Two mantras of longevity Leap and Season 2

Indian Television has grown in leaps and bounds in the last decade or should we say has grown in "Leaps" literally and is currently witnessing new era of "Season 2".

Indian Television shows taking a leap – this phenomenon seems like ages old but is still rocking. Don't remember who introduced this concept but the idea was popularized and reinstated by undisputed queen of Indian Television Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms with her shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay. Audiences accepted the concept of leap as it was novel and brought in some freshness in the storyline. It added to the charm factor thereby further strengthening the viewership loyalty.

Not surprisingly though, but the concept of Season 2 of fiction shows was also slated and popularized by Ekta Kapoor with her shows like Hum Paanch, Kutumb, Kitani Mohabbat Hai. Others to join in the league were Instant Khichdi, Dil Mil Gaye, Choti Bahu, Baa Bahu Aur Baby. The concept was not that well accepted by our Television audiences initially as for ones who are used to the merry-go-round trips could not relate to viewing same characters, same actors after a time gap and that too in a new storyline altogether. These fiction shows were unable to garner similar kind of popularity in their subsequent seasonal runs thereby discouraging production houses from experimenting.

It was a positive sign when audiences started demanding for Season 2 of their favorite fiction shows, very well establishing the fact that they have matured over years and are ready for seasonal changes (if I may say so) on Television. This is what encouraged makers of Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha to be undeterred by the past performance and be the latest entrant in this list. The show is doing well on TRP which again indicates that audiences love the characters and will remain loyal if the comeback is equally strong and convincing.

And if sources are to be trusted; new shows to enter this list are Mann Ki Aawaz Pratigya,Dil Se Di Dua Saubhagyavati Bhav, Saas Bina Sasural and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge. Seems like 2013 is going to be a year of comeback of popular shows on Television and progress report of these shows will decide the fate of this concept in Indian Television.

Let's try to explore which of the two concept is better – Leap or Season 2.

In today's time, leap is ubiquitous part of storylines of all successful shows. So much so that, instead of being an ace in the hole, it has became more of a marketing gimmick deployed to combat low TRP's. TRP's are down; introduce a leap. And how? Very simple. Induce fights between the most compatible of couples on silliest of things; show them separated by either of one – devil, destiny or doom; start the leap with separation; create situations for umpteen unsuccessful encounters between the lead pair and a high voltage drama on their final rendezvous… And there you have the TRP. Or better still keep the lead pair together; show their all sanskari child grown up to match steps with the negative characters in the show; lead pair struggle to save their child from doom… And there you have the TRP. But then the story begins to drags again making way for yet another leap.

Reason for leap in shows varies but don't you agree that today almost all leaps have a similar beginning. And this medicine now tastes acrid due to over dosage. Think just like family dramas, we have had enough of leap drama as well. Seems instead of exploring new avenues in storyline, we have found respite in the shortcut – leap for regaining TRP's. But then it is not only the production houses to be blamed for.

According to Ekta Kapoor "If channels tell me today that we don't want a leap and we'll give you a three-month break and you start from where you leave the story, I will not do a leap". She insists that in the absence of a break, a leap is the only way out to bring freshness in serials. Most genuine concern of our channel partners is that only one out of four fiction shows actually succeeds, so why give it a season's break and run the risk of not getting the audiences back in such competitive times.

Actors believe that coming up with seasons in the show is an advantage as they get a break in between and then start afresh again. Even as an audience I feel that instead of dragging a show for years by introducing multiple leaps and end it on a meaningless note with low TRP's shows with successful stint should take a break and come back with a more crisper and better storyline. Obviously a fresh mind will be able to churn out more ingenuity then one being hackneyed. By doing so, we also eliminate the risk of shows being packed up due to work off requirements of leading actors of our dailies (as was the case with Saas Bina Sasural, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge).

Starting a fresh storyline in Season 2 or starting it with a leap for us it works both the ways. Only proposition is that all Seasons should be well planned and be able to deliver wholesome entertainment to the audiences as its forerunner. Indian audiences are addicted to shows and find solace in trials and tribulations of characters they relate to. Thus whether leap or seasons – give us something fresh and novel.

Leaps to be replaced with Season 2!! What a conspicuous idea? Which do you think is better – Leap or Seasons? Do let us know your views and comments on Twitter-iDubba and set reminders for your favorite shows on iDubba app..