025 was a dream run for the Pakistani television industry. Last year, some fantastic dramas came out, much to the delight of TV aficionados. Will this dream run continue in 2026? What does the New Year have in store for the viewers? Let’s see.

One of the biggest blockbusters of 2025 was Case No 9, starring Saba Qamar and Faisal Qureshi. Penned by journalist Shahzeb Khanzada, this play with a tight-knit script and excellent dialogues - not to mention stellar performances by all the actors - broke many records. It was a delight to see Saba Qamar lighting up the screen. Her fans were in for a special treat. Three of her plays are on air, at the moment.

The success of thoughtful productions like Case No 9, Tan Man Neel o Neel, Jama Taqseem and Pamaal underscores the fact that the audiences’ tastes have evolved. With the advent of online streaming platforms, content from all over the world is now available at the click of a button. This means the competition is cut-throat and showing no sign of letting up.

Yours truly can confidently assert that some of the television productions screened in 2025 were superb and at par with content on Netflix, if not superior. Now that new territories are being explored and hitherto untouched topics are being boldly discussed, this is an extremely positive development for writers like Bee Gul, Amina Mufti and Saji Gul (of Mrs and Mr Shameem fame), who dare to tread into uncharted territory.

2026 has a promising line up. Topping the list is Mitti Day Baway written by Faiza Iftikhar. The drama will feature Wahaj Ali, opposite Mahira Khan. Humraahi with Danish Taimoor and Hiba Bukhari in lead roles and Zanjeerain with Sajal Aly and Ahsan Khan are also expected to come out.

Now that off-beat TV productions are slowly gaining traction, reflecting the changing preferences, the viewers can look forward to a new age of experimental television plays, sometimes in the mini-series format.

Hopefully, the dramas that come out will only serve to elevate the bar in terms of script, production and direction. Case No 9, one of the highlights of last year, has shown that when a solid script aiming to educate is paired with a formidable director and a stellar cast, the result is a top-notch drama that can give foreign productions a run for their money.

It is high time Pakistani entertainment industry started producing more content for the international market. Pakistani television plays are watched all over the world and their popularity is increasing by leaps and bounds.

With the proliferation of television channels and humongous production houses, the demand for quality content will only increase. Fresh faces are joining the industry every day and, as budgets soar, hopefully the quality of the television productions will see a corresponding rise also.

There is definitely an audience for thought-provoking and parallel content that does not play to the masses. 2025 proved that, yet again. The time is now ripe to aim for something higher and bigger.

Pakistani plays have evolved and this is not a temporary or short-term development. As we step into 2026, plays like Kafeel and Moamma prove that viewers’ preferences have shifted and they crave more realistic storytelling. This will continue to happen, as more people tune in to watch what’s on air.

While run-of-the-mill plays aired before the prime time slot still have a massive fan following, Meri Bahuain, for example; experimental plays like Jin ki Shaadi Unki Shaadi and Tan Man Neel o Neel, exploring diverse genres, were equally popular.

Pakistani TV productions have garnered a huge fan following, both locally and internationally. This trend shows no sign of slowing down and hopefully, this dream run will not lose its momentum in 2026. Happy viewing and a very Happy New Year.

The writer is an educationist and can be reached at [email protected].