Is the golden era of the Ramadan rom-com over? Despite bringing out the ‘Big Guns’ like Yumna Zaidi and Hamza Sohail, Pakistani viewers are taking to social media to ask one simple question: Where is the actual story?”
The 2026 Ramadan drama season was touted as a return to form, but initial reactions suggest a mismatch between production value and script quality. Viewers are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, citing a lack of the “heartwarming spirit” that defined earlier hits like Suno Chanda or Chupke Chupke.
The ‘Dekh Zara Pyar Se’ Scrutiny
As the flagship release on Hum TV, Dekh Zara Pyar Se (written by Saima Akram Chaudhry) was expected to be the runaway hit of the year. Starring the powerhouse duo of Yumna Zaidi and Hamza Sohail, the show has received praise for the natural chemistry of the lead pair, and the “Gen-Z” dynamic is being hailed as refreshing.
However, even this star-studded project hasn’t escaped the broader season’s criticism. Fans have labeled the early episodes as “slow-paced,” with some arguing that the narrative feels more like a standard soap opera than a high-energy Ramadan special.
The writer herself has had to clarify that the show is a “light-hearted drama” rather than a slapstick rom-com, a distinction that has left some viewers feeling “underwhelmed.”
Broader Trends: Rom-Coms vs. Substance
The 2026 lineup features several other high-profile projects trying to strike a balance.
Tum Larkay Bhi Na (Hum TV): A family-centric story involving Aina Asif and Ali Dayyan, which is being criticized for its “loud” characters and repetitive family rivalry tropes.
Chup Chupa Ke (Express TV): Starring Hira Khan and Usama Khan, this sitcom is currently a surprise favorite for those seeking “faster punchlines” and “better comedy” compared to its bigger rivals.
Fasana Mart Ka (Green TV): This project is attempting to break the mold with a “supermarket-set” satire, receiving moderate praise for its unique setting but facing an uphill battle in ratings against traditional family dramas.
The Verdict
The consensus among critics is clear: Pakistani audiences have “graduated.” Superficial romance and loud comedy are no longer enough.
There is a loud demand for meaningful scripts that offer social commentary or deeper character arcs rather than just 30 episodes of “cousin-marriage” confusion.
