It seems like yesterday that we were prepping up to welcome 2016. But, hey, the year is already over.
It was an eventful year for TV. From biggies foraying into small screen to some expected hits dying an untimely death, it has been a roller-caster ride. It’s time to recollect the ‘good and bad’ that happened in the year 2015. It’s time to move on, and look forward to a brighter tomorrow as the year 2017 embraces us…
So how has the year 2016 treated the TV buffs when it comes to its entertainment quotient? There were a lot of highs and some lows, but everything together made for the biggest headlines this year.
So starting today, over the month, we will bring you the best and the not so 'best' updates and memories of 2015 as part of our Year Ender section. Stay hooked for a lot of fun stuff guys...
The first in our list are TV shows that can be regarded as the ‘best’ that gave viewers wholesome joy…
Naagin and Naagin 2 (Balaji Telefilms) on Colors
Among the few seasonal shows in India, the Naagin franchisee broke all records. The fantasy tale of an Icchadari Naagin on a quest to avenge her parents’ death. Roping in a stellar star cast of Mouni Roy, Adaa Khan, Arjun Bijlani, Sudha Chandran among more, Naagin became an overnight success. Though many considered it to be regressive, the makers continued to rule the rating charts. From dramatic sequences, highlighted VFXs to a gripping storyline, Naagin had success written all over it. And not just rural but the urban market too have accepted the show and it is back with season 2.
The Kapil Sharma Show (K9 and Frames Productions) on Sony Entertainment Television
Every time the sun sets, it brings a hope of a new morning, brighter than the last one. Acclaimed and loved comedian Kapil Sharma can truly vouch for this. Post his fall out with Colors, he launched his show The Kapil Sharma Show on Sony Entertainment Television. Many expected it to not become as popular as his previous outing, but Kapil broke all shackles to prove that he could run an act wherever he wants. Luckily for him, his team supported his decision and stood by him. Today, this series is the number one non-fiction show.
Saath Nibhana Saathiya (Rashmi Sharma Productions) on Star Plus
Like wine, Saath Nibhana Saathiya has become stronger and more pleasurable over the years. Happily entertaining masses for ages now, the tale of Gopi is a success with almost everybody. The maker Rashmi Sharma is known to understand the pulse of the audience and Saathiya’s constant high ratings is proof. Many actors came and left, but the Modi clan continues to create magic. With the leap getting in a fresh set of actors, the love seems to have just doubled up.
Shakti (Rashmi Sharma Productions) on Colors
Another Rashmi Sharma show, there was speculation whether it would even run for a few months with its highly sensitive subject. For the first time a daily had a transgender as its lead and hats off to Rubina Dilaik for playing the role with so much conviction. Shakti slowly and steadily moved up the ladder and is currently in top three. It not only acts as an entertainment to viewers but also has a social message. Vivian Dsena who plays the lead gives ample support to the cause with his implacable performance.
Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Balaji Telefilms) on Star Plus
Yeh Hai Mohabbatein is the tale of Raman and Ishita aka Karan Patel and Divyanka Tripathi The actors became instant stars and the show fetched numbers along with love from all quarters. Today, after three years and more than 1000 episodes later, YHM continues to keep its core idea intact- a Punjabi munda and a South Indian woman, still trying to adjust in each other’s lives amidst the nok jhoks and prove themselves as perfect partners and parents. Apart from the performance, writing is the game changer for YHM.
Super Dancer (Frames Productions) on Sony Entertainment Television
How many reality shows with kids have we seen on TV? Numerous, isn’t it? Super Dancer, the show by Frames Productions broke all records to become the number one non-fictional show recently. The supremely talented kids and the loving judges-Geeta Kapoor, Anurag Basu and Shilpa Shetty- won hearts. Rithvik Dhanjani as the host was impeccable and fun. With no extra dose of drama, Super Dancer focussed on talent and performances and that, according to us, made it a winner. The series will soon end and we can’t help but hope a new season rolls out soon.
Kumkum Bhagya (Balaji Telefilms) on Zee TV
Zee TV’s only daily that manages to get number is criticised for repeating its story. But all said and done, Kumkum Bhagya is loved by the audiences like no other. So what actually worked for it? The characters! Abhi and Pragya (played by Shabir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha), and their journey to become one. The Balaji Telefilms drama also stars Leena Jumani, Shikha Singh, Vin Rana among others.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Neela Telefilms) on SAB TV
As the producer once told that the simplicity of Taarak story will help it go places. The sitcom continues to be one of the most-watched TV shows currently. The story of a society where neighbours and friends are as close and special as a family can be related by many. Without any overdose of drama, no villain and vamp, the show has already crossed the 2000 mark and is running strong.
Bahu Humari Rajni_Kant (Full House Media) on Life OK
Who thought that a robot could play the lead in a daily? Sonali Jaffer’s creative ideas got Life OK to churn out a comedy successfully. Starring newbie Ridhima Pandit as the robo bahu has not only become a national favourite, but is also one of the most-talked about serials. The industry too has been vocal about its support to a fun show.
Brahmarakshas (Balaji Telefilms) on Zee TV
With the fantasy tale Naagin giving Balaji Telefilms a new high, Ekta Kapoor decided to roll out another one, this time for Zee TV. The show, inspired from Bollywood horror flick Jaani Dushman, is a tale of a man who gets killed by his wife. Post his death, he turns into a beast who kills brides as revenge. Though the show shot off to the top, its craze has fizzled out a bit. However, it continues to rake in numbers and advertisers for its channel.
Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai (Edit II Productions) on &TV
When this ‘naughty’ show was launched, many felt that Indian audiences would not accept it. But it defied the buzz and instantly became the top show on &TV. We must add that more than the storyline, it is the casting that has worked for Bhabhiji. With talented actors and their flawless performances, Bhabhiji has become a hit. Though Shilpa Shinde’s (who played Angoori) exit created a stir, things have settled down and Bhabhiji continues to step up the ladder TRPs.
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