One of India’s most iconic crime drama shows, CID, aired for 20 years, becoming a household favorite. But fans were left puzzled when it was abruptly taken off-air in 2018. Recently, Shivaji Satam, who played the beloved character ACP Pradyuman, shared the real reason behind the show’s closure.
A Clash Between the Makers and the Channel
According to Shivaji Satam, the show didn’t end because of poor ratings. CID was still competing with other popular shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. Speaking to Friday Talkies, Satam revealed that despite some minor TRP dips, the real reason was the growing tensions between the show’s creators and the Sony TV channel.
Changes in Show Timing Drove Fans Away
Initially aired at 10 pm, CID had a loyal viewer base, but sudden changes in the airing schedule disrupted its audience. Satam explained that the show started airing at 10:30 pm or even 10:45 pm, causing fans to slowly drift away. The unpredictable schedule made it harder for regular viewers to follow, leading to declining viewership over time.
Behind-the-Scenes Rift
Shivaji Satam hinted at a deeper issue between the producers of CID and the Sony channel. He mentioned that there were disagreements about the time slot and other operational decisions. However, for the cast, it wasn’t just a show—it was about loyalty, friendship, and teamwork.
“We were more than just colleagues. We were a family, a team that stuck together,” Satam said, reflecting on the strong bond that made the show a success.
CID’s Legacy
CID, which first aired in 1998, ran for two decades, making it one of the longest-running television shows in India. Created by B.P. Singh, the crime-solving adventures of ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Abhijeet (played by Aditya Srivastava), Inspector Daya (Dayanand Shetty), and Dr. Salunkhe (Narendra Gupta) became iconic.
Fans continue to miss the show’s thrilling cases and the bond between the cast, even years after its closure.
