Kaun Banega Crorepati season 9 is second-most watched show; propels Sony to third spot among channels

Amitabh Bachchan’s reality quiz show _Kaun Banega Crorepati_  (KBC) has touched a chord with audiences ever since the first episode aired on Indian television in 2000. Since then, people have loved the show — and not just because of the huge prize money it offers. [caption id=“attachment_3984477” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Amitabh Bachchan in Kaun Banega Crorepati 9. File Photo[/caption] In its ninth season run, KBC continues to be an audience favourite. Every day from Monday through Friday, audiences are glued to their TV screens, testing their general knowledge along with their family’s. According to the latest data by BARC  (Broadcast Audience Research Council, India), in the 35th week of the year (26 August to 1 September), KBC is at the second position among the top-watched shows in India. Due to this, the channel on which it airs, Sony Entertainment Television, has also climbed up the ladder and attained third spot among the top GECs (General Entertainment Channels) in the ‘Urban’ sector of the country, pushing Zee TV to the fourth spot. This season of KBC is aimed at involving the youth as well. Owing to the massive drift of the youth  towards the digital medium, Sony Entertainment Television reportedly has been actively seeking to get younger audinces involved in the show. According to a report by DNA, the show will 30-35 episodes long, spanning over six weeks and is tentatively going to return next year, as the makers plan to convert KBC into a recurring yearly show. The prize money has also increased to a whopping Rs 7 crore (as a bonus question that is activated only after a candidate wins Rs 1 crore). The audience is also given a chance to play the game during the run-time, that is, they can answer questions on their Jio TV screens as and when the show progresses. The trademark ’lifeline’ on the show, Phone a Friend has been revamped to Video Call a Friend. KBC has also introduced the concept of a ‘Jodidaar’ where a contestant can bring along a friend or family member to the show and take their help in answering questions, reports DNA.