MTV Lebanon is launching a number of new primetime entertainment shows during 2016.

The locally-produced programmes include quiz show Min Bya3ref, talk-show Akaber and reality contest The Comedy.

Min Bya3ref, which began last week and is hosted by Nadia Bsat, tests the general knowledge of seven Arab celebrities at 8:45pm on Wednesdays, while presenter Neshan Derharoutyounian will be conducting one-on-one celebrity interviews when Akaber launches in March.

“MTV is proud to always be a pioneer in setting the standards for what TV shows should be,” a station spokesman said. “Neshan is renowned for being among the select few talk show hosts whom A-class celebrities open up to, and so the show is sure to gross record ratings.”

Casting is currently underway for The Comedy, which will feature comedians from across the Arab world vying for title of ‘Best Comedian’. The 13-episode series, whose launch date has yet to be confirmed, will be hosted by Carla Haddad and judged by renowned Arab comedians.

“We’re certain that The Comedy will gross high viewership ratings as it’s expected to reach a Pan Arab audience with its multinational panel of judges,” the spokesman added.