From Cable to Clicks: The Streaming Revolution

Do you remember the feeling of rushing to the television, breakfast in hand, just to catch Dragon Tales on Cartoon Network? Or later, maybe after school, switching on the TV as you have lunch so you don’t miss ThunderCats? We’ve come a long way from that, haven’t we?

A decade or two ago, life revolved around cable TV – we had to make our schedules according to theirs. Now, though, it is a completely different story. A baby arrives into this world, and approximately a month later, it has a pacifier in one hand, and a phone playing CocoMelon in the other.

It’s not just them, though! Nearly everyone has embraced the convenience of this evolution, preferring the ease of watching whatever, wherever, whenever. Of course, for a lot of us, 123movies was the go-to for most content, because our channels never showed most of the shows we wanted – not even Friends or Big Bang Theory. So, to an extent, the arrival of Netflix in Pakistan can be considered a turning point. Not only did we have a greater range of content available, but it was being provided without ads, as opposed to prime-time dramas with a half-hour’s worth of content and a half hour for advertisements. Making the switch to streaming felt like a no-brainer, especially for people who have never been the greatest fans of the local industry.

Regardless, this opened up avenues for local businesses too. Every TV Channel has a strong YouTube presence, with millions of views per episode – perhaps more than cable watchers. The greatest thing about streaming is that content is now global, and a significant portion of the audience for Pakistani dramas is diaspora or Indian.  It’s not uncommon to hear stories of Pakistani content enthusiasts in countries far and wide who eagerly await the latest episodes of their favourite Pakistani dramas, forging connections across borders through shared love for our stories.

Likewise, going a step ahead of YouTube, platforms like Tamasha and StarzPlay have ensured that you get the full streaming experience, but with local content too. Our local entertainment industry is thriving, and Pakistani stories are now being told on an international stage. Also, Netflix has just announced its first Pakistan-themed original series, “Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo,” with a star-studded cast, providing a clear testament to the industry’s remarkable growth.

The change isn’t just in how we watch but also in what we watch. With the algorithm of streaming apps, best believe you’ll never run out of new content, and content that you’ll likely love, by the way! Just a few clicks, and you have the opportunity to dive into an ocean of movies, shows, and documentaries. No matter the genre you seek, there’s something for everyone.

The streaming revolution is more than just a technological shift; it’s a cultural transformation, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it. As we continue navigating this digital landscape, one thing is certain: the future of entertainment in Pakistan has never looked this promising. So, let the streaming revolution carry you in its currents– your next favourite show might just be a click away, waiting to be binge-watched.

About the Author: With chai and Google Docs as trusted companions, Abrish Nayyar has honed the art of weaving stories, fueled by late-night inspiration and the mundane world. Aspiring to one day be a published author, to her, every article is an inch closer to that goal.