Television broadcasting in Morocco began in 1962, just six years after independence, with the creation of RTM (Radiodiffusion Télévision Marocaine). The first broadcast was a historic address by King Hassan II. Initially broadcasting only a few hours a day in black and white, the service gradually expanded. Color transmission began in 1972.

For decades, RTM (later renamed SNRT) was the sole television broadcaster, operating a single channel. In 1989, a second channel, 2M, was launched as a private commercial broadcaster (later becoming partially state-owned). This marked the beginning of media liberalization.

The 2000s witnessed significant expansion: the creation of Al Aoula (first channel), Arryadia (sports), Athaqafia (culture), and other thematic channels. The 2002 Audiovisual Communication Law established the HACA (High Authority for Audiovisual Communication) to regulate the sector. Today, Morocco has a diverse audiovisual landscape with dozens of channels and a thriving production industry.

Moroccan television is divided into public channels (SNRT group) and private channels.

SNRT (Société Nationale de Radiodiffusion et de Télévision): The public broadcaster, operating 10+ channels covering news, sports, culture, religion, and entertainment. Al Aoula remains the flagship channel, broadcasting nationwide and internationally.

2M: Launched in 1989 as a private channel, now jointly owned by the state and private shareholders. It is the most popular channel for entertainment, series, films, and news, known for its high-quality productions.

Medi1 TV: A private news channel launched in 2006, focused on continuous news coverage, talk shows, and political analysis.

Satellite & Digital: Most Moroccan channels are available via satellite (Nilesat, Arabsat) and streaming platforms, reaching the Moroccan diaspora across Europe and beyond.

Moroccan cinema has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. The first Moroccan feature film, "Le Fils du Soleil" (The Son of the Sun), was produced in 1952 by the Moroccan director Abdelkader Lagtaâ, though it was not widely released until after independence.

The Golden Age (1960s–1980s): Following independence, Moroccan cinema began to flourish. Mohamed Tazi directed "Femme, Passions, et Déchirures" (1964), and Hamid Bénani directed "Wechma" (1970), considered a landmark of Moroccan cinema. The Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM) was established in 1944 and later restructured to support film production. Directors like Souheil Ben Barka and Jillali Ferhati gained international recognition.

The New Wave (1990s–2000s): A new generation of directors emerged, addressing social issues, identity, and taboo subjects. Nabil Ayouch gained international acclaim with "Mektoub" (1997) and later "Ali Zaoua" (2000), which won awards worldwide. Faouzi Bensaïdi, Ismaël Ferroukhi, and Narjiss Nejjar brought fresh perspectives.

Contemporary Cinema (2010s–present): Moroccan cinema has seen a production boom, with 15–25 feature films produced annually, supported by the CCM. Recent acclaimed films include "Much Loved" (2015) by Nabil Ayouch (controversial but celebrated), "Razzia" (2017), "Adam" (2019) by Maryam Touzani (Morocco's Oscar submission), and "The Blue Caftan" (2022) by Maryam Touzani, which won the FIPRESCI prize at Cannes and was nominated for the Academy Awards. Moroccan films regularly screen at Cannes, Venice, and other international festivals.

Television series (dramas, sitcoms, soap operas) are immensely popular in Morocco, particularly during Ramadan, when viewership peaks and production values reach their highest. The tradition of Ramadan series has become a cultural institution.

Classic Series: Series like "L'Couple" (a pioneering sitcom), "Al Oussara" (family drama), and "Rdat L'Bask" became household names. "L'Couple", starring Mohamed El Jem and Majdouline Idrissi, broke viewership records.

Recent Hit Series:

• "Banat Lalla Mennana" – a social comedy-drama about four sisters, became a massive hit.
• "Moul Al Khabar" – a dramatic series exploring social issues.
• "L'Amana" – a family saga exploring tradition and modernity.
• "Douar Lhaj Lamine" – a comedy series set in a rural village.
• "Qdams" – a dramatic series about football and social mobility.

Streaming Originals: Moroccan series are increasingly appearing on international platforms. "The Night of the Kings" (film) and series like "The Last Chapter" have been acquired by Netflix. In 2024, the first Moroccan Netflix original series, "Daba Tzian", was announced, marking a new era for Moroccan content globally.

Production Companies: Major producers include Cactus Prod, Ali n'Productions, Snake Films, and numerous independent production houses that supply content to SNRT, 2M, and streaming platforms.

Morocco hosts several prestigious film festivals that showcase national and international cinema.

The Moroccan audiovisual landscape is rapidly evolving with the rise of digital platforms. Streaming services have become increasingly popular, with local platforms like Shahid VIP (MBC), Watch It!, and international platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ investing in Moroccan content.

Key Developments:

• Netflix Originals: Moroccan films such as Much Loved, Adam, and The Blue Caftan have been acquired by Netflix. The first Moroccan Netflix original series is in production.
• Local Streaming Platforms: SNRT and 2M now offer streaming services (SNRT Live, 2M Live) with catch-up and on-demand content.
• YouTube Creators: A new generation of digital creators produces web series, comedy sketches, and talk shows with millions of views. Channels like DabaDo, Echorouk, and independent creators are reshaping Moroccan entertainment.
• Co-productions: Increasing international co-productions with French, Belgian, and Middle Eastern partners are expanding budgets and audiences.

The Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM) continues to support production, distributing over $10 million annually in grants. Morocco's film industry is poised for continued growth, with young filmmakers embracing new formats and global audiences discovering Moroccan stories.