Actor Karan V Grover reflects on the significant changes in television over his two-decade-long career. From long-running shows to the premature closure of daily soaps, Grover observes that television has undergone a dramatic transformation. In the early 2000s, family dramas dominated the screen and left a lasting impression on viewers. However, as time progressed, these narratives became predictable. The rise of OTT platforms introduced new avenues for storytelling, offering audiences diverse content options. Consequently, TV shows now struggle to retain viewers due to repetitive formats and lack of innovation. Grover expresses a desire for television to explore genres beyond traditional ones, such as horror, comedy, children’s content, superhero shows, and sci-fi. He acknowledges the creative satisfaction offered by OTT platforms, which provide fresh approaches to storytelling and higher production quality.

A Journey Through Two Decades of Television

In the span of twenty years, actor Karan V Grover has witnessed television evolve from an era dominated by long-running family dramas to one where daily soaps frequently close prematurely. During the early 2000s, when soap operas were relatively new, they captured the hearts of many viewers. However, over time, these narratives grew repetitive, leading to disengagement. The emergence of OTT platforms revolutionized content consumption, providing audiences with a plethora of choices. As a result, viewers are less likely to remain engaged with monotonous storytelling. Grover highlights the need for television to break free from predictable narratives, particularly those centered around female protagonists as victims or sole problem-solvers. He wishes for more exploration of diverse genres on TV, including horror, comedy, children’s content, superhero shows, and sci-fi. Despite this, he remains content with the variety of roles he has played, from an 18th-century king in Dhruv Tara to a psychopathic lover in Udaariyaan. Grover believes that OTT platforms offer greater creative freedom and production quality, making them a preferred medium for innovative storytelling.

From a journalist's perspective, Grover's insights highlight the importance of adapting to changing audience preferences. The television industry must embrace innovation and diversity in storytelling to stay relevant. As viewers seek fresh and engaging content, it is crucial for creators to explore new genres and formats. The rise of OTT platforms serves as a testament to the evolving media landscape, offering both challenges and opportunities for the future of television.