There was a time when Ptv used to be the only TV channel and the only source of entertainment for us. The 8pm drama was something that the viewers eagerly looked forward to and streets used to be deserted during this time period as people watched TV plays in their homes, hotels, road sides and friends and relatives' places. This trend of 8pm drama spilled on in private television programming also and channels saved their best dramas for the 8pm slot.
8-9pm is still labeled prime time wherein there is maximum viewership and maximum ad revenue is earned. Some channels have moved their prime time dramas to 8:30 rather than 8 but the majority is still airing its dramas on 8pm.
Even with all the choices available nowadays, none of the dramas fits the bill and the viewers do not look forward to these plays as eagerly as they used to at one time. There are good dramas, bad dramas and passable ones also but whenever you miss one or even a few episodes of any drama, you don't feel that you have missed much. Here is the list of some of the dramas nowadays and the reasons why they fail to attract a wide range of viewers.
1. Sher-e-Zaat:
The prime time dramas of today hold nothing of the charm of Humsafar, Daam, Dastan, Parsaa, Meri Zaat Zarra Benishan, Mera Naseeb, Roag, Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon, Diya Jalay etc. Yes, there's a Shehr e Zaat but it suffers from an oft-repeated theme extra marital affair and loss of interest in marriage. It suffers from Mahira's good-bad acting and expressions and same theme of turning towards religion once you are rejected by humans. It can be called a good drama but again due to Mahira's acting and oft-repeated theme it's not a must-watch drama for many.
2. Ashk:
There is Ashk also but too verbose and talk heavy scenes, little or no movement in story and abundance of drinking and liquor scenes makes it unbearable. The only saving grace here is the super star Fawad Afzal Khan due to whom most people watch this serial which is a total disaster to say the least and is sad misuse of a lot of money and resources.
3. Roshan Sitara:
Roshan Sitara which airs on Hum TV again has same story of a greedy mother marrying off a girl against her wishes and despite having Sanam Baloch in a double story, its story doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
4. Maseeha:
Maseeha boasts of a great talent Ayesha Khan but weak and illogical story and poor acting by others make it a very ordinary fare and something which you can definitely miss.
5. Mi Raqsam:
Mi Raqsam is an effort by the acclaimed director Sabiha Sumar but perhaps what works for a movie doesn't necessarily works for a tv drama. It will take time for Sabiha to learn this if she's to continue making dramas. Her debut drama is more of an extended version of Khuda Aur Muhabbat and is so depressing that most people don't watch it.
6. Yeh Zindagi hai:
Geo's Yeh Zindagi Hai should now be named Yeh torture hai. Jameela's gone but her duplicate beggar look alike is there and this serial is nothing less of an Indian soap with characters dying and reappearing, frequent use of fowl language, physically aggressive behavior and nonsensical story. I wonder why is it on air and who's watching it.
7. Sabz Pari Laal Kabootar :
Sabz Pari Laal Kabootar is a novel theme dealing with poverty and its related issues but is lost in gamut of other serials. Again it's a good effort and can be called a good drama but depressing theme and slow-moving story stops it from becoming a must-watch.
8. Quddusi Sahab kee bewa:
ARY's Quddusi Sahab kee bewa having Hina Dilpazeer in multiple roles is too bold, boasts of vulgar dialogues and open flirtations and is definitely not a family drama thus limiting its appeal and charm
9. Thakaan:
Thakan of the same channel has an ages old story of a girl being made to work for her selfish family with no one really caring for her or bothering for her feelings and happiness. Had it not been for Saba Qamar, this serial would have lost major chunk of its audience for it holds nothing new for us audience.
10: Aks :
Aks could be a good drama but has just started out so too early to comment on it except that it has same theme of sisters pitted against each other vying for same man. Let's wait and watch what does it have in store for us.
This pretty much sums up the dramas on air on different channels. I might have missed some dramas but again they were not great either and hardly anybody is addicted to them, so no harm done. I seriously wish, hope and pray that we get to see some really good, addictive and must-watch prime time dramas soon. This overdose of same themes, depressing stuff, mediocre acting and misfit actors is driving us away from our tv screens.
Written by: Haseeb Ahmed
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