The Idiot Box and the Not So Idiotic Shows

Statutory Warning: Do not expect any mega-serials in this list.

1. Kalakapovadhu Yaaru: A sensible program on Vijay TV, which is religiously replicated in all the other channels. Yet, this is the best. Shivakarthikeyan and Gokulnath steal the show every time. S Ve Shekar did justice to his role as the judge. He is not to be seen these days. Uma Riaz proved herself through her extended cameo in Anbe Sivam. And continues to do the same here. Go easy on your makeup lady!

2. Champions of the World: An ‘eat cricket, sleep cricket, drink cricket’ quiz show hosted by the versatile Harsha Bogle. His charm, grace and the way he teases college kids with his out-of-the-world cricket questions are a must watch.

Here are a few sample questions he throws at the show. ‘How many people in Stand B gave a standing Ovation when Azharuddin hit his first century’ or ‘Connect the following fast bowlers: A, B, C, D’. Don’t you know. All these bowlers swing their arms 5 times before delivering the ball. Out of the world right? That’s what the show is all about.

3. BSNL Sports Quiz: Sumanth C Raman, who hosts this program since time immemorial, is South India’s Harsha Bogle. I haven’t seen anyone talk so fast and so clearly at the same time. Not one to mince words even once, he is a tad better than Harsha as his syllabus covers the entire sports encyclopaedia.

4. Bournvita Quiz Contest: Need I even say anything?

5. Crazy Mohan Shows: Anyday, Anytime.

6. Lollu Sabha: A movie spoof program. Trying hard not to lose its TRP as the main actors are offered meatier roles on the silver screen.

7. Koffee with Karan : Don’t judge Karan Johar by his fairytale movies. He is brilliant and witty in real life. See how actors fare when they are asked to speak their own dialogues.

Lara Dutta wins hands down. What spontaneity. What humor!

Aishwarya: Diplomatic

Shahrukh : Dramatic

Himesh : Pathetic

8. Koffee with Anu: Star World’s adaptation of the above program for its south Indian cousin Star Vijay. Saroja Team did a one-of-the-sorts good show.

9. Hari Giri Assembly: Two college seniors Bhaski and Sethu ragging the freshers who incidentally are eminent people mostly from the film fraternity.

10. Tony B Show: A lighter version of the above program on Channel V. Shankar Mahadevan was laudable. The opponent has to be a real sport to handle Tony B’s interview. Otherwise, it becomes a flop like the one with Manish Arora.

11. F.R.I.E.N.D.S: Of course.