The Exchange

I truly enjoyed watching Farida and Munira's sisterly rivalry and camaraderie and I loved watching them deal with the patriarchy and win. In S1 the story felt more authentic and groundbreaking. From being unable to open her own bank account to becoming a successful trader, it was such an adventure for Farida. Munira + Saud, what amazing chemistry they have. You can feel it crackling every time they so much as look at each other.

In S2 it starts to get a bit stale though. Why won't Munira move out on her own when her parents are treating her as a burden? Why is Farida still stuck dealing so often with her abusive ex and his awful mother, plus can't stand up to her own overly critical mother? The two cousins have the money and the success to be independent, maybe they could've moved out and shared a house along with Jude, but they're not quite allowing themselves to be free. How come the now older Jude isn't any wiser about how much better a parent her mother is obviously, compared to her emotionally absent dad? Most importantly for me lol, why isn't Munira plus Saud given more screen time?

I'd give S1 9/10 and S2 5/10. I want an S3 but please return with more of the two main ladies and let them both win more at life and actually enjoy their success. I love their characters and they deserve it.

Everyone talking about the series being suppressive for women hasn't lived in a society of such. This is a reality. This is how our communities used to be (or most of it). We look back at it because we no longer live it and we are of owe of it. I don't see you commenting on Malcom X movie with the same? This doesn't encourage sexism, it exposes it and how backwards it used to be. We are glad we are out of it. But we also acknowledge that some women still love it till this day. We pray to them to stay strong and that they need to resist and keep believing that better days are coming and they are capable to change.

This series breaks all the norms in Kuwaiti cinema/tv. Be proud of an amazing show.

I do not understand arabic, however watched with English subtitles. I loved the show and was able to feel the expressions and delivery of the dialogues still. Especially great acting from the Mounira and Saud. With Jude and Farida playing their part in a good way also. I liked all the supporting characters as well and light hearted comedy side. It was good to watch something different than standard US shows. Would love to see a season 2 with Saud reprising his role also - with more focus on the light hearted side and his growing interest with Mounira would be great to watch. Also Jude's character development in season 2 would be great to see.

Loved it! Glad it was scripted as a typical rom-com just set in a different culture. It's based on the real life struggles of Kuwaiti women to fully participate in society and use their own voices.

In short, it's a combination of 9 to 5 and Thelma and Louise set in Kuwait in the late 80s. Great, acting, good script, good seeing the fight against misogyny, societal pressures, cultural change. Think of the US and the changing role of women from the 1950s to the 1970s.

There's comedy and drama in this series I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time.

A very good series to binge watch. I hope the writers can expand the story with a season three. The storyline and characters deserve that.

This outstanding show was not only funny and kept you on your toes but also showcased exceptional acting that effectively portrayed the obstacles women confront in male-dominated workplaces. Additionally, it brought attention to the various struggles women encounter in Arab societies, such as being a woman, a mother, a daughter, a divorcee, or a single woman pursuing a career. The inspiring and impactful ending highlighted the resilience of women and their ability to overcome challenges and achieve success. It is an excellent example of promoting progress and breaking biases not only in the East but also globally.