11 Most Popular Indian TV Shows That Ruled Millions of Hearts

Last Updated on 1 week ago by Kashif Rahman

Friends you know that Indian television is largest television industry in the world. It’s not only just daily entertainment—it’s an emotion. From dramatic family sagas to reality shows that spark nationwide debates, Indian TV shows have shaped pop culture for decades. Even in the era of OTT platforms, the most popular Indian TV shows continue to dominate TRP charts and household conversations.

In this detailed blog post, we’ll explore mythical classics, current blockbusters, and reality shows that have made Indian television one of the largest entertainment industries in the world.

Why Indian TV Shows Are So Popular?

Indian TV Series connect deeply with audiences because they reflect everyday life, relationships, traditions, and aspirations. Here’s why they enjoy massive popularity:

• Strong emotional storytelling
• Relatable characters and family values
• Daily episodes create viewer habits
• Wide language diversity (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, etc.)
• Easy access through cable, DTH, and free-to-air channels

Whether it’s a saas-bahu drama or a high-voltage reality show, Indian television has something for everyone.

11 Most Popular Indian TV Shows

Let’s take a look at some iconic Indian TV shows that changed the face of television forever.

Most Popular Indian TV Shows of All Time

1. Ramayan (1987)

Ramayan is widely regarded as the most popular Indian TV show of all time, breaking world records for viewership and becoming a cultural phenomenon across India.

No list of the most popular Indian TV shows is complete without Ramayan. When it aired, streets would go empty, and people treated it like a sacred ritual. Even today, its re-telecasts receive record-breaking viewership.

• Genre: Mythological
• Release year: 1987
• Premiere date: 25 January 1987
• Channel: Doordarshan
• Creator/Director: Ramanand Sagar

Why it’s iconic:

• Cultural and religious impact
• Unmatched viewership
• Timeless storytelling

2. Mahabharat (1988 & 2013)

Mahabharat is one of the most popular and influential Indian TV shows of all time, known for its epic storytelling, powerful dialogues, and massive nationwide viewership.

The 2013 Mahabharat remake aired on Star Plus and also became a huge hit among modern audiences..

• Release year: 1988
• Premiere date: 2 October 1988
• Channel: Doordarshan
• Genre: Mythological
• Creator/Director: B. R. Chopra

3. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi

• Genre: Family Drama
  Channel: Star Plus
• Premiere date: 3 July 2000

This Star Plus Channel show redefined Indian daily soaps. Characters like Tulsi Virani became household names, and the show ruled prime time for years.

Impact:

• Changed TV serial formats
• Introduced the saas-bahu era
• Massive TRPs for over 8 years

4. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

It is one of the longest-running and most popular Indian TV shows, loved for its clean comedy and social messages.
Running successfully for over 15 years, this show is one of the longest-running and most popular Indian TV shows.

• Release year: 2008
• Premiere date: 28 July 2008
• Channel: SAB TV
• Genre: Comedy / Family Sitcom
• Creator: Asit Kumarr Modi

Why people love it:

• Clean comedy
• Social messages
• Family-friendly content

5. CID

CID is one of the longest-running and most popular Indian TV shows, especially in the crime genre and yes — “Daya, darwaza tod do!”. CID’s popularity was unmatched in the crime genre.

• Release year: 1998
• Premiere date: 21 January 1998
• Channel: Sony TV
• Genre: Crime / Investigation
• Creator: B. P. Singh
• Famous characters: ACP Pradyuman, Daya, Abhijeet

Recent Years Most Popular Indian TV Shows Currently (TRP Toppers)

Indian television is still thriving with fresh content. Here are some shows currently ruling Indian households:

6. Anupamaa

Anupamaa is currently one of the most popular Indian TV shows. Anupamaa tells the story of a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself. The show consistently tops TRP charts.

• Release year: 2020
• Premiere date: 13 July 2020
• Channel: Star Plus
• Genre: Family Drama
• Producer: Rajan Shahi (Director’s Kut Productions)
• Lead actress: Rupali Ganguly

Reasons for success:

• Strong female lead
• Realistic family issues
• Emotional connect

7. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

It is one of the longest-running and most popular Indian TV shows, known for showcasing Indian family values across multiple generations and consistently strong TRPs.

• Release year: 2009
• Premiere date: 12 January 2009
• Channel: Star Plus
• Genre: Family / Romantic Drama
• Producer: Rajan Shahi (Director’s Kut Productions)

8. Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin

The show is one of the most popular Indian TV serials, known for its emotional storyline, intense love triangle, and strong TRP performance.

• Release year: 2020
• Premiere date: 5 October 2020
• Channel: Star Plus
• Genre: Romantic Family Drama
• Producer: Cockrow and Shaika Entertainment
• Based on: Bengali series Kusum Dola

Most Popular Indian Reality TV Shows

Reality shows in India play a huge role in Indian television’s success.

9. Bigg Boss

Bigg Boss is one of the most popular and controversial Indian TV shows, famous for drama, fights, tasks, and massive social media buzz every season.

• Release year (Hindi version): 2006
• Premiere date: 3 November 2006
• Channel: Colors TV (earlier Sony TV)
• Genre: Reality Show
• Original format: Big Brother (Netherlands)
• Most popular host: Salman Khan

Why it works:

• Drama, fights, and emotions
• Celebrity contestants
• Massive online engagement

10. Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)

KBC is one of the most popular and trusted Indian TV shows, loved for its knowledge-based format and inspirational stories of common people.

• Release year: 2000
• Premiere date: 3 July 2000
• Channel: Sony TV
• Genre: Quiz / Game Show
• Host: Amitabh Bachchan
• Based on: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

11. Indian Idol

Indian Idol is one of the most popular Indian TV reality shows, known for discovering top singing talents and creating nationwide musical sensations.

• Release year: 2004
• Premiere date: 16 October 2004
• Channel: Sony TV
• Genre: Singing Reality Show
• Based on: Pop Idol (UK)

Regional Indian TV Shows Gaining Nationwide Popularity

Regional television has also seen explosive growth.

• Tamil: Chithi, Baakiyalakshmi
• Telugu: Karthika Deepam
• Bengali: Sreemoyee
• Marathi: Aai Kuthe Kay Karte

With dubbing and digital platforms, regional shows are now reaching pan-India audiences.

Indian TV Shows vs OTT: Who Is Winning?

While OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are growing fast, Indian TV shows still dominate rural and middle-class households due to:

• Free or low-cost access
• Daily episodes
• Strong emotional attachment

TV and OTT are now co-existing rather than competing.

What Makes a TV Show Popular in India?

Several factors decide whether a show becomes a hit:

• Relatable storyline
• Powerful performances
• Prime-time slot
• Social media buzz
• Consistent TRPs

Final Thoughts

Friends, these most popular Indian TV shows are not just entertainment—they reflect India’s culture, emotions, and diversity. From mythological epics to modern reality shows, Indian television continues to evolve while staying rooted in tradition.

Even with changing viewer habits, TV serials and reality shows remain an integral part of daily life for millions of Indians.

If you’re an entertainment lover, Indian TV shows will always have something special waiting for you.

Kashif Rahman

Kashif Rahman is an entertainment-focused blogger creating engaging content on movies, web series, trending stories, and digital entertainment.