeing the Funny Side of Islamic Law, and Not Seeing It

For the past 11 years, a Saudi television show has aired during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan that subtly and sometimes not-so-subtly pokes fun at the Saudi regime and the religious bureaucracy. Muslim leaders call the show religious blasphemy, while the show's avid viewers consider it a light-hearted portrayal of the truth of everyday life. A particularly controversial episode followed the lives of three women who were trying to function without a male in the house; in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed into banks, restaurants, and many other places if they are not accompanied by a man. The significance of the episode also lie in its original creation – the idea came from the viewer suggestions that pore into the websites and chat rooms devoted to the show. Saudi government and religious figures are uncertain about how to curb a show with this much public support that is mainly expressed in hard-to-control internet space. – YaleGlobal