The Most Famous TV Shows in India, Ranked

Choose the shows you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:15
Television shows hold a special place in the cultural landscape of India, where diverse narratives from different regions and languages come together on a single screen. They are not just sources of entertainment but also reflections of societal values, trends, and the changing dynamics of the Indian family. By ranking these shows, viewers can find and engage with content that resonates with their own experiences and interests, contributing to a broader understanding of popular tastes. Ranking these shows enables fans to express their preferences and have a say in how their favorite series are perceived publicly. It also assists new viewers in identifying highly recommended content amid the vast array of available options. Besides, creators and broadcasters gain insight into audience preferences, helping them tailor content more effectively and innovate within their productions. Participating in this voting process enriches the viewing community, creating a more interactive and connected environment for Indian television enthusiasts.

What Are the Most Famous TV Shows in India?

  1. 1
    57
    votes

    Kaun Banega Crorepati

    Siddhartha Basu
    This Indian adaptation of the international hit show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, has been a favorite among Indian audiences since its inception in 2000. The show is hosted by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and has been a massive success for over two decades.
    Kaun Banega Crorepati, also known as KBC, is a popular Indian television game show based on the British program 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'. It is a quiz competition where contestants answer multiple-choice questions to win a cash prize and potentially become a crorepati (millionaire). The show combines knowledge, strategy, and luck to engage the audience and participants in an exciting and suspenseful atmosphere.
    • Language: Hindi
    • Original network: Star Plus
    • First aired: 3 July 2000
    • Hosted by: Amitabh Bachchan
    • Seasons: 13
  2. 2
    95
    votes
    This popular sitcom has been on air since 2008 and is based on the column Duniya Ne Undha Chashma by columnist Taarak Mehta. The show follows the lives of residents of the fictional Gokuldham Society in Mumbai and has become a household name in India.
    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a Hindi sitcom that revolves around the lives of the residents of Gokuldham Society, a fictional housing complex in Mumbai. The show follows the daily happenings, adventures, and humorous incidents faced by the diverse group of families living in the society.
    • Genre: Sitcom
    • Language: Hindi
    • Original network: Sab TV
    • First episode date: 28 July 2008
    • Total seasons: Ongoing - 13 seasons
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Bigg Boss

    Endemol Shine India
    This reality show, based on the international series Big Brother, has been on air since 2006 and is hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The show is known for its drama, controversies, and celebrity participants.
    Bigg Boss is an Indian reality TV show that follows a unique concept of confining a group of celebrities in a specially designed house for a fixed period of time. The show is a blend of drama, emotions, and entertainment as the participants compete in various tasks, face eliminations, and engage in dramatic confrontations.
    • Broadcasted in: Hindi language
    • Genre: Reality TV show
    • Hosted by: Various celebrities (changes every season)
    • First aired: 2006
    • Total seasons: Currently 15 seasons completed
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    This long-running Indian soap opera has been on air since 2009 and follows the lives of the members of the Singhania and Maheshwari families. The show has been a favorite among Indian audiences for its relatable characters and relatable storylines.
    Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is a popular Indian television drama series that premiered on January 12, 2009. It revolves around the story of Naitik and Akshara, a married couple belonging to the Marwari joint family based in Udaipur. The show explores various social and cultural issues, family dynamics, and relationships.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Language: Hindi
    • Original Network: Star Plus
    • Number of Seasons: Over 13 seasons
    • Number of Episodes: Over 3500 episodes
  5. 5
    10
    votes

    Balika Vadhu

    Purnendu Shekhar
    This social issue-based drama series aired from 2008 to 2016 and tackled sensitive topics like child marriage and female foeticide in India. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of social issues and won several awards.
    Balika Vadhu is a popular Indian television show that aired from 2008 to 2016. It is a drama series that focuses on child marriage, highlighting social issues prevalent in Indian society. The show revolves around the life of Anandi, who gets married as a child and faces various challenges and hardships as she grows up. It explores themes of tradition, family, love, and women empowerment.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Original release: July 21, 2008 – July 31, 2016
    • Language: Hindi
    • Total seasons: 8
    • Total episodes: 2,245
  6. 6
    16
    votes
    This epic mythological drama series aired from 1988 to 1990 and was based on the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata. The show was a massive success and is considered a classic in Indian television history.
    Mahabharat is an Indian television series based on the ancient Indian epic of the same name. It originally aired from 1988 to 1990 and was created by B.R. Chopra. The series depicts the epic story of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes. It is considered one of the most popular and iconic TV shows in Indian television history.
    • Original airing: 1988-1990
    • Genre: Mythological drama
    • Language: Hindi
    • Country of origin: India
    • Number of episodes: 94
  7. 7
    22
    votes
    This mythological drama series aired from 1987 to 1988 and was based on the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana. The show was a massive success and is considered a classic in Indian television history.
    Ramayan is a legendary Indian television series based on the Hindu epic of the same name. It originally aired from 1987 to 1988, and is one of the most popular and beloved TV shows in India. The series depicts the life of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and tells the story of his adventures, struggles, and ultimate triumph over evil.
    • Genre: Historical drama
    • Language: Hindi
    • Total Episodes: 78
    • Original Network: Doordarshan
    • Country of Origin: India
  8. 8
    20
    votes

    Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi

    Mamta Yash Patnaik
    This romantic drama series aired from 2016 to 2017 and followed the love story of Dev and Sonakshi. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of relationships and won several awards.
    Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi is a popular Indian TV show that originally aired from February 29, 2016, to November 2, 2017. The show revolves around the complicated relationship between Dev Dixit, a successful business tycoon, and Dr. Sonakshi Bose, a nutritionist. It explores themes of love, family, and societal expectations.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Language: Hindi
    • Number of Seasons: 2
    • Number of Episodes: 405
    • Broadcast Network: Sony Entertainment Television
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Diya Aur Baati Hum

    Shashi Sumeet Mittal
    This Indian soap opera aired from 2011 to 2016 and followed the journey of Sandhya Rathi, who dreams of becoming an IPS officer. The show was praised for its strong female lead and won several awards.
    Diya Aur Baati Hum is a popular Indian television drama series that aired from 2011 to 2016. It revolves around the story of Sandhya, a young girl who aspires to become an Indian Police Service officer. The show follows her journey as she tries to balance her personal aspirations with her responsibilities as a daughter-in-law in a traditional Rajasthani family.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Language: Hindi
    • Country of origin: India
    • Original network: Star Plus
    • Total seasons: 1
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Crime Patrol

    Subramanian S. lyer
    This crime-based reality show has been on air since 2003 and follows real-life crime cases in India. The show is known for its informative and educational content and has helped raise awareness about crime and safety in India.
    Crime Patrol is a popular Indian television show that focuses on real-life crime stories and criminal investigations. It presents dramatized versions of police cases from various cities in India, highlighting the nature of the crime, the events leading up to it, and the subsequent investigation process.
    • Genre: Crime, Drama
    • Language: Hindi
    • Original network: Sony Entertainment Television
    • Original release: 9 May 2003 - present
    • No. of seasons: 5

Missing your favorite shows?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for famous shows

  1. Duration and Number of Episodes
    The longevity of a TV show signifies that it has a strong viewer base and can maintain its popularity over time. A high number of episodes indicates that the show is in demand and has a sustained audience interest.
  2. Awards and Accolades
    TV shows that have won awards or have been nominated for various categories are usually well-regarded. Awards and accolades from reputable organizations act as benchmarks for the success and popularity of a show.
  3. Critical Acclaim
    The opinions of critics and television experts play a significant role in determining the popularity of a TV show. The critical reception of a show often influences its popularity and viewership ratings.
  4. Cultural Impact
    A famous TV show will often have an impact on popular culture, with audiences discussing and referring to it in daily conversations. The more significant the cultural impact, the more popular the show is likely to be.
  5. Social Media Engagement
    The popularity of a TV show can often be measured by the volume of social media engagement it receives, including fan groups, discussions, and online following. High levels of social media engagement often signify a popular and well-known show.
  6. Merchandise and Spin-offs
    Successful TV shows often inspire merchandise, spin-offs, or adaptations in other media formats, such as books and films. This can be an indicator of the show's overall popularity and fame.
  7. Subject Matter and Genre
    The subject matter and genre of a TV show also play an essential role in determining its popularity. Certain genres (e.g., daily soaps, reality shows, and crime dramas) may have consistently high viewership numbers in the Indian market and can be considered more famous within their respective genres.
  8. Star Power
    The presence of popular actors and actresses, or even guest appearances by famous personalities, can have a significant impact on a show's popularity and contribute to its fame.
  9. Production Value and Quality
    High production values, including high-quality visual effects, direction, and storytelling, can influence the audience's perception of a TV show and contribute to its fame.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous TV shows in India. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 7689 views
  • 160 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous tv shows in india

India's entertainment industry is renowned for its vibrant and diverse programming, and its television shows are no exception. From dramas to comedies, reality shows to game shows, Indian television has something for everyone. Some of the most popular TV shows in India include long-running soap operas like "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" and "Kumkum Bhagya," as well as reality shows like "Bigg Boss" and "Kaun Banega Crorepati." Additionally, newer shows like "Sacred Games" and "Mirzapur" have gained a loyal following for their bold and gritty storytelling. With so many options to choose from, it's no wonder that Indian TV shows continue to captivate audiences both in India and around the world.

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