“Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) has been a fixture on Indian television for years, and it is celebrated for its engaging format and the charismatic presence of Amitabh Bachchan.
Once a cultural phenomenon, the show has seen its viewership decline significantly, with disappointing ratings for its 2024 season, as per media reports.
This drop in popularity raises the question: Why is this once-dominant show finding it hard to win back its audience?
Several factors are at play, including changing viewer tastes, format fatigue, and increased competition.
So is the ‘KBC’ fever over now?
One major reason for KBC’s decline is the shift in how people consume television. With the rise of digital media and streaming platforms, audiences now have access to a wide range of content that is often more interactive and varied. Shows on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime offer binge-worthy series and innovative formats that engage viewers in ways KBC’s traditional quiz format might not. In contrast to the complex, serialized storytelling of streaming content, KBC’s straightforward quiz show format can feel repetitive and less dynamic to today’s viewers.
It is that same old format! Creating fatigue amongst viewers.
Another issue is format fatigue. KBC has stuck to a consistent format for years, and while stability can be an advantage, it can also lead to predictability and boredom. The basic premise of asking questions for cash prizes has become familiar and perhaps even stale to many viewers. The show’s format has been imitated by other quiz shows both in India and around the world, which can make KBC seem less special and engaging. With significant updates or innovations, KBC can avoid becoming monotonous, which can drive viewers away.
The competition has never been fiercer!
Shows like “Khatron Ke Khiladi” attract large audiences with their mix of adventure, drama, and high-stakes challenges. These programs offer a more varied and exciting viewing experience than KBC’s traditional quiz format. Additionally, reality TV and other game shows incorporating personal stories and celebrity drama have become more popular, capturing viewers’ interest who might otherwise tune in to KBC. With so many engaging options, KBC’s more straightforward approach struggles to hold its audience’s attention.
Also, the marketing remains one poignant part!
The marketing for KBC 2024 has also been a concern. Despite extensive promotional efforts, the show hasn’t generated the buzz it once did. This suggests a possible disconnect between the show’s marketing and what today’s viewers are looking for. Effective marketing needs to reach potential viewers and resonate with their current interests. If the promotional strategies fail to capture the show’s essence or align with the audience’s wants, even a well-established show like KBC can struggle to draw viewers.
The decline in KBC’s impact can be traced to a mix of factors: changing viewer preferences, format fatigue, increased competition, and marketing missteps.
While KBC remains an iconic part of Indian television, its traditional format and lack of innovation might not be enough to sustain its former popularity.
As the media topography evolves, KBC will need to adapt and innovate to recapture the interest of modern audiences. Without significant changes, the show risks becoming a nostalgic relic, overshadowed by today’s vast entertainment options.