Though several consider Indian television serials to be cringe-worthy, you can't deny the fact that they have become an inevitable part of our household. The small idiot box might still seem to be an idiot to you but its wide range of audience is undisputable. From mythological, romantic and family drama to slapsticks, there is something for everyone. While drama majorly caters to the interest of homemakers, young population enjoys reality shows. The journey that started in 1984 with Hum Log witnessed different phases with Hum Paanch, Just Mohabbat, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, Naagin and many more. Even with the advent of OTT platforms and myriads of shows from worldwide, TV has its own charm and loyal audience. Here, let's have a look at some of the popular Indian television shows.
TV SHOW- Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 (STAR PLUS)
Kasautii Zindagii Kay is one of the most ambitious TV shows of Indian TV Czarina Ekta Kapoor. The reboot of 2001 series featuring Parth Samthaan, Erica Fernandes and Hina Khan was launched with pomp and show on September 25, 2018, on Star Plus. The show directed by Muzammil Desai is close to the heart of Ekta Kapoor. The original Kasautii had Shweta Tiwari, Cezzane Khan and Urvashi Dholakia in lead roles. It was the character of infamous vamp Komolika and her trademark style that made Urvashi an overnight star.
TV SHOW- Naagin (COLORS)
Naagin brought back the era of supernatural shows and the credit goes to none other than its creator Ekta Kapoor. The show which premiered in 2016 is now in its third season wit Surbhi Jyoti, Anita Hassanandani, Pearl V Puri and Rajat Tokas in lead roles. The first season starred Mouni Roy, Arjun Bijlani, Adaa Khan and Sudha Chandran in pivotal roles. The weekend show which airs on Colors enjoys a massive fan following.
TV SHOW- Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (STAR PLUS)
Yeh Hai Mohabbatein is one of the most loved shows of Indian television. The show featuring Divyanka Tripathi, Anita Hassanandani and Karan Patel premiered in 2013. Again, created by Ekta Kapoor, the show, which is loosely based on Manju Kapur's novel Custody has won several accolades. Last year in June, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein completed 1500 episodes.
TV SHOW- Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (STAR PLUS)
One of the longest running Hindi TV show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, produced by Rajan Shahi completed 10 years on 12 January 2019 and is still one of the most enjoyed TV serials. Hina Khan shot to fame with the show as she played the lead role alongside Karan Mehra. Currently, real-life couple Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi are playing the pivotal characters of Kartik and Naira.
TV SHOW- Kumkum Bhagya (Zee TV)
Kumkum Bhagya created by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms premiered in April 2014. The show starring Shabir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha in lead roles airs on Zee TV and is loosely based on Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility. The story revolves around Pragya and Abhi and currently, a twenty-year leap has been introduced. Now, the story will follow Pragya and Abhi's separated young twin daughters, Prachi and Rhea. Kumkum Bhagya was loved by audience because of the crackling chemistry between the lead pair.
TV SHOW- The Kapil Sharma Show (SONY TV)
Aired on Sony Entertainment Television, The Kapil Sharma Show is hosted by ace comedian Kapil Sharma along with his team Kiku Sharda, Chandan Prabhakar, Sumona Chakravarti and others. While the first season which premiered in April 2016 was partly produced by Kapil, for the second season, he has collaborated with Salman Khan along with other producers. Recently, Navjot Singh Sidhu got replaced by Archana Puran Singh as a permanent guest. The weekend show is mostly graced by Bollywood celebrities for promotional purposes or other known faces.
TV SHOW- Bigg Boss (COLORS)
Bigg Boss, which premiered in 2006 is the Indian adaptation of British show Big Brother. The controversial reality show has now Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam and Tamil versions as well. Till season 6, the show was aired on Sony and then Colors became the broadcast channel. Also, Salman Khan has been hosting the show since Season 4. In the show, contestants called housemates have to live in a specially constructed house with no contact with the outer world. They need to complete the assigned tasks to lift the winner's trophy.
TV SHOW- MTV Roadies (MTV)
MTV Roadies is quite popular among young masses. The reality show, which premiered in 2003 test the physical and mental strength of participants. Roadies, which is about adventure, drama and travelling is one of the longest-running shows of Indian history. The creators of the show, Raghu Ram, Rajiv Lakshman and RJ Amit quit in 2014. Rannvijay Singh has been a permanent part of the show since season 8. Roadies is considered a shortcut to fame as it has given several celebrities such as Ayushmann Khurrana, Ashutosh Kaushik, Prince Narula, etc.
TV SHOW- Kaun Banega Crorepati (SONY TV)
Kaun Banega Crorepati is the Hindi version of British programme Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The first three seasons from 2000 to 2007 aired on Star Plus, thereafter Sony TV became the primary network. So far, Kaun Banega Crorepati has ten seasons and all of them were hosted by Amitabh Bachchan except season 3, which was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. The last season aired from September 3, 2018, and the cash prize was Rs 7 crore.
TV SHOW- Crime Patrol (SONY TV)
Crime Patrol created by Subramanian S. Iyer is a crime anthology series aired on Sony Entertainment Television. Crime Patrol premiered in 2003 and the first season was hosted by Shakti Anand. Later Sakshi Tanwar and Anoop Soni became the presenters for season 2, thereafter Anoop continued as host for season 3 and 4. The show presents dramatised version of different crime cases across the country.
TV SHOW- Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! (& TV)
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain which airs on & TV is an adult sitcom. Inspired by 1995 Hindi sitcom Shrimaan Shrimati, the show became widely popular because of its characters. Produced by Benaifer Kohli and Sanjay Kohli, the story is set in Kanpur and revolves around two families. Aasif Sheikh, Rohitash Gaud, Shubhangi Atre and Saumya Tandon play the lead roles in the show.
TV SHOW- Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (SAB TV)
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah which premiered in 2008 is one of the longest running sitcoms of Indian television. Based on Duniya Ne Undha Chashma written by real-life columnist and playwright Taarak Mehta for Gujarati weekly magazine Chitralekha, the show gained popularity because of its characters and won several awards. The story is set in the fictional Gokuldham Society of Mumbai.