The chaos of Kabul’s fall is coming to your screen. STARZPLAY is dropping a new series, Kabul, on August 14, 2025—available as a complete box set for binge-watchers in the MENA region. If you’re into thrillers with a bit of emotional punch, this one’s for you.
From the minds behind Class Act (2023), this six-episode drama throws you straight into the thick of the 2021 Kabul crisis, just as the Taliban closed in and diplomats scrambled to get people out.
What is Kabul About?
The series tells the story of the final days before Western forces withdrew from Afghanistan. It focuses on diplomats and Afghan citizens trying to flee as the Taliban storm the city.
- Set in August 2021, during the fall of Kabul
- Features characters from the US, France, Germany, and Italy
- Focuses on the Nazany family, an Afghan household at risk
- Diplomats race to secure safe exits for locals and refugees
The plot revolves around Gilles (played by Jonathan Zaccaï of Downton Abbey), the no-nonsense head of French embassy security. He’s tasked with getting Afghan refugees out—and he doesn’t like hearing “no”. Alongside him is Zahara (played by Darina Al Joundi, known for Betloo’ El Rooh), a woman torn between fleeing and protecting her family.
Who’s in the Cast?
STARZPLAY has roped in a strong international cast that adds weight to the story.
- Jonathan Zaccaï as Gilles (French Embassy security chief)
- Darina Al Joundi as Zahara (Afghan civilian)
- Vassilis Koukalani
- Hannah Abdoh
- Gianmarco Saurino
Expect strong performances that bring out the emotional and personal toll of war—not just the big political drama.
Where and When to Watch
The full series is dropping all at once on STARZPLAY in the Middle East and North Africa.
- Platform: STARZPLAY (exclusive)
- Launch Date: August 14, 2025
- Episodes: Six (box-set style)
- Format: Stream all episodes from day one
If you’re in the UAE, this means you can start watching on Wednesday, 14 August, without having to wait week to week.
Why STARZPLAY Is Betting on Kabul
STARZPLAY is pushing hard on original productions in the region. With Kabul, it’s leaning into high-stakes storytelling that resonates with viewers who lived through or watched the events of 2021 unfold in real-time.
- Based in Abu Dhabi, STARZPLAY caters to MENA audiences
- Offers content in Arabic, Turkish, and English
- Known for series like Baghdad Central and Kaboos
The series blends regional relevance with global storytelling—something the platform’s been steadily building on with help from partners like Image Nation Studios.
FAQs
When will Kabul be available to watch in the UAE?
You can stream all six episodes from 14 August 2025 on STARZPLAY.
Is Kabul based on real events?
It’s set during the 2021 fall of Kabul and portrays fictionalised versions of events and characters during that crisis.
Can I binge-watch the whole series?
Absolutely. STARZPLAY is releasing the entire six-episode box set on day one.
