The nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has given way to an unprecedented situation that every single individual is grappling with. In such uncertain times, television’s role has become significant in keeping the population indoors. This article examines how the re-broadcast of several old television programmes from the 1980s and 1990s has given a second life to the otherwise redundant television set. This article explores the significance of the re-telecast of TV programmes like Ramayan, Mahabharata and others, beyond the political lens and demonstrates how they have challenged digital entertainment and brought back the traditional TV viewing habits. The article also goes on to suggest the way forward for both the public broadcaster Doordarshan and private broadcasters post the current crisis.
