CID Season 2 Struggles to Recapture Past Glory as Viewership Numbers Disappoint

The much-anticipated return of the iconic Indian crime drama, CID, with its second season, has unfortunately not lived up to the hype. Despite generating considerable buzz and nostalgia among fans, the show has been facing unexpectedly low viewership numbers, raising concerns about its future.  

A Legacy of Crime-Solving and Nostalgia

CID, which originally aired from 1998 to 2018, holds a special place in the hearts of Indian television viewers. The show’s enduring popularity stemmed from its engaging crime mysteries, the charismatic lead characters, and the sense of nostalgia it evoked. The news of a second season was met with excitement, with many hoping to relive the magic of the original series.  

High Expectations, Disappointing Reality

The return of veteran actors Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman, Dayanand Shetty as Senior Inspector Daya, and Aditya Srivastava as Senior Inspector Abhijeet further fueled the anticipation for CID Season 2. However, the show’s premiere in December 2024 failed to deliver the expected viewership numbers.  

Dismal Ratings Tell a Story of Disconnect

According to the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ratings for week 2 of 2025, CID Season 2 ranked a dismal 28th among the top Indian television programs, with a Television Viewer Rating (TVR) of just 0.8. This starkly contrasts with the show’s predecessor, which was once a dominant force in Indian television.  

Comparison with Other Shows Highlights the Struggle

The low ratings become even more concerning when compared to other popular shows. For instance, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, a long-running comedy series, secured the third position with a TVR of 2.3 in the same week. This means that CID Season 2 garnered a staggering 65.21% less viewership than Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.  

Possible Reasons for the Viewership Decline

Several factors could be contributing to the disappointing performance of CID Season 2:

1. Changing Viewer Preferences: The television landscape has evolved significantly since the original CID went off the air. With the rise of streaming platforms and a plethora of new content options, viewers have become more discerning in their choices.
2. Nostalgia May Not Be Enough: While nostalgia can be a powerful draw, it may not be sufficient to sustain a show in the long run. Viewers expect fresh and engaging content that caters to contemporary tastes.
3. Competition from Other Shows: CID Season 2 faces stiff competition from a variety of popular daily soaps and reality shows that have captured the attention of viewers.  
4. Lack of Innovation: The second season may not have introduced enough new elements or innovative storytelling techniques to differentiate itself from the original series.
5. Marketing and Promotion: The show’s marketing and promotional efforts may not have been effective in reaching a wider audience.

The Future of CID Season 2

The low viewership numbers raise questions about the future of CID Season 2. While it is still early days, the show needs to make significant improvements to attract more viewers and justify its continuation.

Possible Strategies for Improvement

Here are some potential strategies that the makers of CID Season 2 could consider:

1. Introduce Fresh Storylines and Characters: The show could benefit from introducing new and intriguing storylines that resonate with contemporary audiences. Adding fresh characters could also inject new energy into the series.
2. Enhance the Visual Appeal: Improving the production quality and visual effects could make the show more appealing to modern viewers.
3. Increase Marketing and Promotion: A more aggressive marketing and promotional campaign could help raise awareness about the show and attract new viewers.
4. Engage with the Audience: Interacting with viewers on social media and other platforms could help build a stronger connection and generate more interest in the show.
5. Consider a Shift in Format: The makers could explore the possibility of experimenting with the show’s format, such as introducing shorter seasons or focusing on specific themes.

Final Thought

CID Season 2’s struggle to attract viewers is a reminder that nostalgia alone cannot guarantee success. The show needs to adapt to the changing television landscape and offer compelling content that resonates with contemporary audiences. Whether the makers can successfully address these challenges remains to be seen.