Special Feature: Five stand-out fictions on Star Plus UK
Star Plus has been reigning UK ratings for the longest period anyone can remember. The broadcaster, which is renowned for churning out beautifully woven stories, has recently changed its approach by tapping into newer audiences with a new way of story-telling.
With competition increasing, demand for innovative shows on digital platforms growing and pressure on revenues, BizAsiaLive.com looks closely at five of the most popular fictions on Star Plus UK currently.
Kaahan Hum Kaahan Tum
Karan V Grover and Dipika Kakar have stolen hearts globally with this unique story about how a surgeon and a film actor juggle with their relationship owing to their hectic work schedules. The show has consistently done well in UK ratings and is riding high in the popularity charts. ‘Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum’ has been ruling the 20:00 slot across all Asian TV channels with a strong performance. However, with the fate of the show now hanging in the balance, it will be challenging for any new series to fill the vacant slot after this one bids adieu in mid-March.
Saathiya (re-run)
Star Plus’ UK afternoon schedule primarily consists of re-run shows from the old library. Recently, Star Plus UK ordered the re-broadcast of ‘Saath Nibhana Saathiya’, one of the channel’s longest running fictions. In its afternoon 60-minute slot, ‘Saathiya’ has proven to work a treat and is now amongst the most watched shows on the channel during its daytime schedule. Whether its the regular viewers, who want to re-watch the classic or new viewers wanting to taste the old ‘saas-bahu’ drama, ‘Saathiya’ being re-run in the afternoon band is certainly a good move.
Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke
Rajan Shahi’s second show on Star Plus is a regular chart-topper. The series at most occasions is outdoing its sister show, ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ in UK ratings. In its early evening slot of 18:00, ‘Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke’ has certainly found love with its core viewers tuning in day-in day-out. Recently, the channel moved the show to 18:30, which did not work as effectively as the 18:00 slot. Now, the show will be moving again to 19:00 from beginning of March, it will be interesting to see if its viewers will move with the new time. The show’s strong cast consisting of Shaheer Sheikh, Rhea Sharma, Ritvik Arora and Kaveri Priyam, has regularly beaten competition at the same time across all Asian TV networks.
Yeh Hai Chahatein
When ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’ ended in December, we’re sure channel executives were a little concerned about whether its replacement sister show ‘Yeh Hai Chahatein’ will be able to sustain the loyal viewership in the vacant slot. Over two months in, the result is out! ‘Yeh Hai Chahatein’ is a hit! The Ekta Kapoor produced series, has a different feel to its predecessor but a similar backdrop. ‘Yeh Hai Chahatein’ has managed to hold on to the previous ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’ fans, with consistent viewing figures being delivered. ‘Yeh Hai Chahatein’ is the No.1 fiction on the channel currently and no doubt the slot leader amongst all other rival shows at 19:30.
Diya Aur Baati Hum (re-run)
The popular show, which revolves around the saga of Sooraj and Sandhya, was the No.1 show when it first aired and once again, the cult classic series is ruling hearts in Star Plus UK’s afternoon slot. In its 30-minute time band at 14:30, ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’ has very much given a ratings surge to Star Plus UK, with consistently above average to high figures. Even though the show ended a few years ago, the popularity remains evident in the strong display of numbers for this show. On most occasions, ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’ is generating higher numbers than some of the prime-time shows.
It is also worth mentioning that ‘Sanjivani’, which started off well in UK ratings has witnessed a decline of late. Its recent change in story and characters, has not connected well with UK viewers and thus popularity has waned over time. It will soon be ending in the month of March.
