The much-anticipated finale of the hit drama serial "Ishq Murshid" aired its last episode on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, leaving fans both delighted and disheartened with programming strategy.
The episode, slated for a 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot, was preceded by an hour-long recap of previous episodes, a move that did not sit well with many loyal viewers who had eagerly awaited the culmination of the gripping storyline.
"Ishq Murshid," a production by Moomal Productions and MD Productions, directed by Farooq Rind and scripted by Abdul Khaliq Khan, had captivated audiences with its stellar performances and compelling narrative, featuring Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem in leading roles.
While the final episode was met with praise for its conclusion and the actors' remarkable performances, fans took to social media platforms to express their discontent with the prolonged recap session.
"It feels like a betrayal to have to sit through an hour of recap just to watch the finale," lamented one fan on Twitter, reflecting the sentiments of many others who echoed similar sentiments.
Some fans drew comparisons to other popular dramas, accusing "Ishq Murshid" of mimicking successful formulas without achieving the same impact. "They followed in the footsteps of 'Mere Paas Tum Ho,' but that drama was on a different level," remarked a disgruntled viewer.
The decision to delay the climax of "Ishq Murshid" with an extended recap left fans feeling deceived and agitated, with many expressing their disappointment at what they perceived as a missed opportunity to deliver a seamless viewing experience.