If the popular Pakistani family drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum was up your alley, there is a chance you are craving stories that offer more of the same. Pakistani television happens to have a rich collection of family dramas that sort of explore similar dynamics. By that, I mean love stories that evolve through emotional turmoil, personal growth and all the beautiful mess that comes with love. So for your pleasure, here is a list of the best Pakistani family TV dramas and serials to watch if you liked Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.
Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, meanwhile, beautifully captured the clash of opposites and the magic that occurs when different personalities come together. It features Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir in lead roles.
Pakistani family drama series have the tendency to capture the very essence of human relationships in a way that feels natural, authentic and also quite emotionally stirring. This widespread appeal explains why Pakistani dramas have become so popular across the border in India, even though Pakistani movies remain not as well known.
The shows in the list include (and it has to) the classic show Humsafar, which made stars out of Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. Both, in case you do not know, went on to feature in Bollywood movies.
Here’s a list of the best Pakistani family dramas and TV serials to watch if you’re missing Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.
5 best Pakistani family dramas like Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum you should watch
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IMDb rating: 9
Created by: Babar Javed (director), Umera Ahmed (writer)
Cast: Sarwat Gilani, Samiya Mumtaz, Samina Peerzada
Synopsis: Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan must be particularly watched by those who were hooked to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. It is one of those family dramas with incredible emotional depth. Based on the book by Umera Ahmed, the series has elements of betrayal, love, and redemption. It follows Saba (Mumtaz), a woman falsely accused of infidelity, whose life and family disintegrate because of the accusation. She strives to prove her innocence and resettle her life.
IMDb rating: 8.9
Created by: Sultana Siddiqui (director), Umera Ahmed (writer)
Cast: Sanam Saeed, Fawad Khan, Samina Peerzada
Synopsis: Zindagi Gulzar Hai is another drama that will scratch that itch for fans of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. The story follows the life of Kashaf (Saeed), a strong-willed girl, and Zaroon (Fawad Khan), a charming yet arrogant man. The journey of their relationship — marked by differences in socio-economic status and personality clashes — reminds us of the emotional transformation seen in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. There are echoes of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy in their bond from the Regency-era novel Pride and Prejudice.
Humsafar (2011–2012)
IMDb rating: 8.9
Created by: Sarmad Sultan Khoosat (director), Zakir Ahmed (writer), Farhat Ishtiaq (writer)
Cast: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atiqa Odho
Synopsis: If you miss the emotional intensity and beautiful romance of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, Humsafar is the perfect follow-up. This iconic drama features the story of a couple, Ashar (Fawad) and Khirad (Mahira) who received all the possible blows in their (arranged) married life yet found love, understanding, and loyalty. Just like Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, the journey which these characters undertook had misunderstandings, emotional conflicts, and ultimately reconciliation.
IMDb rating: 8.8
Created by: Shahzad Kashmiri (director), Moiz Abbas (director)
Cast: Sajjal Ali, Ahad Raza Mir, Hira Mani
Synopsis: Yakeen Ka Safar tells the interwoven stories of three families navigating life-altering challenges. The plot follows Zubia (Ali), a young woman haunted by the trauma of witnessing her father murder her mother. Asfandyar Ali Khan (Mir) faces personal and professional struggles as he works to overcome his family’s tragedies. As their lives intersect, they embark on a journey of resilience, healing, and redemption. The drama’s raw portrayal of trauma, love, and personal growth makes it a powerful experience, appealing to fans of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum who appreciate complex, character-driven storytelling.
Dil Ruba (2020–)
IMDb rating: 7.7
Created by: Ali Hasan (director), Qaisara Hayat (writer)
Cast: Hania Aamir, Shehroz Sabzwari, Mohib Mirza
Synopsis: Dil Ruba is about Sanam (Aamir), a college-going girl who is carefree and full of life. She keeps flirting with multiple romantic interests for the sake of fun and emotional excitement. However, her seemingly playful gestures have consequences. They break hearts and weaken bonds as she toys with her suitors, but soon enough, her life takes a 360-degree turn when karma knocks at her door. From being free-spirited to having to bear her own blunders, speaking volumes on the impact careless behaviour has upon her as well as everyone around her.
(Image: Courtesy of IMDb)
(Hero and featured image: Courtesy of IMDb)
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Kshitij is a journalism graduate who did not initially intend to become a film critic, but such are the vagaries of destiny. Now, Kshitij is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild, bringing expertise and experience in evaluating entertainment content with him. Additionally, he serves as a jury member on the Critics' Choice Awards in India. When he's not busy wielding words, catch him nose-deep in books or joyfully lost in the realms of gaming and photography.
