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Most TV serials launched over the last year have failed to make a mark. New shows Sasural Simar Ka, Dor, Phulwa, Mukti Bandhan, Navya, Love u Zindagi, Looteri Dulhan, Krishnaben Khakrawala, Chajje Chajje, Ring Wrong Ring, Hamari Saas Leela ' have not impressed viewers.
The shelf life of a TV serial today has reduced drastically and shows don't even last six months anymore! Pardes Mein Mila Koi Apna, Kismat, Aarakshan, Gunahon Ka Devta, Mera Naam Karegi Roshan, Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, Pyar Mein Twist, Geeta Ka Dharamyudh, Maati Ki Banno and Baat Hamari Pakki Hai, all shut shop within a few months owing to poor Television Rating Points (TRPs).
THE REAL PROBLEM:
One of the problems is the herd mentality. When one show clicks, everyone tries to make shows along the same lines. Says Saurabh Tewary, programming head (fiction) of a TV channel, "Everyone starts following a successful format till it is totally killed! In the TV industry, room for experimentation and innovation is very less." It's also the TV viewing patterns that have changed, says producer-actor JD Majethia. "Viewers are no longer as loyal as they used to be. They sample a new show, but quickly turn away if they don't find it appealing. Also, people today watch two shows at the same time." Broadcasters, unlike earlier, now have many shows in the pipeline. "If a serial doesn't yield a good response, they axe it as have other options ready," says Majethia.
OLD SHOWS RULE:
With new shows not taking off, old ones like Balika Vadhu, Pavitra Rishta, Uttaran, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Saathiya, Yahan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli and Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah — continue to dominate the TRP charts. Take the case of Balika Vadhu. After being the number one show two years ago, its ratings fell. But now that the plot has taken a twist, it's back with a bang. Says producer Sunjoy Waddhwa, "Strong characterisation is what has worked for old shows. In Balika Vadhu too the characters have been etched out well. Most importantly, it's been accepted by the audience. Over a period of time, a serial can go through a lull but it can bounce back because of this reason."
Says producer Rupali Guha, "With an increase in non-fiction reality shows and cricket, news and regional programming leading to audience fragmentation, creating a successful social drama has become a challenge for channels and producers. Meanwhile, older, successful shows are safe bets for an audience that feels comfortable watching familiar faces and following their stories."
Bigg Boss 19
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