Time and again we have seen similar shows being launched on two competing channels. Either the basic theme is similar or sometimes the entire story line is the same. So a few years back when Zee launched a show called “Ghar ki laxmi betiyaan” Star One launched a similar show “Betiyaan apni ya paraya dhan”. And then there was “Sabki Laadli bebo” on Star Plus and “Nanhi pari” on Colors. While a lot of controversies have happened over these shows, what I don’t understand is that what does a channel gain by launching a “Mee too” show?
Even if I give the benefit of doubt to the channels when it comes to some fiction shows like those mentioned above, I fail to understand why do they try and counter competition by a same genre show when it comes to the reality shows.
Often you will see that a Saregamapa on Zee being countered by a Voice of India on Star Plus, or a Dance India Dance competing with a Nach baliye of Dhoom machale on Star and Colors respectively.
This certainly is not a win-win situation for the channels because the same viewers are watching all the channels and this kind of bombardment only results in an overdose of singing or dancing for the audience resulting in an overall drop in the TVRs.
The latest in this trend is the launch of comedy shows – a supposedly IPL strategy for the channels.
Last week saw the launch of a ‘Comedy ka maha muqabbla’ on Star Plus and at the same time Colors has launched another show in the same genre called “Dekh video dekh” which is somewhat similar to America’ funniest home videos.
While one might argue that the show formats are different, we must also see the message that is going out to the audiences. Both of them are pitching themselves as a comedy show.
So if the content of one show is really very strong then it will do better. However I strongly feel that if the two had been launched at different points of time both the shows would have got better ratings.
I am not saying that the channels should not counter each other moves. But then why can’t they attack a comedy genre with a singing reality or a dance reality?
Why use a dance show against a dance show or singing show against a singing show?
If they really mix it up I am sure it will work better for the channels and they will also be doing a favour to the audiences.
