TRP is not the right tool to judge a show’s success or failure: Smita Bansal

TRP Not the Right Tool for Show Success: Smita Bansal

Industry Shift Sparks Debate

TRP is not the right tool - TV ratings have long been a cornerstone of measuring audience engagement, but veteran actress Smita Bansal argues that TRP is not the right tool to evaluate a show’s success or failure. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) recently directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council to pause TV ratings until a new license under the Television Ratings Policy, 2026, is implemented. This shift has sparked heated discussions across the entertainment industry, with Bansal offering a critical perspective on the system’s limitations.

Challenging TRP's Relevance

With over 25 years of experience in television, including iconic roles in series like *Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii*, *Balika Vadhu*, and *Sanjivani*, Bansal has witnessed firsthand how TRP can misrepresent a show’s true impact. “TRP is not the right measure for content that resonates emotionally with viewers,” she states. “A single percentage can’t capture the essence of storytelling or the depth of audience connection.” Her skepticism stems from the belief that TRPs often prioritize quantity over quality, leading to the cancellation of well-crafted programs that fail to meet arbitrary thresholds.

“I’ve always found TRP’s methodology flawed,” Bansal explains. “The system relies on a narrow sample of households, which may not reflect the diverse audience a show actually reaches. If TRP is not the right tool, then how can it fairly assess the performance of a show that caters to millions?”

Limitations of the TRP Framework

Bansal highlights how the TRP framework fails to account for the unique dynamics of different demographics. “Every show is tailored to a specific audience—children, young professionals, or senior citizens. TRP is not the right gauge for such varied preferences,” she emphasizes. She argues that a show’s success should be judged by its ability to engage viewers on a personal level, not by a numerical score that can fluctuate based on sampling errors or time of day.

“High TRPs don’t guarantee a show is well-made, and low TRPs don’t mean it lacks value,” Bansal adds. “I’ve seen talented actors and compelling stories struggle with TRP numbers, while some popular programs suffer from poor writing or lackluster production. TRP is not the right sole indicator of a show’s worth.”

Rethinking Television Success Metrics

Bansal advocates for a more holistic approach to evaluating television content. “Instead of relying solely on TRP, we should consider other factors like critical acclaim, audience retention, and cultural impact,” she suggests. She points out that some of the most successful shows in history, such as *The Wire* or *Breaking Bad*, were not always high in TRP but left a lasting impression on viewers. “TRP is not the right tool,” she repeats, “because it reduces a complex form of entertainment to a single number, ignoring the multifaceted experience of watching television.”

Her perspective aligns with a growing movement within the industry to prioritize storytelling and artistic integrity over ratings-driven content. “The real measure of a show’s success is whether it connects with people on an emotional level,” Bansal says. “If TRP is not the right metric, then we should allow creators the freedom to focus on what truly matters: quality and authenticity.”

Returning to a New Format

After concluding her role in *Bhagyalakshmi* in June 2023, Bansal is now working on a limited-series military drama. This project, which has a fixed 30-episode structure, has allowed her to step away from the pressures of TRP. “TRP is not the right tool for shows with a clear narrative arc,” she notes. “With a finite number of episodes, the focus is on delivering a complete story rather than chasing ratings through mid-season twists.”

“The TRP system is great for long-running soaps, but it doesn’t work as well for content that has a defined endpoint,” Bansal explains. “As an actor, you know your character’s journey from the start, which makes the process more rewarding. I find this format refreshing and believe it’s a step in the right direction for television as a medium.”

Industry's Future and TRP's Role

Bansal’s critique of TRP reflects a broader conversation about the future of television metrics. As the industry evolves, she believes that TRP’s dominance should be challenged. “We need to rethink how we measure success,” she says. “TRP is not the right tool for every type of content, and the industry should embrace a more flexible approach.”

With the new policy in place, Bansal hopes that creators will have more autonomy in shaping their work. “If TRP is not the right measure, then we can focus on what truly matters—crafting meaningful stories that resonate with audiences long after the final episode airs.” Her insights underscore the need for a balanced evaluation system that values both viewer engagement and creative excellence.