8 Best Reasons to Watch The Exchange on Netflix

Are you curious about the newly released series The Exchange but unsure if it’s worth the shot? Let me convince you why you should start binge-watching this awesome Arabic series asap. If you’re the type of person who likes to watch career-oriented women girl boss their way to success, then this series might be your cup of tea.

Plus, if you’re learning the Arabic language and want to make it fun by watching the series, here’s your sign to watch this show. Here are the top reasons why you should watch The Exchange.

1. Tackles Arab history in the 80’s

History lovers will learn a lot from watching this series, it’s inspired by historical events by two talented women who first entered the all-male Kuwait stock exchange. The 80’s era is known for its consumerism, loud fashion, and the start of technology.

If you’re wondering what’s happening in Kuwait in the ’80s, this show will give you a sneak peek. It will show you life in 1987, three years before Saddam Hussein’s invasion of the city-state. Whether you’re Arab or not, you’ll still appreciate watching this show since you’ll learn a lot from history.

2. It’s a female empowerment series

The Exchange revolves around two women who are cousins, Munira, played by Mona Hussain, and Farida, played by Rawan Mahdi, who team up to thrive in a highly male-dominated Kuwait Stock Exchange workplace. You’ll see how women are often doubted and dismissed by their male colleagues in their field. This series will show you what women are capable of, and you’ll get inspired by the show’s pep talks or no-nonsense tips on how to survive in a patriarchal world.

You’ll see how women can be powerful, innovative, and stronger through the protagonists and other characters in the film. It is a must-watch series for women globally since it’s inspirational and a feel-good type of series. It’s the perfect International women’s month must-watch to celebrate female empowerment. This series will inspire many women from all walks of life to be a pioneer in their fields.

3. Gripping storyline and binge-worthy 

The story is about Farida who is a divorcee who needs to work to support her daughter, and Munira, a Bank of Tomorrow’s clerk, you’ll not only get a glimpse of the cutthroat workplace in the Kuwait Stock Exchange but see how their family dynamics work, their struggles, and aspirations.

Since working in the stock exchange can be daunting and corrupt for women in the 80s, you’ll be excited to know how the characters will ace their game each episode. Working in the stock exchange is already exciting and different every day, therefore, you’ll find yourself wanting more! You’ll also see the competition and love=hate relationship both female characters have for each other.

4. Amazing cast

If you’re a fan of watching Middle Eastern series or movies, then you probably watched The Cage, another Kuwaiti series with the same cast, Rawan Mahdi ( Farida) and Hussein Almahdi ( Saud); you’ll also love Mona Hussain’s portrayal of fierce Munira and more! The Exchange has a powerhouse of Kuwait and Arab artists that will make your watching experience one for the books and see why Kuwait was one of the entertainment hubs of the Gulf.

You’ll can’t help but root for the characters of Farida and Munira with their compelling performances. It’s understandable if you suddenly have a girl crush on Rawan Mahdi and Mona Hussain. Did I mention that Mona Hussain is Egyptian but nailed her Kuwaiti accent so well? 

5. A must-watch for aspiring stock exchange workers or traders

For those aspiring to work on Wall Street, be a local stock trader, or anything related to the field and looking for inspiration from countless career-oriented films, The Exchange will not disappoint. You’ll learn a thing or two about the trading world, some workplace survival tips, and trading strategies that will help you in your career.

6. Perfect for fashion or beauty-enthusiasts

Of course, if you’re a fashion or beauty lover, you’ll love the 80’s fashion and beauty styles in the show; it’s vibrant and filled with pencil-cut skirts or workplace wear inspiration, but you’ll see how their fashion choices reflect the characters. Munira is all about glitter and gold statement-worthy accessories, while Munira is all about feminine but modern style.

Of course, you’ll see the loud hairstyles from Munira and the wavy curls hair of Farida that will give you hair inspiration from the 80s. If you’re someone who takes inspiration from vintage fashion especially in the 80’s then watching The Exchange will inspire you a lot not just the ordinary corporate attire but Arabian-inspired designs as well. 

7. High-value production 

Kuwait is currently the first country to do a female empowerment show in the workplace and is the hub for Gulf entertainment. Anne Sobel, Adam Sobel, and Nadia Ahmad wrote and created the Exchange. It is directed by Jasem AlMuhanna, who also directed the Kuwait series The Cage and Karim El Shenawy, who directed Blood Oath. Nadia, one of the show’s creators, said her single mom’s work inspired it in the 80s on the stock exchange.

She shared another inspiration for the show is Khaleeji women, who are pioneers entering a male-dominated field in the workplace. Another thing is you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time with the high production value, and the attention to detail design from the costume to the editing of the trailer. There’s a reason why its one of the highly anticipated shows in the Gulf region since it looks binge-worthy. You’ll also appreciate the design production from the interior design to the clothes, it seems like everything is in the 80s.

8. It tackles taboo topics in the Gulf region

Taboo topics such as divorce, financial struggles, vices, and being a single mother is one of the main themes in the show. The story sheds light on these taboo topics that have never been talked about or shown often in shows, making it a must-watch show.

You’ll see the struggle of Farida as a divorcee and single mother struggling to make ends meet while she lives with her parents, the unfairness of having a failed marriage, dealing with vices as a norm in the 80s from drinking to smoking, and more.