A family watches a Turkish drama series 'Dirilis: Ertugrul' May 9, 2020. — AFP pic, a drama about the makings of the Ottoman Empire has sent Pakistan wild this Ramadan, smashing television records but exposing the country's lack of original content.
Usually state broadcaster PTV fills its Ramadan programming with live charity fundraisers, quiz shows and religious content. The five-season series tells the story of Ertugrul, the father of Osman I who founded the Ottoman Empire, which ruled parts of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa for more than 600 years.
But a dependence on imported content is a source of frustration for some Pakistani artists, producers and directors who bemoan prime-time slots being given to a foreign show. The channel has profited from advertising breaks during the broadcasts but experts warn it is on shaky ground.