The Math of launching a new show

It is indeed a tough job to be in the shoes of a programming head, for that matter in recent times, the shoe pinches even the channel’s marketing head. More so, when the channel is sliding down and has to do all it can to beat competition. Each time a new show is announced one tries to figure out the math that has probably gone into it to get it right. Sure, they get it wrong too but then, who except a few, have always got their math right? As I try and understand this complicated business of which show at what time and what channel and which actor and which production house and what genre I am more and more convinced that you have to be a mathematician to get it right. There has to be perfect calculation and the right permutation and combination. If you master the formula –which the channels are always trying hard to crack --- then the chances are you will get it right in the end. This week saw two new shows on two GECs- Raaz Pichle Janam Ka on NDTV Imagine and Pratigya on Star Plus. Raaz… is a reality show on past-life regression. Contestants on the show are hypnotised and then quizzed about their past lives. Produced by The Ideas Box, the television arm of Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Media (Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle and Karadi Tales) now delves in a heavy-duty adult TV show. I must admit I was glued to the show last night. Swati Singh, a homemaker from Bhopal, has a fear of flying. As the therapist delved into Swati’s past life, she revealed that she was killed in an air-crash. What was more shocking was the fact that the aircraft that crashed had also carried nuclear physicist Homi Bhabha! After Rakhi Ka Swayamvar and Pati, Patni aur Woh, Imagine has once again picked a winner. But I have two serious complaints- the timing and the choice of the host. A show like this cannot be aired at 9.30 pm. Grave (pun intented) subjects like this are not meant for an under-age audience. As for the host Ravi Kissen he looked lost, was awkward and over-dramatic. A total misfit. Coming to Pratigya, it is the story of an ordinary girl’s resolve to reclaim her respect. It started well and managed to sustain interest throughout. Apart from the story, what is worth a mention is Kunal K Kapoor, the paan-chewing Angad who plays the eve teaser. Pooja Gor as Pratigya is passable. The first episode was laudable but it’s too early to predict its fate. Moreover, as shows with social messages are currently in fashion this one better be different if it has to help put Star back in the race. Now, the crucial aspect of the time slots of both the shows. Raaz… airs at 9.30 pm which means it is pitted against half of Bigg Boss(which airs from 9-10pm), Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (the driver show for Star) and the critically acclaimed Ladies Special on Sony which though is on its last journey as it ends on Dec 11. Going by the interest generated in its launch episode Imagine may give the others some sleepless nights. Pratigya which airs at 10.30 pm competes with the highly rated Colors show, Na Aana Is Des Laado and Aap ki Antara on Zee. 10.30pm has been a sacrosanct slot for Star, hope it works for them yet again. For their sake one hopes they have got their math right. Read more...