Telly Trends 2018: Superstars to supernatural

From long-running shows abruptly going off the air (CID) to old ones (Khichdi, Kasauti Zindagi Kay) returning in a 2.0 avatar, from the resurgence of supernatural shows (Naagin, Qayamat Ki Raat) to unexpected twists in the reality show space, it was an action-packed year on the small screen. The comedy genre saw the revival of Comedy Circus after five years, and most significantly, the onset of a clash between Sunil Grover and Kapil Sharma, who are back on TV with different shows. Read on to find out what worked and what did not in the year gone by.

A spell of supernatural

Daayans, naagins and tantriks invaded the small screen. Currently, half-a-dozen shows on air have a supernatural connect, be it horror or thriller. It started with Naagin 3, which became the numero uno show in its first week. Qayamat Ki Raat and Nazar followed, leading to a surge in the supernatural shows. Recently four shows, Manmohini, Tantra, Daayan and Vish Ya Amrit: Sitara have been launched, which are trying to cast their spell on the viewers.

Reality bites

The reality space threw some surprises. Superstar Salman Khan’s debut TV show Dus Ka Dum made a comeback after nine years, but failed to deliver a punch. A change in time slot did help, but it was too late to change its downward spiral. In fact, even Bigg Boss 12 turned out to be an insipid fare. The contestants haven’t been exciting, neither have there been any dramatic twists in the show. However, Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati, in its 10th season, continued to be the top-rated show for the channel proving that the megastar rishtey main aaj bhi sabke baap lagte hain!  Even music and dance talent hunts like Indian Idol, Super Dancer, Dance Deewane and DID Li’l Champs had a good run in 2018.

Soap opera

Though new shows are being launched at regular intervals, it’s the old guard that continues to rule, whether it’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah that has completed a decade, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai that has finished 2800 episodes or Kumkum Bhagya, which has been airing sine four-and-half-years. Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, too, has maintained its top position for three years. Interestingly, Kumkum Bhagya’s spinoff Kundali Bhagya is the one giving tough competition to the former. New entries like Kullfi Kumarr Baajewala, Radha Krishn and Ishq Subhan Allah also made it to the top 10 shows with a rating of above 2. Romantic serials with crackling chemistry between the lead couple had the viewers rooting for them.     

Kuchh toh gadbad hai

The biggest shocker was the yanking off of the detective drama CID abruptly. The crime show that had been running for 20-odd years bid adieu with the promise of returning in a new avatar. However, Daya (Dayanand Shetty) in an interview said it was sudden and when the channel informed him, he actually thought it was a prank! Shivaji Satam aka ACP Pradyuman stoically maintained it was the channel’s decision. Something seems amiss here, and we need ACP and Daya to solve it pronto!   

REBOOTs   

The year saw three iconic shows — Khichdi, Shriman Shrimati (SS) and Kasautii Zindagi Kay (KZK) — being rebooted. While Khichdi had the same actors reprising their roles, KZK and SS chose an all-new cast. However, none of them could recreate the magic of the originals. While the wacky comedy had a good opening, it lost out to competition from IPL. Even SS did not come anywhere close to the earlier version. However, Anurag-Prerna’s love story (KZK) after a poor start is doing slightly better, though it has a long way to go.

No history lessons

None of the historicals —Prithvi Vallabh, Porus, or period dramas — Karn Sanghini, Dastaan E Mohabbat Salim Anarkali found takers. While the historicals went off air within a few months of the launch, Karn Sanghini is rating very low on the charts and so is the love story of Salim and Anarkali, which will soon have a different time slot. Chandragupta Maurya which began where Porus ended is hoping for a turnaround as the year ends, but looks like viewers are in no mood for history lessons.

Exits, Debuts and replacements

Anu Malik was caught in the #MeToo movement and after being accused of sexual harassment by three women, he had to exit Indian Idol that he was judging. Sonali Bendre, who was part of the jury of India’s Best Dramebaaz, bowed out after being diagnosed with cancer and Huma Qureshi took over. Anup Soni, who hosted Crime Patrol for eight years, quit this year. Others who left the shows mid-way are Chitrangda Singh (DID Li’l Masters) and Sona Mohapatra (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa). Kunal Kemmu, who was to make his TV debut with Kanpur Wale Khuranas, opted out at the last minute and Aparshakti Khurana took over. Others who made their debuts this year include Jaya Prada (Perfect Pati), Lara Dutta (High Fever — Dance Ka Naya Tevar) and singer Guru Randhawa (Love Me India).