Short-form dramas offer tighter storytelling, says critic

Drama critic Abbas Al-Haik has said that short-form dramas stand out for their dense storytelling and focused plot development, compared to some longer series that may suffer from bloated storylines and the addition of unnecessary characters and details simply to reach a set episode count.

Speaking on the "Ya Hala" program, Al-Haik noted that in recent years, some 30-episode series have introduced events and characters without clear dramatic purpose, merely to fill time, which can undermine the coherence and pacing of the story.

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He explained that short series align with the evolving tastes and expectations of viewers by offering a more concentrated viewing experience, with disciplined storytelling and events that serve the main plot, avoiding the kind of padding that can affect quality.

Al-Haik added that relying on long-form series, especially during the Ramadan drama season, can waste many artistic talents and opportunities. He pointed out that producing short series allows for a greater number of drama projects, as three short series could be made in a month instead of focusing on a single long production.

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He also pointed to some international series of around eight episodes as examples of works that rely on concise, disciplined storytelling, giving viewers a more focused experience rather than following lengthy series just for entertainment or emotional attachment.

The critic emphasized the importance of strong dramatic structure and cohesive events, arguing that the number of episodes alone does not guarantee a show's success, and that telling a tight story in fewer episodes can be more impactful than unnecessarily extending it.