Is it permissible to delay the Isha prayer in order to watch a religious program on television?

Performing the prayer at the very beginning of its time is not obligatory. Rather, what is obligatory is to perform it at any point within its designated time. Therefore, there is no harm in delaying the 'Isha prayer to follow a religious program, as long as it will be prayed within its time, which extends until midnight. Delaying 'Isha until the end of its elective time is commendable, especially for an individual or a group who are not inconvenienced by the delay. However, for men for whom congregational prayer is obligatory, they are not permitted to abandon it except for a legitimate Shar'i excuse.