2020 saw the launch of several shows on the small screen. While some failed to win hearts, others managed to strike a chord with the viewers. At a time when many viewers shifted to different OTT platforms, the head honchos of leading GECs tried experimenting with new themes and concepts to keep them hooked to their TV sets. Popular shows like 'Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke' and 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2' went off air after entertaining the fans for a long time.

The return of 'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya' on Indian television hogged all the limelight but the magic faded away in few weeks as the show couldn't set the TRP charts on fire, despite getting a good start. 'Naagin 5', which stars Surbhi Chandna and Ssharad Malhotra also couldn't replicate the success of the previous seasons. The supernatural drama opened well in August 2020 when Hina Khan played the lead but it witnessed a dip soon.

There are many shows, which emerged as underdogs and captured the attention of the viewers. From 'Anupamaa' to 'Ghum Hain Kisikey Pyaar Mein', many daily soaps became the favourite of the viewers in 2020. In this special edition, we will have a look at the most successful launches of the year.

Anupamaa

Rupali Ganguly and Sudhanshu Pandey starrer ' Anupamaa' was originally meant to launch at 9pm slot on Star Plus. However, COVID-19 crisis played spoilsport and the launch of the show got delayed. The channel decided to launch 'Anupamaa' at 10pm slot, shifting 'Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke' to a different time slot. While 'Anupamaa' continued to witness a rise, 'YRHPK' dipped with every passing week.

The show is the Hindi remake of Bengali daily drama 'Sreemoyee', which was launched on Star Jalsha last year. 'Anupamaa' proved that simple and sweet storyline with a dash of drama will always work if the makers are ready to provide something new on the platter.

Imlie

When Star Plus decided to replace 'Yehh Jadu Hai Jinn Ka' with 'Imlie' at 8:30pm, many fans believed if it was the right thing to do. After all, 'Imlie' was all set to compete with the ever popular 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah', 'Barrister Babu' and 'Tujhse Hai Raabta' in a time slot, which is quite tough to crack.

'Imlie' stars Sumbul Touqeer Khan, Gashmeer Mahajani and Mayuri Deshmukh in lead roles. The show has managed to beat 'TMKOC' to claim the slot leadership. The drama series has featured in the list of top-rated shows since its launch. The story of a tribal girl and a journalist has exceeded all the expectations of the fans and the channel.

Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin

Star Plus is on a roll in 2020. 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2' ended in October 2020 after enjoying a two-year successful run on the small screen. 'Shakti-Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki' dominated the 8pm slot as 'Guddan-Tumse Na Ho Payega' couldn't provide much competition to the social drama. All changed when 'Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin' was launched on October 5. The show, which is the remake of 'Kusum Dola', grabbed eyeballs from the first week. After an average start, it managed to beat 'Shakti' and claim the slot leadership.

The show stars Ayesha Singh, Neil Bhatt and Aishwarya Sharma in lead roles. The love story of Virat, Pakhi and Sai has resonated quite well with the viewers.

Ishq Mein Marjawan 2

'Ishq Mein Marjawan' season two might not be a TRP topper but it has performed quite well at an early evening slot.  It's hard to imagine a romantic thriller generating numbers at 7pm slot. After all, 'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya' dominated the slot for years and re-introduced the concept of saas bahu sagas on the small screen.

The new season of 'IMJ' features Helly Shah, Rrahul Sudhir and Vishal Vashishtha in lead roles.

Several leading channels including Star Plus, Colors TV, Sony TV and Zee TV are all set launch new shows next year. Will they prove to be successful or they will bite the dust soon like 'Dil Jaise Dhadke... Dhadakne Do' and 'Dadi Amma... Dadi Amma Maan Jaao'? Only time will tell.