Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
After more than a decade away from Egyptian television, Bassem Youssef is set to make a highly anticipated return to screens in Egypt. Beginning October 7, 2025, Youssef will appear as a guest in a special series of episodes hosted by Ahmed Salem on the program “Kalimah Akheera” (Final Word), broadcast on ON TV. The announcement was confirmed by the network in an official statement.
The return of Youssef once dubbed the “Egyptian Jon Stewart” comes after years of self-imposed exile in the United States, following the controversial end of his ground breaking satirical show, “Al-Bernameg”. The series of interviews marks his first direct media appearance on Egyptian television since the program was pulled off air in 2014.
According to ON TV, the exclusive series of conversations will offer deep insight into Youssef’s personal and professional journey over the past ten years, including his evolution in the Western media landscape, behind-the-scenes stories from his recent media appearances, and reflections on his unique approach to satire. The network emphasized its commitment to producing bold, credible content and providing a platform for influential voices in the Arab world.
Bassem Youssef himself responded to the news with typical wit, posting a tongue-in-cheek message on his Facebook account:
“Okay everyone, since there’s been a lot of talk and rumors flying around, let me set the record straight. Just like the first time you saw me from the laundry room in Egypt, you’ll see me again on Egyptian TV , this time from the laundry room in Los Angeles.”
He continued, “I’ll be joining Ahmed Salem via satellite or perhaps through a WiFi router on October 7, for an exclusive conversation where we’ll talk about my journey in recent years and share some fun behind-the-scenes stories from the various news appearances I’ve done.”
Mocking unconfirmed rumors about his fee for the appearance, Youssef joked, “And as for the claim that I’m being paid 22 million pounds… Honestly, that’s a very strange rumor. Let’s be accurate it’s 22 million dollars. Let’s not be cheap.”
Ironically, the date of Youssef’s TV return October 7 coincides with the second anniversary of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation and the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza in 2023. This context is significant given the renewed visibility Youssef gained in international media after those events.
A former cardiothoracic surgeon, Bassem Youssef graduated from Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine in 1998 and practiced for 13 years before transitioning to media in 2011. His initial venture into satire began online during the post-January 25 revolution period with “The B+ Show,” a five-minute low-budget program that quickly went viral on YouTube. The show resonated with a public disillusioned with traditional media and seeking fresh, authentic voices.
Following its success, Youssef was approached by businessman Naguib Sawiris, then owner of ONTV, who offered him a TV slot. This led to the launch of “Al-Bernameg” (The Program) in Ramadan 2011. From that point on, Youssef fully left his medical career behind and rose to fame as the region’s most influential political satirist. His sharp commentary and bold humor earned him widespread popularity and criticism across the Arab world.
The show’s second season aired on CBC in November 2012 and was filmed live from Cairo’s historic Radio Theatre, marking a shift to large, theatrical productions in front of a live audience. This period saw Youssef fiercely criticize the Muslim Brotherhood and its leadership, as well as host celebrities and public figures in arts, politics, and culture.
However, his rising profile and controversial critiques eventually led to tensions with authorities. After CBC halted the show, Youssef moved to MBC Egypt for a third season in 2014. While the program initially succeeded, it was suspended during the presidential election campaign. Youssef ultimately announced in June 2014 that he would not continue the show, citing mounting pressure and an unfavorable political climate.
Later that year, he relocated permanently to the United States, where he shifted his focus to stand-up comedy, public speaking, and advocacy. Over the last decade, Youssef has built a new career performing across North America not just for Arab audiences, but also for Western viewers addressing issues such as immigration, identity, Islamophobia, and life as an Arab in America.
A pivotal moment in his international media career came in the wake of the 2023 Gaza war. Youssef appeared on numerous Western talk shows to advocate for the Palestinian cause and challenge dominant pro-Israel narratives in Western media. His appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” in October 2023 went viral, becoming the show’s most-watched episode online. He was widely praised in the Arab world for his articulate defense of the Palestinian narrative and his ability to confront biased media coverage with humor and clarity.
Since then, Youssef has continued to appear on Western news outlets, consistently working to reshape global perceptions of Arabs and Palestinians. His return to Egyptian screens marks not only a personal milestone, but also a symbolic reconnection with the audience that first embraced him more than a decade ago.
Whether this series of interviews signals a long-term re-entry into Arab media remains unclear. However, it is undeniably a significant moment in the career of one of the Arab world’s most iconic and controversial media figures.
