Television not only serves as a means of entertainment but is also a medium to gain knowledge and information. While the onus lies with the news channels to provide information, the general entertainment channels did their bit by churning out quiz shows.

Siddharth Basu’s Mastermind led the way. This was followed by Derek O’Brien’s Bournvita Quiz contest and, in 2000 Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati broke all grounds with the show carrying prize money of Rs.1 crore.

In the subsequent years, Shah Rukh Khan replaced Bachchan in KBC 3 but the show couldn’t match the TRPs of the earlier season. SRK came up with a new show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai? but the results were even more damning. Now even as other Bollywood superstars join the bandwagon, the viewer somehow has distanced himself from such shows.

This throws up few questions. Is the Indian viewer bored of quiz shows? Is gaining knowledge no longer the first priority to watching such shows?

Mayur Lookhar spoke to few seasoned and Gen Next actors to find what’s their take on it.

The veteran’s take

Anoop Soni

The decline in quiz shows is brought about by two factors. Firstly, these regressive saas bahu shows are to be blamed for it. I consider these shows as an embarrassment for our country. Unfortunately, these shows serve as good business for the channels; so, there’ll be no end to them.

Secondly, television today is not just about gaining knowledge but entertainment too plays an important factor. Personally, I’d watch shows like Paanchvi Pass or Dus Ka Dum not just to gain knowledge but also for its entertainment value. That’s where the Shah Rukhs or the Salman Khans come into play. Also, besides these quiz shows there are a number of singing, dancing and what all reality shows. Perhaps, the viewer derives more entertainment out of them and ignores the quiz shows.

Kiran Kumar

No, I don’t think viewers are bored with quiz shows or that they don’t want to gain knowledge. It’s just that viewership is now segregated. Television is all about entertainment and that’s what every viewer wants be it quiz or any other show. Critics might have written off Paanchvi Pass but I personally, found it very nice.

Anang Desai

I wouldn’t say that viewers are bored of quiz shows nor do they no longer seek knowledge from such shows. If the existing shows haven’t done well then perhaps, the format hasn’t appealed to the viewers. Also, let’s not forget that a viewer has a choice today. After all, the remote lies in his/her hand.

Gen Next speaks up

Parul Chauhan

I’m not really aware of the exact picture but if it’s true then it’s a concern. Perhaps, a viewer today feels he’s got more knowledge and doesn’t need to upgrade it by watching such shows. As a viewer I make it a point to see my daily show and also the quiz shows. For me, gaining knowledge is of paramount interest.

While having said that, I must also give benefit to the viewers as, in this rapid age, they are so busy with their daily chores that they simply can’t bide time to watch such shows. There are also other distractions. However, I sincerely appeal to viewers to watch quiz shows.

Ragini Khanna

There is an audience for every show. When you talk of the quiz shows, they mainly appeal to the urban audience. I, as an urbanite, do watch Paanchvi Pass. Knowledge is not a sole criteria to view any show. What I look in a show is a blend of entertainment. The concept and the star value is apart of it.

Gaurav Khanna

If one goes by the TRPs, then one has to agree that quiz shows are out of flavour with the TV viewer. However, there’s huge difference between then and now. When Mr.Bachchan started KBC, Indian viewers were subjected to a fresh concept. When King Khan stepped in for the third season, viewers experienced a sense of déjà vu. Before one writes off Paanchvi Pass or Dus Ka Dum, we must take into account that numerous quiz shows are running across various channels but it’s only the one with the star value that merits some attention. If one strictly talks about gaining knowledge, then I’d watch Nat Geo, History channel or a Discovery.