The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show: Why It Didn’t Click on Netflix

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

Let’s be honest – when I first heard Kapil Sharma was coming to Netflix, I was actually excited. A global platform, Indian comedy, and Kapil’s iconic team? Sounded like a great mix! But after watching the episodes and reading what others had to say, it’s clear: something didn’t click. Here’s my take on why “The Great Indian Kapil Show” struggled on Netflix.

1. The Format Felt… Dated

As someone who’s seen Kapil since the “Comedy Nights” and “TKSS” days, I couldn’t help but notice how the show still followed the same old format. It’s like watching a rerun with a shinier set. Audiences today expect fresh storytelling or some kind of reinvention, especially on platforms like Netflix. But here? Same sofa, same side characters, and mostly the same jokes.

2. The Guest List Was Star-Studded, Yet Predictable

Yes, getting Ranbir Kapoor, Rohit Sharma, and even Ed Sheeran is cool. But the conversations were too scripted. If I wanted that, I’d just watch old interviews or promos. On Netflix, we expect raw, real, and unpredictable. This felt more like a PR parade than fun banter.

3. Not Made for Binge-Watching

Let’s admit it – binge-watching is how Netflix works. But Kapil’s show is built for weekly TV-style viewing. There’s no real hook to keep watching multiple episodes in a row. I watched one, maybe two, then left the rest. That’s not how I behave with most Netflix shows!

4. Global Platform, Local Vibes – Not a Bad Thing, But…

I love desi comedy. But if you’re on Netflix, there’s a global audience tuning in. That means either subtitle support has to be super sharp, or the humor needs to be more universal. Here, some jokes just didn’t translate well. And that’s okay – but it does limit the show’s reach.

5. Audience Expectations Have Changed

Let’s face it, in the post-OTT era, we’ve gotten used to edgy content, deeper characters, and smarter comedy. Kapil’s style, though lovable, didn’t evolve with the times. He played it safe – and on Netflix, that doesn’t always work.

Final Thoughts – It’s Not About Talent, It’s About Timing

I’m not here to bash Kapil. The guy’s a comedy legend in India. But this experiment with Netflix? Maybe it needed a new direction, maybe a new format, maybe a younger writers’ room. The show had potential, but in its current form, it just didn’t feel like a natural fit for a streaming-first audience.

This is just my honest take as someone who genuinely wanted the show to succeed. I still think Kapil can bounce back, maybe even better than before – just with the right tweaks.

Would love to hear what you thought of the show too!

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Prashant

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