elevision, or telly for short, has undergone various evolutions. After World War II, it became available to consumers, initially in black and white format. It quickly became a source of entertainment in households across the globe. By the 1950s, black and white gave way to color, and television continued to evolve with various forms of programming, influencing public opinion and shaping culture.

Today, television remains an important force around the world, including Pakistan. It continues to influence public opinion and serves as a platform for advertising and promoting consumer goods. It’s also the top source of entertainment in many households, offering a variety of content like drama serials and talk shows. Sporting events are often broadcast on television, with channels winning bids to air them. This allows viewers to enjoy a wide range of sporting events, including the beloved game of cricket.

The rise of streaming services has further revolutionized television. In some ways, there’s simply so much content available that it can feel overwhelming. Instep helps you navigate this vast landscape and discover hidden gems.

Drama: Jurm

Written by: Shah Yasir

Cast: Wahaj Ali, Dur-e-Fishan Saleem, Atiqa Odho, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, Tooba Siddiqui, Zhalay Sarhadi and Tazeen Hussain

Director: Mehreen Jabbar

Synopsis: “Jurm is a thrilling drama series. It follows the journey of Ayla and Daniyal; a newlywed couple whose lives are turned upside down by a traumatic kidnapping incident. This event sets off a chain of events that exposes the vulnerability of their family and those associated with them.”

Instep verdict: Jurm boasts a strong all-star cast. However, its biggest asset is director Mehreen Jabbar. Her experience and expertise in directing for television shines through in this series.

Drama: Hadsa

Written by: Zanjabeel Asim

Cast: Hadiqa Kiani, Alyy Khan, Juggan Kazim, Romaisa Khan, Khaqan Shahnawaz, Ali Dayan, Zhalay Sarhadi, Saleem Mairaj, Fariha Jabeen, Fozia Mushtaq, Aamir Qureshi, Abdullah Javed, Fahad Zahoor, Ali Siddiqui, Ossama Ranjha and Hammad Butt

Director: Wajahat Rauf

Synopsis: “Hadsa follows the life of Taskeen, a headstrong and opinionated woman. She leads a happy and successful life with her loving husband and children. The preparations for her eldest son’s wedding are underway when a sudden and horrific incident shatters Taskeen’s world. She grapples with the aftermath, her once-content life now a complex web of emotions, trauma, and uncertainty. As she battles to reclaim her life and move forward, many questions emerge: Will Taskeen find the strength to heal and recover? Can her family provide the support she desperately needs?”

Instep verdict: Hadsa has evolved from a controversial and criticized drama into a reflection of our times. It’s an empowering story that emphasizes the importance of taking control of your life, especially after experiencing trauma. The series also served as a litmus test for actress Hadiqa Kiani, who delivered a stellar performance. While Wajahat Rauf is primarily known for directing rom-coms, Hadsa showcases his expertise and experience as a director in a different genre.

Drama: Khumar

Written by: Maha Malik

Cast: Feroze Khan, Neelam Muneer, Hina Bayat, Asma Abbas, Behroz Sabzwari, Zainab Qayoom, Shehryar Zaidi, Adnan Samad, Sheherzade Peerzada, Minsa Malik, Kinza Malik, Mehmood Akhtar, Agha Mustafa, Hamzah Tariq, Ayesha Rajpoot and Mizna Waqas

Director: Ali Faizan

Synopsis: “Khumar is a timeless love story. It delves into the challenges that arise from societal class differences and the negativity associated with them. The story explores the complexities of love when faced with societal expectations and pressures.”

Instep verdict: Khumar offers a compelling love story and features an all-star cast. It tackles the issue of class struggle, specifically exploring what happens when a young man from an upper-income group falls for a beautiful girl from a lower-income group. Through the lens of this love story, the series examines socioeconomic divisions that hinder societal progress.

Conclusion

With their compelling narratives, stellar performances, and adept direction, these series offer not just entertainment but a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Pakistani television. So, whether you’re seeking heart-pounding drama, thought-provoking themes, or captivating storytelling, dive in and experience the best of Pakistani television from the comfort of your own home. Embark on a journey that transcends boundaries and immerse yourself in the cultural richness and storytelling brilliance that these series have to offer.

Footnote: Any of the following Geo TV productions that are not available on-air can later be found on the channel’s YouTube channel along with past productions.