The Year Ahead: New shows to watch out for in 2017

Quite a few general entertainment channels underwent revamp in 2016 and announced refreshed content line-ups. The new shows set to hit the small screen span genres – ranging from family dramas to historical sagas to talent hunt shows as well as shows specifically targeted at the male viewers. 

Sony

Sony, which recently completed 21 years, has revamped itself to connect more with the millennials and is coming up with a refreshed content line-up in the year 2017. The channel launched its popular singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’ in December 2016 with the original trio judges on board – Sonu Nigam, Farah Khan and Anu Malik. Further strengthening its weekday fare, Sony is coming up with historical show ‘Peshwa Bajirao’. Also launching on weekdays will be a new show, ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’ starring Ejaz Khan and Niyati Taylor. 

Colors

Continuing with its focus on shows revolving around women empowerment, Colors recently launched ‘Ek Shringar Swabhimaan’. January 2017 will see the channel launch its new reality show, ‘The Rising Star’, which will be judged by Shankar Mahadevan. 

Star Plus

Targetted at its female viewers is new show ‘Thaali’ on Star Plus. Starring Shakti Arora and Mansi Srivastav, ‘Thaali’ is the story of three sisters and said to be Season 2 of the popular show ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’. Sprucing up Star Plus’ weekend line-up will be singing reality show ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’, which will be judged by Karan Johar, Shekhar Ravjiani, Badshah and Shalmali Kholgade. The show hits the small screen on January 7 at 8 pm. 

Life OK

Taking a somewhat different route, Life OK is seeking to draw in its male viewers even as it endeavours to create social awareness about women’s plight in a male-dominated society, especially in small towns. Two such shows lined up for launch are ‘Ghulam’ and ‘Har Mard Ka Dard’. 

TLC

Lifestyle channel TLC too has announced a scintillating line-up of new series. The content line-up includes recently announced shows like ‘Living With A Superstar: Saif Ali Khan’, which will present an uninhibited access into the personal and professional life of the Bollywood star. 

In addition to a variety of food and travel-based series, viewers can also look forward to a new line-up of short-form shows as well as unique concepts, including: ‘Ishq Online’ – a dating show that helps women use technology to find their soulmate; ‘Three’ – a real-life series in which three friends are looking for love together; ‘Pyaar Possible’ – a real-time look at the world of online dating; ‘Ladki Bani Beautiful’ – a makeover series that will resolve women’s issues regarding fashion and much more.

Zee Entertainment

Taking storytelling beyond boundaries, Zee Entertainment Enterprises has announced the launch of its new celebrity chat show, ‘Starry Nights’, exclusively for international territories. Hosted by top trade analyst, Komal Nahta, the show promises to reveal his fun and witty side as he indulges in heart-warming and hilarious conversations with Bollywood celebrities. Produced in-house, ‘Starry Nights’ premieres on Zee’ international channels in the first week of January 2017.