Despite Bigg Boss 18's average ratings, the show has been extended—what's the reason behind this decision? Let’s dive into it.
Colors TV is making a smart move by shifting Bigg Boss 18 to a later time slot on weekdays, moving it to 10:30 PM, while the Weekend Ka Vaar continues at 9:30 PM. Post-10 PM, Colors' fiction shows tend to perform poorly, so launching new shows at that time wouldn't be a sound investment. For example, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak averaged only about a 0.8 TVR.
By airing Bigg Boss later at night, the channel can still attract viewers who might stick around for subsequent fiction shows. With Bigg Boss filling up at least two-thirds of the time slots, a steady average of 1.3 ratings across three slots can boost the channel’s GRP.
Had Bigg Boss 18 been a ratings hit, it would have retained its earlier time slot. But keeping it in the prime time slot with weaker ratings isn't ideal for the channel. This isn’t the first time Bigg Boss has been moved to a 10:30 PM slot, though.
Bigg Boss remains a flagship show for the channel, drawing significant attention, especially through its celebrity participants, who generate a lot of buzz on social media—something regular family dramas can’t compete with. However, the format is starting to feel stale. Audiences are growing tired of the constant drama and voyeuristic element, and many contestants now enter the show already well-prepared, making it harder for producers to create fresh drama.
The show’s declining ratings are a clear indication that the creators need to rethink its direction. As viewer preferences evolve, Bigg Boss must adapt to stay relevant. The format is expensive, and with Bigg Boss OTT now in the mix, the novelty has worn off after 18 years on air.
Taking a break could allow the creative team to regroup, rethink, and introduce new, exciting elements that could reignite the show’s appeal. Much also depends on the contestant lineup, and this season’s cast hasn’t quite clicked yet. Aside from Vivian Dsena and Karanveer Mehra, the rest of the participants have failed to make a strong impact.
Though the addition of wildcard contestants like Yamini Malhotra, Edin Rose, and Aditi Mistry brought some glamour, they haven’t yet had a major impact on boosting ratings.
While the current season might not be a breakout success, its extension could be a strategic move, capitalizing on the show’s longstanding popularity. The makers might be hoping for a late-season twist that could shift the ratings in their favor.