'Showtime,' 'Aarya': Why a season is split into two parts
The "split season" model is a new trend in the world of OTT platforms. This approach, adopted by shows like Aarya, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, The Night Manager, and Showtime, involves releasing a season in two parts to grab more eyeballs. Although this strategy has received mixed reactions from viewers, it has the potential to enhance viewership. While the majority of the shows are still released in one go, this new trend signals a shift in the industry.
Split seasons allow for audience feedback
Sumit Roy, the writer of Showtime, explained to Hindustan Times that releasing a show in two parts allows for audience feedback after the first few episodes. He cites the example of Emraan Hashmi's character in Showtime, which was well-received by viewers. "When the marketing of part two started, we leaned in more on his character," he said. "In terms of episodes themselves, it didn't change our cut because it was already locked."
However, split seasons also pose risks
Despite the potential benefits of the split season model, it also carries risks. If the first part of a split season does not resonate with viewers, the show could fail. Filmmaker and writer Suparn S Varma acknowledges this risk, stating, "With binge-watching, once you have the audience hooked, you tend to get more from them." Varma has directed The Family Man and The Trial, among others.
Split seasons face challenges in India
The split season model is encountering obstacles in markets like India. Varun Gupta, founder-director of Max Marketing, told HT, "Split seasons are not giving the kind of results people were expecting." "As a viewer, you want to decide when you want to pause and when you want to watch, and if you want to watch a season in one go," explains Gupta. "The trouble is also that when the second part comes, many people have to revisit the previous part."
Actor Rajeev Khandelwal shares his perspective
Actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who appeared in Showtime, expressed his preference for releasing a season in one go, unless it ends on a cliffhanger. He shared his experience of not having answers for viewers who inquire about the release of the next part. "I am always at a loss of words for people who follow the show religiously," he told HT.
Makers must proceed with caution
International shows like Outlander and Bridgerton have recently followed the same trend. Commenting on this, Kevin McEwan, media director at Bonded Agency told Cosmopolitan, "Multiple popular shows, such as The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, have utilized this [strategy] before now, and ultimately, it's a way to keep viewers' attention on shows." "However, it's crucial to exercise caution with this strategy, as it's been observed that for certain series, viewership declined as the show reached its conclusion."
