This is an opinion article. The views expressed are those of the Pktub team and are meant to start a discussion.
Walk through the dramas airing on Pakistani television, and you will notice that many revolve around romance and family conflict. These stories are popular, but are they all we need? In this piece, we look at why love stories dominate and what other genres could add.
Why Romance Sells
Love stories are easy to relate to. Viewers around the world enjoy seeing relationships grow, break and heal. Classics like Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai show how powerful a good romance can be when written well. Channels also know that these stories attract large audiences and advertisers.
The Risk of Repetition
When too many serials follow similar patterns, audiences may begin to feel that they have seen it all before. Familiar plots, such as rivalries between families or love triangles, can start to feel predictable. Viewers often say on social media that they would like more variety.
What Other Genres Could Offer
- Thrillers and mysteries: Suspense can keep audiences guessing each week.
- Comedy: Light-hearted shows give families something to enjoy together.
- Historical stories: They bring the past to life, as shown by the popularity of Urdu-dubbed historical series.
- Social issue dramas: Stories about real-world problems can start important conversations.
Signs of Change
Some recent serials have tried new ideas, and audience response has been positive. Streaming platforms are also encouraging writers to experiment, since they are not tied to a fixed daily schedule. As a result, we may see more variety in the coming years.
Our View
We are not against romance; in fact, we love a well-written love story. But we believe that a healthy industry offers many kinds of stories so that every viewer finds something to enjoy. Strong writing, as discussed in our article on the writers who shaped Pakistani television, matters more than genre.
Final Thoughts
Do you think Pakistani dramas need more variety? Share your thoughts in the comments, and read our other pieces in the Interviews & Opinion section, including whether Pakistani dramas should be shorter.