In an era where TV content consumption is evolving rapidly. TV dramas, once dismissed as mere entertainment, are emerging as one of the most effective and powerful tools for societal reflection and change. Also, TV drama serials and series are increasingly being viewed as a modern form of literature because of the intricate and complex narrative building and depth, it offer. Quite similarly to 19th-century serialized novels by writers like Dickens and Balzac, Modern dramas provide ample room for character development and moral ambiguity.
Recent academic discussions have pushed for re-evaluating Drama as a legitimate form of literary expression through multiple art forms. Dramas can be dissected using frameworks traditionally reserved for literary works, including narratology and semiotics. The cultural resonance of drama often mirrors and sometimes even subverts established literary traditions.
In Pakistan, Green TV Entertainment’s several dramas can be evaluated using literary frameworks. Productions like Duniyapur and Serial Killer are being lauded for gripping stories but also for thier thematic exploration of difficult subjects. Not just these, there are several other examples also, I can remember complex female characters of 22 Qadam or a story with a difficult subject dealing with mental health struggles in Pagal Khana is a simple testament to how these dramas can function as visual literary works with stories told with a literary sensibility to provoke thought and stir conversation.
Art and literature have historically served as mirrors of society, seizing the zeitgeist while challenging prevailing norms. In Pakistan, where many societal issues are still considered taboo, the role of storytelling is even more critical. Throughout history, literature and art have been instrumental in developing public discourse and instigating social change. From George Orwell’s 1984 to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, writers have used literature and storytelling to critique oppression and advocate for justice. Green TV is following this tradition, using television as a platform to confront some of Pakistan’s most uncomfortable realities.
In a society where topics like gender equality, mental health, and social justice are often brushed under the carpet, Green TV’s decision to highlight these issues is timely and courageous. Its dramas offer a critique of societal structures, much like the literary works of the past, by showing the struggles of women, the marginalized, and those battling mental illnesses.
One of the most significant contributions of art to society is its ability to promote empathy. It allows individuals to experience life from perspectives vastly different from their own, broadening understanding and promoting tolerance. Green TV’s complex, flawed, and deeply human characters reverberate with viewers because they represent real struggles that many in Pakistan face but few openly discuss.
Beyond empathy, art and literature have long been tools for advocacy, pushing against injustices and demanding societal reform. Green TV has adopted this role, presenting issues many other networks shy away from. By airing dramas that address taboo subjects it is not just reflecting societal issues but actively engaging in advocacy through storytelling.
Iqtidar, directed by Fahim Burney, is a story about power and its often-corrupting influence, while Gentleman, written by Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, questions gender norms and societal expectations. These stories challenge viewers to question the status quo, encouraging discussions that may eventually lead to societal change.
The true measure of Green TV’s success in tackling taboo topics lies in the public and critical reaction. While some of the topics Green TV addresses are difficult, the network has largely succeeded in starting conversations that need to happen. Viewer feedback suggests that these dramas echo because they provide a platform for issues usually swept under the rug. Critics, too, have lauded Green TV for its courage in taking on topics that others avoid.
In a country where media often skirts around controversial issues, Green TV’s direct approach feels revolutionary. As television evolves as a serious art form, Green TV is at the forefront of it. By showcasing taboo topics with sensitivity and courage, Green TV is proving that television, like literature, can shape society, challenge norms, and inspire change.