TV Thrived Before TRPs: Parichay Sharma on Content-Driven Future

“How do you get to know that a web series has done well? It’s the same. When something is a hit, whether it’s a movie or a web series, people talk about it. They share the content on social media, and there is a lot of buzz around it. Then, of course, you get to know that your product is good, no matter what,” he explained.

Sharma emphasised television’s resilience and potential. “Before the TRP era, TV survived. TV has a lot of potential. It’s the highest-reaching medium. So just because of TRPs, we are not able to utilize better stories, stories that are slow burners,” he noted.

He cited the web series Scam as a prime example of a successful slow-burn narrative. “If you see Scam, it was one of those web series. Sony’s reach was not that strong, nothing was there, but then it did very well. It was a slow burner. So if your product is good, of course, it will become the talk of the town,” Sharma said.

The actor believes this period without weekly ratings could positively influence content creation. “I think it will encourage them to create more content-driven stories and more slow burners. What happens in TV is that there’s always drama at its peak because of the TRP rat race. A little spicy food is required, but not in all four courses,” he remarked, advocating for balanced storytelling.

Sharma identified a critical challenge facing the medium — its disconnect with younger viewers. “That’s why the youth is getting far away from TV. TV is the biggest, highest-reaching medium, so it needs to change,” he observed.

He called for more inclusive programming that appeals across age groups. “It’s time for TV to understand and realize that its audience is mostly 40+ now. Why can’t we create content that a 20-year-old, a 40-year-old, and a 50-year-old can all enjoy?” Sharma concluded.

His perspective highlights a growing consensus within the industry that over-reliance on instantaneous metrics may have limited creative risks and narrative depth. By shifting focus toward quality storytelling and broader demographic appeal, television could potentially regain relevance among younger audiences while retaining its core viewership.

As Vasudha continues to engage audiences, Parichay Sharma’s insights reflect the hopes of many professionals who see the current TRP hiatus as a valuable reset moment. The coming months may determine whether broadcasters embrace this opportunity to prioritise meaningful content over short-term rating pressures, potentially ushering in a more sustainable and vibrant phase for Indian television.