Ramayan, a popular show from the 80s is being re-aired on DD National for people to watch while they are in their homes during the lockdown imposed by the government of India to slow the spread of COVID-19.
On April 16th, the show becomes the highest viewed entertainment program in the world with over 7.7 crore viewers. According to Nielsen data, the finale episode of Game of Thrones gained around 1.36 crore viewers, while Ramayan drew 6 times more viewers and crossed GOT’s viewership by 7.7 crore viewers.
Thanks to all our viewers!!#RAMAYAN – WORLD RECORD!!
Highest Viewed Entertainment Program Globally. pic.twitter.com/rbuOzQXMek— Doordarshan National (@DDNational) May 1, 2020
The show that brings the nation to a standstill every time it is re-aired on DD National, has once again set striking records. Since the show was first aired in 1987, people eagerly waited for the show to begin every morning at 9 am as if it were a part of their daily morning routine. Till date, the tradition remains the same, where fans of Ramayan look forward to reminiscing their old memories linked to the show.
It is quite interesting to see DD National’s announcement regarding the delay in start of the show as PM Modi’s address to the nation was scheduled to broadcast on the same time that conflicted with its show timings. This shows what significance Ramayan holds in the lives of Indians.
However, the recent reports jointly given out by Nielsen and the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), a Television Audience Measurement in India, states that DD National’s viewership has dropped by 46% in week 16 since Ramayan transitioned into Uttar Ramayan.
For those who are unaware of what Uttar Ramayan is, it is a follow-up serial of Ramayan focusing on Lord Rama’s coronation and his twins Luv and Kush. It seems like people enjoy the story more in its tough victory of good over evil, where conflict remains the essence of a drama.
