From Bigg Boss Telugu 3 to Subhadra Parinayam: Best and most disappointing Telugu TV shows of 2019

In 2019, telly audience had a good platter of entertainment with some new fiction and non-fiction. While the fiction space has embraced some unconventional tales, a few non-fiction shows have indeed caught the attention of the country. Here’s a quick look at the best and most disappointing TV shows that were launched this year.

The recently concluded third edition of Bigg Boss Telugu hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni has recorded the highest ratings for the popular reality TV series in Telugu. The controversial show that was abuzz much before its launch not only marked the comeback of Nagarjuna as a TV host after Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu season 3, but also brought back Varun Sandesh, the young heartthrob of the 2000s, into the limelight. Entertaining the masses for over three months, the season witnessed a nail biting climax with Telugu superstar-MEK 4 host Chiranjeevi as the special guest. The grand finale episode crowning playback singer-independent musician Rahul Sipligunj as the winner has garnered the highest TRPs ever for the show.

The daily soap that launched in May this year soon made it into the top 5 shows of the TRP charts within no time and has consistently sustained its viewership since its launch. The show revolves around Sita, the female protagonist, who sacrifices motherhood for the sake of her three brother-in-laws. The old wine in a new bottle that celebrates middle class family emotions has struck a chord with the masses. It also marks the Telugu TV comeback of actress Sujitha after a long time.

The game show was indeed a whiff of fresh air for viewers. In the show, actors of the shows aired by the same channel musically fight it out to win the game. The show debuted with Jhansi as its host and has won many hearts. Start Music is now aired in Bengali and Malayalam and is performing well, as per sources. The second season of the show ‘Start Music Reloaded’ marked the TV comeback of Bigg Boss Telugu 3 runner up Sreemukhi as a host.

Ace TV host Jhansi indeed made her TV comeback after a sabbatical with the non-fiction show Parivaar league that features actors of daily soaps aired by the same channel pitted against each other. This refreshing attempt by the channel was also aimed at promoting their daily soaps besides entertaining fans. The series has launched its second season hosted by Jhansi recently.

Gorintaku featuring Kavyashri as Srivalli, a strong-headed independent woman who crosses paths with a goon named Parthu, has left the fans of Telugu daily soaps impressed within a brief span of time. The show that deals with the love story of the goon and the widow with family as her prime priority struck a chord with the middle class audience with its chalk and cheese characters, compelling plot and storytelling is currently the third most watched TV show, TRP report suggests.

Adventure-based reality shows mostly had a tough run on Telugu television and the recently concluded reality TV show Heroes hosted by Lakshmi Manchi is no exception. It was touted to be the first Telugu non-fiction show to be shot exclusively offshore (Thailand). But the show that was pitted against Bigg Boss Telugu season 3 failed to make noise and its performance on the TRP chart was not as expected. The show that boasts of an ensemble cast including ex-Roadies contestant Milind Chandwani, ‘Jabardasth’ Ramprasad, Tejaswi Madivada, Vidyullekha Raman et al is unarguably one of the most disappointing shows of the year.

Prem Nagar was easily one of the much anticipated TV shows of the season. The TV debut of veteran actress Vanisri is one of the key reasons behind the sky high expectations. However, the family drama failed to live up to the expectations and its performance on the TRP charts only proves the same.

Pradeep Machiraju’s Koncham Touch lo Unte Chepta is one of the successful chat show series on Telugu television. However, the recently shelved fourth edition of the show couldn’t measure up to the expectations with its celebrity line-up. With Bigg Boss Telugu season 3 in the same slot, the show has eventually witnessed a dip in its viewership, going by the TRP charts. Before things could fall into the groove, the show’s host quit the show mid-way owing to his ankle injury and the show was soon plugged off.

The latest season of music reality show ‘Super Singer’ also belongs to the list of most disappointing shows of the year. Despite having a celebrated judge panel and the most happening music composer SS Thaman as the ‘Super’ judge, the show failed to impress the telly audience with its content.

The family drama featuring Chaithra Reddy and Baladithya in the leads deals with the age old brother-sister relationship. TV’s most popular face Baladithya also couldn’t help the show garner an encouraging start. With no significant buzz on social media and the TRP charts, Subhadra Pariyanam is one of the biggest disappointers this season.