Could KabhiNeemNeemKabhiShahadShahad Be a Victim of the TRP Race?
In the world of television drama, there’s an unwritten rule: “Numbers first, story later.” With TV channels increasingly chasing TRP ratings, we’re seeing promising shows cut down in their prime before they’re given the chance to grow. The question today is: Is KabhiNeemNeemKabhiShahadShahad one of these victims?
From the very start, the series captured the interest of a segment of viewers thanks to its unique atmosphere and a plot blending warmth with drama. But it hasn’t escaped the rash decisions TV networks make when they don’t see a quick jump in TRP charts. This obsession with numbers means a show is judged within just a few weeks, as if viewers can instantly form deep connections with characters and stories in record time.
The truth is, KabhiNeemNeemKabhiShahadShahad was no less in quality than many series that have run for years—perhaps even richer in terms of diverse characters and dramatic progression. The only difference is that those long-running shows enjoyed the “continuity advantage”—time to build a loyal audience, even if their stories were repetitive and slow.
When networks put ratings before content, they gradually push viewers to lose trust in any new work. This might be what’s happening here. A viewer may think twice before investing in a series if they feel it could suddenly be cancelled or rushed to an ending without reason.
If KabhiNeemNeemKabhiShahadShahad fell victim to the TRP race, it wouldn’t be the first—and it won’t be the last. But the lesson is clear: the success of a work of art isn’t measured only by how quickly it climbs the charts, but by its ability to remain in viewers’ hearts for the long term. The price is the loss of audience trust. The reality is that long-running shows aren’t sustained because they tell brilliant stories or have extraordinary heroes—on the contrary, many of them are repetitive and slow. But people keep watching because they’ve become a habit, a fixed part of their routine. Viewers know there will be a new episode every day or every week—without the surprise of sudden cancellation—and that alone is enough reason to keep watching.
As for new shows, no matter how strong the story or excellent the acting, they rarely get a real chance to prove themselves, because the channel might pull the plug if they don’t deliver quick TRP spikes. And here lies the real problem: networks are fighting their competitors instead of fighting for their audience. Viewers aren’t against new shows, but they want to feel that a show they’ve grown to love will last, that it’s worth investing their time and emotions in.
In the frantic race for TRP numbers, it seems TV channels have decided to destroy their own house. They behave as if the real threat is social media, YouTube, and TikTok, believing that young people have abandoned the small screen, leaving it only to the older generation. On paper, that may seem logical—but in reality, the story is completely different.
The truth is, audiences haven’t left television for the internet—not even the youth. We still love TV and treat it as part of our daily life rituals. Is the phone in our hand? Yes. But in the background, the TV is always on, filling the house with a sense of company. The moment we sit on the couch, gather around the dinner table, or come home from work, the first thing we reach for is the remote, looking for something enjoyable to watch.
The problem isn’t the viewers—it’s the channels themselves. They no longer offer content that excites us or meets our interests. A perfect example is the old forum websites like Indian Forums, which are still alive and active despite the dominance of social media. Why? Because they’ve kept their core values: trust, authenticity, and reliable content from experienced members. They didn’t jump blindly into chasing trends, but blended the old with the new smartly. The result? A loyal audience that refuses to leave.
TV channels, on the other hand, are too busy fighting other platforms instead of fighting for their audience. They chase TRP numbers so quickly that they kill a show or program before it gets the time it needs to prove itself. How do you expect viewers to get attached to something that doesn’t last more than a month or two?
If networks want to bring back their golden era, they need to return to the basics: give each show a fair chance, promote smartly, and avoid repetitive storylines. People aren’t against new things, but they need to see them presented in an engaging way, with enough time to grow in their hearts. Real entertainment isn’t measured by how fast the numbers rise—but by the depth of the connection between the audience and the work.
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