Yaar, Why Are We Obsessed With International Shows?
You ever notice how Pakistani youth can’t even agree on biryani-with-alu or without, but when it comes to Netflix, suddenly sab aik hi page pe hotay hain? From Korean dramas to Spanish thrillers, our watchlists look like the United Nations of TV.
Clear Answer: Pakistani youth love international shows because they offer relatable stories, high-quality production, and pure escapism that Pakistani dramas sometimes miss.
1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – The Official “Exam Stress Escape” Show
No matter if you’re in Islamabad or Hyderabad, you’ve definitely heard someone humming “Bella Ciao”. This Spanish series became the obsession during lockdown basically everyone’s group study plan failed because “sirf ek episode aur” turned into a full-night binge.
Why Pakistani youth love it:
- Suspense + action = 10/10
- Characters with actual depth (unlike some of our dramas jahan villain bas evil for no reason)
- Professor’s vibes? Pure “tuition wala teacher jo zindagi sikhata hai”
2. Stranger Things – Our Inner Bachpan Feels Seen
Stranger Things is like Pakistani mohalla cricket—everyone’s involved, sabko roles milte hain, aur hamesha ek drama hota hai. Throw in some ‘80s nostalgia, supernatural masala, and friendship goals, and you get a desi-approved cult hit.
Pakistani POV:
- Demogorgons? Yaar, humaray liye woh bas bijli chali jane ka monster hai.
- Dustin aur Eleven = friendship goals better than any “college dosti” drama.
- Perfect show for “watching with cousins” during summer holidays.
3. K-Dramas (Crash Landing on You, True Beauty, etc.) – The OG “Dil Bechara” Therapy
K-Dramas have low-key colonized Pakistani youth hearts. From boys wearing better skincare than us to love stories that make even Lahori aunties cry—these shows are basically free therapy.
Why it clicks here:
- Emotional rollercoaster = perfect for “dil todnay ke baad healing session”
- Fashion inspo (boys in pastel hoodies looking more fresh than our Eid outfits)
- Bonus: Short episodes—unlike desi dramas jahan ek shaadi 40 episodes tak khinchti hai.
4. Anime (Attack on Titan, Naruto, One Piece) – The “Cousin Recommendation” Genre
Anime is that one genre every Pakistani cousin forces you into. “Bhai bas dekh lo ek episode, zindagi badal jayegi.” And then… zindagi actually badal jati hai. Attack on Titan fans, we see you crying in your hostel rooms.
Reasons for the craze:
- Big themes (loyalty, sacrifice, dosti) resonate with desi audiences.
- Naruto’s “never give up” is basically “hosla rakho, CSS exam clear ho jaye ga.”
- One Piece ka “endless episodes” vibe = our dramas ki energy.
The Pakistani POV: Why We Ditch Local for Global Sometimes
Don’t get me wrong, Pakistani dramas still slap (read our latest drama updates). But youth often feel international shows give:
- Fresh plots (less saas-bahu repetition)
- More relatable characters (college kids, hustlers, outcasts)
- Better production quality (cinematography that doesn’t look like a mehndi function recording)
That said, it’s not about ditching our content, it’s about variety. After all, humari life ka Netflix = mix of biryani and pizza.
What Nobody Tells You
- Watching Money Heist won’t make you a revolutionary. Chill karo, exam pe dhyaan do.
- Stranger Things nostalgia? Bhai, humari nostalgia = “PTCL dial-up” and “Pepsi Blue.”
- K-Drama endings will break your heart harder than your matric ka result.
Also, pro tip: Just like you track your TCS packages, track your watch hours too—warna ammi ki jhappiyan are scarier than any horror show.
Wrap-Up: Ab Batao, Kya Scene Hai?
So yeah, Pakistani youth are living double lives: ek foot in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, aur doosra foot in Netflix multiverse. And honestly? We’re loving it.
Now your turn, tell me which international show had you hooked? Stranger Things ka suspense, K-Drama ka rona dhona, ya Money Heist ka “Professor”? Drop it in the comments.
And plz, tag that cousin who still hasn’t watched Money Heist. Unka rehab zaroori hai.
