The second season of Al Bernameg was the first to have a live audience in the Middle East and recorded one of the highest viewership ratings on both TV and Internet. The show’s format evolved to include three segments, starting with Youssef's usual witty and humorous observations on current events, sketches performed by the team, and ending with guests from the entire political spectrum, bands and artists. Soon after the show started airing, complaints were filed against it and its host, with accusations of insulting Islam, President Morsi and disrupting public order and peace. However, Al Bernameg’s team sustained its critical tone, risking the future of the show and holding on to the right of freedom of expression.

• Bassem Youssef