In just a few days, Bigg Boss is set to launch its seventeenth season. But unlike previous years, there is no buzz around the Salman Khan show this time. It’s not even a week before Bigg Boss 17 hits the screen, but there’s hardly any buzz, neither among industry folks nor on social media.
This time of the month was all about people discussing the theme and contestants of the show, Salman Khan’s massive fees (Rs 1000 crore, did you say?), and a big launch with all the trims. This year, fans are keeping quiet as the show and its makers follow suit.
Bigg Boss 17
So what is ailing this year’s Bigg Boss? Is it because fans have had enough of seeing the fights and the love stories? Or because it seems like the show is running around the clock? Or have they realized it’s no more as ‘real’ as they claim?
Bigg Boss OTT Hangover
Bigg Boss 16 wrapped up on February 12 this year, and even before people could get over it, Bigg Boss OTT 2 was announced. Launched in June, it was originally planned as a six-week series but was extended to eight. And it’s not even been two months since it ended when a full-fledged season is all set to launch. A senior executive from Endemol once shared with us how the first season of Bigg Boss OTT did quite well but Bigg Boss 15 failed to take off. “After the show is over, fans do feel FOMO for a while. Hence having a shorter season after the main show works but not otherwise,” they had shared. And it seems like the makers have the same issue in hand this time.
Primarily featuring YouTube stars, the OTT version went on to become the talk of the town while housemates Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Malhan, and Manisha Rani became fan favorites. With them still trending on social media and fan wars keeping them in the news, no one seems interested in investing more time in another contestant or another season.
No Big Name on the List this Year
Even with the names of contestants in the reckoning, nobody is sparking excitement. Bigg Boss 17 is about breaking that glass wall between a celebrity and their fans while they showcase their real side. But be it Ankita Lokhande or Isha Malviya, people already have seen them be candid on social media. Also, since the last few years, the show has been dominated by TV stars, and most are on the show to break out from their ‘bahu image’. We miss the times when cricketers, singers, or even politicians entered the house. So is there anyone who we want to know up close and personal anymore? We doubt it.
Couple vs Singles Theme
The show’s troubles have been compounded by the predictable theme of ‘couples versus singles’. Bigg Boss is a show where you get to see the real, wacky side of celebrities, and Bigg Boss 17 is expected to do the same. There have already been shows like Splitsvilla, Love School, etc which are related to romance and chemistry. Most of the fans have shown their displeasure regarding this format on social media. According to the promo, the game will also not be the same for everyone as some contestants will get some special powers. Fans have told the makers that they have always been biased towards certain contestants and with this new addition to the theme, they will get a free hand to push certain celebs in the game.
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While there were already too many TV shows to choose from, they have competition from OTT and web shows. The World Cup launched on October 5, and films are running once again to packed houses. There are just too many options for people to choose from. Also, one would always want to see something new rather than just watch the same thing over and over again. Also, another reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is set to launch soon on Sony TV with some big names from the entertainment industry.
Bigg Boss Fatigue
Most fans of the reality show have been talking about the ‘fatigue’ that has engulfed them over the years. Celebrities now come prepped up having watched the successful journeys of previous winners or popular contestants. They then try to mirror the same on the show, making themselves come across as fake. The format too has become repetitive with two contestants either falling in love or starting a war. Then of course there are a few, who are backed by makers to remain on the show for a long time. Given audiences already know how the season will pan out, why would they like to watch Bigg Boss for three months?
Conclusion
Bigg Boss 17’s lack of buzz and anticipation highlights the need for a reevaluation of the show’s format. The “OTT hangover” from Bigg Boss OTT 2 and the absence of major celebrity contestants have left fans uninspired. The “couple vs singles” theme has faced criticism, and the show now competes with a plethora of entertainment options, including OTT platforms and other reality shows.
The concept of “Bigg Boss fatigue” is also a pertinent concern, as viewers feel the format has become repetitive, with contestants emulating past successes and the show’s predictability. To regain its former glory, Bigg Boss may need to reinvent itself, bringing in diverse celebrity participants, exploring unique themes, and offering a fresh take on reality entertainment to captivate the audience once more.