Owing to the expansion of digital media, various TV channels established in Pakistan introduced comedy talk shows highlighting social and political issues along with recommendations in a witting manner. Only a few of the top TV talk shows have been enlisted below.
Hasb-e-Haal
Launched in 2009, the Dunya TV show has made rounds of popularity and proved to be a trendsetter for comedy tv shows in Pakistan. Although the show has seen several hosts, the contribution of Aftab Iqbal and Junaid Saleem had an impact on the popularity of the show, notwithstanding the backbone of the show in the shape of famous comedian; Sohail Ahmed. Other stars include Nawaz Anjum, Amanat Chan, Zulfi Ali, Jiya Dilnawaz, and Goga Ji.
The show touches upon the social issues and politics of Pakistan. The Main segments of the show include Adabparay, Bait Baazi, Hasb e Mazzi, Hasb e Daak, Interview, Khabron par Tabsara, Lamha e Fuqriya, Tasweeron aur videos par tabsara, Mukhbariyaan, Off-Beat Hasb-e-Haal, Parodies, Siasi Film, Tu Tu Main Main and Yad e Maazi.
The main reason for the popularity of the show is Sohail Ahmed. He criticizes the existing inadequacies with the way forward on the topic of the day in an innovative manner. He normally dresses up in different characters and comically imitates them.
Hansna Mana Hai
Launched in May 2022, The Geo TV show has become increasingly popular with each episode. Of late, the show has crossed one billion views. After leaving Nashpati Prime’s show, To Be Honest, stand-up comedian Tabish Hashmi‘s witty chat is the essence of the show.
In each show, new guests are invited from different walks of life including actors, social media influencers, cricketers, politicians and singers, etc. Tabish Hashmi’s distinctive approach to hosting and knack to connect with his guests on a whole new level is the main reason for the popularity of the show. He has increased his fan base not only in Pakistan but worldwide. However, the show has also been criticized on social media due to several double-meaning jokes by the host.
To be Honest (TBH)
Before Hansna Mana Hai, standup comedian Tabish Hashmi hosted this show. It was broadcasted on TV One before streaming on Nashpati Prime. As per Azfar Ali, director and creator of the show, To be Honest, became Pakistan’s first digital show which was telecasted on any TV channel.
Mazaaq Raat
It was one of the TV shows which took the lead from Hasb-e-Haal. Famous poet Vasay Chaudhry hosted the show on; Dunya TV. The Main cast consisted of Iftikhar Thakur, Qaiser Pia, Akram Udaas, Ayesha Shakoor, and Aoun Ali Khan. After Vasay Chaudhry, actor; Noman Ijaz hosted the show from 2013 to 2015. Young singer Aima Baig has also been part of the show from 2015 to 2017.
Khabardaar
Aftab Iqbal hosted the show on Express News. The First season aired from 2015 to 2018. The Second season returned in 2021 with the last episode aired in December 2021. The show revolved around Aftab Iqbal and his comedians including Babbu Rana, Honey Albela, Asad Kaifi, Mubeen Gabol, and Azhar Rangeela.
They played various characters in the show. Each episode consisted of three parts. The First part was based on a comic skit, followed by a critique of comedians in the remaining two parts on current affairs.
Khabarzar
Another masterpiece was hosted by Aftab Iqbal on Aap News in 2018. The last episode was aired on 15 December 2019. The Main cast consists of Honey Albela and Nasir Chinyoti.
With no specific schedule of segments, each show has several recurring segments including Current News, Songs from the past, Parody Films, Guests from The Dummy Museum, Musician’s House, Police Station, Mughal Court, Farhang-e-Asifiya and Bangali Baba. Of late, a theater segment has been introduced that deals with important historic events and current social issues.
Ghabrana Mana Hai
ARY Digital show hosted by Vasy Choudhry has everything to lighten up your mood. Favorite Pakistani stars are invited to each episode. Candid discussions on various topics are the essence of the show.
The Couple Show
After a surprise wedding, Agha Ali and Hina Altaf began their careers as hosts. It is an AAj entertainment production. The show is getting more popular day by day due to the candid interaction of the hosts with celebrity couples.
Timeout
Vibrant actor, Ahsan Khan is the host of this show. It is an Express TV production. Mostly, couples are invited which speak their heart out on personal and showbiz-related topics. The fun games segment of the show is liked the most by the audience.
The Mirza Malik Show
Amid divorce rumors between former Indian Tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani former cricket team captain Shoaib Malik. The Mirza Malik Show was announced by Urduflix on Instagram. The show is on-airs at the OTT platform Urduflix. Shoaib and Sania through their sense of humour show a great connection with guests.