The majority of over 85,000 AlArabiya.net readers said they believed the amount of criticism in the Saudi comedy serial "Tash ma Tash" (named after a Saudi game) was too daring.
The poll, run by AlArabiya.net Arabic, asked readers what they thought of the criticism nature of the comedy – which has been on air for 15 years – and gave them three options to choose from. Some 57.8% thought it was too bold.
Some 26% of voters thought it was the type of criticism that doesn't change anything, whereas 14% found it constructive as it sheds light on unaddressed problems.
The TV show has sparked controversy in the Saudi society between supporters who considered it an embracement of freedom of expression and detractors who lashed at the way it defames Saudi values.
An episode named "Liberals but…" has been one of the most controversial episodes. Consultative Assembly member and former mass communications professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Tweirqi said this episode dwarfed the Assembly's stature and distorted the image of its members in an inappropriate manner.
However, Council Head Dr. Saleh bin Hamid emphasized that the Council understands the importance of criticism and rejected requests to answer in kind about the episode.
He also refused taking any action against the media and stated that this criticism is extended to many other bodies, and not only the Council.
"Tash ma Tash 15" was aired on MBC satellite channel during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
Poll results
AlArabiya.net Poll on criticism dose in Saudi comedy “Tash ma Tash”:
Voters: 85,313
• Too Critical (57.8%)
• Sheds light on taboos (26.7%)
• Does not change a thing (14.1%)
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