While reality shows continue to rock in the West, they are struggling for viewers' attention here.
If the series average for the Akshay Kumar-hosted Khatron Ke Khiladi — Level 2 with 13 glam babes was less than 3 TVR, Bigg Boss 3, which has Amitabh Bachchan as a host and a wide mix of scelebrities from the world of television, films, fashion and cricket, is also not doing well. After opening with a 4.6 rating, it is currently averaging on 2.6. The case with Perfect Bride and Pati Patni Aur Woh is no different either. Both the shows are averaging around 1.5 TRP. Dance Premiere League, which has Rani as judge, is again a dismal story of poor ratings.
On the other hand, fiction shows are rocking. Laado, Uttaran, Balika Vadhu, Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Agle Janam, Pavitra Rishta, Bairi Piya and Chhoti Bahu are star performers with five and six-plus ratings. Lately, some of these dailies have even delivered eight-plus TRPs.
Why this dismal response to reality shows which have less than half the ratings of fiction shows? "Fiction is more popular than non-fiction because it is the staple for family viewing. Non-fiction shows work more as marketing platforms and hence are not always evaluated on the basis of ratings, but the goodwill they generate," defends Shailja Kejriwal, head of content at Imagine.
The dismal response can also be attributed to the fact that too many celebrity shows have happened lately, feels Sony's head of marketing Danish Khan. In his view, reality TV has gone to another level post-Sach Ka Samna. "You need shock and vicarious thrill for compelling viewing," he adds. But another important reason is that reality shows of Bigg Boss, Fear Factor, Perfect Bride and Pati Patni kind, lack relatable elements and hence do not rank high on audience's preference list. Says Star's senior creative head Anupama Mandloi, "Reality shows where viewers watch contestants going about their day-to-day tasks have only a niche following."
However, Zee's head of non-fiction, Ashish Golwalkar, feels that reality shows are not about celebrities but content. "They definitely create spikes but are more like cherries on the cake. The content and the celebrity profile matter."
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