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The same TVR data has given rise to conflicting analyses

Satyamev Jayate, Aamir Khan’s much-awaited television debut, has created an impact on several levels with even apathetic politicians commenting on the show. However, when it comes to the show’s ratings, we’ve been hearing contradictory reports. While a few claim it has done very well indeed, others have run it down. Ironically, both sides have based these theories on the same data.

According to the TAM data released by the channel, the first episode of Satyamev Jayate managed to garner just 3.02 TVRs on Star Plus, making it the 12th most-watched show on a Hindi channel for the week ending May 12. Compare this to the fact that other celeb-hosted shows have opened with much higher ratings – especially Kaun Banega Crorepati season 5 (5.24), Just Dance (3.68) and Bigg Boss 5 (4.25). Sure looks like Aamir doesn’t have the same draw as his fellow B-towners, huh? That’s when we asked ourselves, how is that possible? We’ve got innumerable comments about the show from viewers outside India too, plus people everywhere are talking about it. How is it possible that Satyamev Jayate even became a trending topic on Twitter if it has not done even moderately well, TVR-wise?

But tilt your head just a bit and look again. The TVR mentioned above is only for Star Plus. You’ll surely recall that Satyamev Jayate was telecast simultaneously on multiple channels on the Star network and on Doordarshan. It’s simple math that this simulcast also divided the viewers, automatically bringing down the TVR of Star Plus. In which case, what is the overall rating for the show? If you include all the channels (even Doordarshan), Satyamev Jayate has garnered 4.27 TVRs. Now that’s not so bad, is it? It’s even higher than Just Dance and Bigg Boss 5! Of course it’s not as high as KBC, but hey, SJ is not a game show. In fact for an issue-based show that doesn’t air on prime time, it’s done incredibly well.

Wethink Aamir should give himself a pat on the back, for he has once again done the impossible. He’s put together a show that doesn’t follow established trends – tempting viewers with the chance to win obscene amounts of money, or getting to know more about their fave celebrities. He talks about social issues, tries to involve citizens in social change and yet interests enough viewers to keep advertisers happy. Not a mean feat at all. Aamir, take a bow.

ALSO READ: SATYAMEV JAYATE: Katrina Kaif is yet to watch Aamir Khan’s show!