Critics have long questioned the narrow scope of age characterizing different characters portrayed in the Egyptian artistic production world. They note that most dramas revolve around characters in their twenties or forties and that hardly any works feature characters — men or women — in their seventies. This narrow age focus neglects the rich tapestry of human experience that illuminates the lives of older individuals.

The TV series Teta Zozo boldly addresses this long-standing ageism, challenging conventions.

A special grandmother
 

The show focuses on Zozo, a beloved widowed grandmother in her late sixties or early seventies, yet filled with vitality and a desire to live.

Despite the responsibilities and burdens of her work and ongoing involvement with her children and grandchildren — each of whom leads a different type of life with unique challenges — Teta Zozo has a list of dreams she aims to achieve. Each child carries their psychological complexities and follows a destiny shaped by those struggles.

Directed by Shereen Adel, the series premiered on the Shahid platform on 22 September this year. It features the talented artist Esaad Younes as the protagonist, a grandmother who navigates various social experiences within a comedic context alongside her family members.

Although the series addresses serious topics, it presents these themes in a light-hearted family setting and a screenplay penned by Mohamed Abdel-Aziz that remains engaging and profound. This approach has successfully captivated a wide audience.

It appears as if the script was crafted especially for Younes. She stands out as the only actress capable of embodying this role with a high level of artistry and remarkable spontaneity. Younes endeared Teta Zozo to a broad audience who connected with her journey and eagerly anticipated her daily challenges involving her children and grandchildren.

Zozo's family tapestry
 

The series presents highly likeable characters and everyday situations that resonate with viewers, creating a sense of familiarity between the audience and the narrative. The strong performances from the entire cast significantly contributed to the show's success. The cast also includes talents such as Nour Mahmoud and Nada Moussa, who delivered standout performances alongside Mohamed Kelany's impressive acting.

The real highlight, however, was Hamza El-Eili, who demonstrated remarkable abilities in bringing distinct and relatable characteristics to each role he undertakes. Similarly, Samar Allam has shown her capability to take on leading roles, raising the question of why such exceptional talent has not yet been fully recognized in television dramas.

Abed Al-Fahd further solidified his reputation as a talented artist deserving of lead roles in the drama, showcasing outstanding acting skills and a compelling presence. The young actress Julia Karim, who played Deja, also captured our attention by portraying a child struggling with her parents' lack of harmony and attention.

Screenwriter Mohamed Abdel-Aziz’s attempt to weave comedy into the fabric of everyday situations comes across as both innovative and ultimately flawed. While the series is categorized as a comedy, it precariously balances on the edge of addressing significant social issues in contemporary Egyptian society. The narrative touches on the disturbing subject of a man murdering a woman who has chosen another partner, presenting it with an air of levity through two ghosts that haunt Teta Zozo’s home, disrupting her life with petty annoyances.

From humour to hollow
 

This comedic framing, however, feels misguided. While the intention to tackle serious themes within a humorous context is commendable, the implementation often undermines the attraction of these issues. The reliance on simplicity could have been a strength, yet it increasingly feels like a missed opportunity. The creators' choice to prioritize entertainment over narrative depth results in a series that, while amusing at times, lacks the emotional resonance necessary to effectively address its more serious components.

From a directorial standpoint, the series suffers from noticeable repetitiveness in its scene presentation and narrative style. The episodes often recycle similar daily situations, lacking significant plot development or dramatic evolution. This repetitive structure may cater to light comedies, but the resultant stagnation weakens the story arc, leading to moments that drag and threaten to disengage the audience. Such monotony risks alienating viewers who seek a more dynamic and engaging narrative.

As a result, while Abdel-Aziz has succeeded in crafting a comedy rooted in everyday experiences, the series ultimately falls short in balancing humour with the serious themes it aims to explore. It presents an interesting premise that could have benefited from a deeper exploration of its subject matter rather than defaulting to a formula of faint hilarity laced with simplicity.

The series Teta Zozo emerged as an important addition to the drama landscape, highlighting the need for diversity in storytelling. It showcases older artists' talents and impressive acting abilities, particularly as the current generation in their sixties and seventies differs from the traditional stereotype of older individuals with no role in society. This generation leads a vibrant life filled with work and activity, remains aware of technological advancements, and has many goals to achieve alongside their grandchildren.

Despite facing challenges, such as repetitive themes and an underdeveloped plot, Esaad Younes's performance is the cornerstone of the series' success. She brings vitality to the character of Zozo, winning the audience’s hearts. Overall, Teta Zozo aims to entertain and provide light-hearted laughter, making it suitable for various age groups in search of a simple and enjoyable television experience.