Sony hits jackpot with KBC in HSM metros

Indiantelevision.comTeam

(19 August 2011 7:50 pm)

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan, a.k.a Big B, has done it again for Sony Entertainment Television (Set).

Sony, which was eyeing a permanent third spot among the Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC) with Kaun Banega Crorepati season 5, was in for a surprise with the TAM mid-week ratings.

KBC has become the leader show in the non-fiction genre and SET the No. 1 channel, according to data provided by Set for three metros (Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata).

KBC has debuted with a 5.24 TVR on 15 August at the 8.30 pm slot, according to TAM mid-week data for the three metros.

KBC and two weekday fiction shows – Saas Bina Sasural and Bade Acche lagte Hain - pushed the channel ahead of Star Plus as it gained 111 GRPs (gross rating points). Star Plus, Colors and Zee TV followed with 106 GRPs, 100 GRPs and 63 GRPs respectively.

An elated Set Sr. EVP and business head Sneha Rajani said, "Mr Bachchan has once again proved that line starts from where he stands. We are delighted with the performance of KBC. These numbers show that we have yet again touched a chord with our viewers. The impressive opening numbers for KBC is an emphatic endorsement of our promise of delivering wholesome family entertainment has worked across the length and breadth of the country."

Set also said that KBC 5 debut has even surpassed other reality shows on rival channels this year. It said that India's Got Talent on Colors had opened with a 4.5 TVR, followed by Just Dance on Star Plus (4 TVR) and Fear Factor khataron ke Khiladi Torchar (3.7 TVR).

In the last season (first season on Set), KBC had opened at 5.34 TVR. However, it was a one-hour show then; this time, the length of the show has increased by another half-hour.

Rajani said that her aim is to consolidate at No. 3, and grow from there. "KBC has given us a good start and all other shows are showing growth. We have the plan for the next six months ready."