The Indian reality television landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, as exemplified by the contrasting fortunes of two major shows. While Ashneer Grover’s “Rise & Fall” captivated 5 million viewers on OTT platforms, its television performance tells a starkly different story. This trend highlights a significant divergence in audience consumption, mirrored even by the long-standing powerhouse “Bigg Boss 19.”
Digital Dominance vs. Television Turmoil
Once considered the ultimate battleground for viewership, traditional television ratings are now facing unprecedented challenges from digital streaming. The numbers reveal a clear winner in the digital space for both prominent reality shows:
- Ashneer Grover’s OTT Success: “Rise & Fall,” hosted by “Shark Tank India” fame Ashneer Grover, secured the second spot in OTT viewership for the week of September 22-28, 2025, attracting 5 million views. Grover reportedly commands a fee of Rs 7-10 lakh per episode for his role.
- “Rise & Fall”‘s TV Plunge: Despite its strong digital presence, “Rise & Fall” suffered a dramatic decline on television. After an initial strong debut, it plummeted to 40th place with a Television Viewership Rating (TVR) of just 0.1, failing to enter the top twenty programs by October 3, 2025.
- “Bigg Boss 19” Leads OTT: Salman Khan-hosted “Bigg Boss 19” dominated non-fiction OTT viewership during the same week (September 22-28, 2025), securing 7.5 million views on JioHotstar.
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The TRP Plunge Explained
Even established shows like “Bigg Boss 19” are not immune to the shifts in audience viewing habits, as evidenced by its recent television performance:
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- “Bigg Boss 19” TV Decline: “Bigg Boss 19” saw its television ratings drop significantly. Prior to October 2, 2025, it held a respectable 9th spot with a TVR of 1.4. However, by October 3, 2025, it further declined from 11th to 20th position.
- Audience Feedback: Reports suggest audience feedback indicates “Bigg Boss 19” has become less engaging, contributing to its slide in traditional TV ratings.
Grover’s Salman Khan ‘Tamasha’ Controversy
Adding fuel to the reality TV fire is the ongoing dynamic between Ashneer Grover and “Bigg Boss 19” host Salman Khan.
- Wildcard Offer: Ashneer Grover was reportedly offered a wildcard entry into “Bigg Boss 19” on October 1, 2025, which he humorously suggested discussing with Salman Khan.
- Criticism of Khan: Grover has reportedly criticized Salman Khan for overshadowing contestants on “Bigg Boss 19,” although some sources imply this tension could be a media-created spectacle for dramatic effect. This “Salman Khan tamasha” has been widely reported.
Conclusion:
The latest viewership data from September and October 2025 paints a clear picture: reality television’s battleground is rapidly shifting to OTT platforms, with even major shows struggling to maintain their hold on traditional TV. The impressive digital reach of “Rise & Fall” and “Bigg Boss 19” contrasts sharply with their television struggles. What do these numbers tell us about the future of reality TV, and what strategies do you think shows need to adopt to thrive across both digital and linear platforms? Share your thoughts on this evolving entertainment landscape.