It’s been a long time since the first television show was released 35 years ago. Hum Log television serial came 35 years ago which audiences witnessed for the first time. Since then the television industry has changed enormously. But the audience’s love for the television serial was still the same. In this article, we are going to list the top 12 Indian Television serials of all time.
1. Mahabharat
Mahabharat is one of the most popular mythological tales belonging to ancient India. There have been several versions of Mahabharata released ever since the television industry came to India. But Mahabharat directed by BR Chopra in the ’80s is one of the most iconic serial audiences have witnessed ever. Although it’s been 30 years since the show ended it is still enjoyable to people event today.
2. Malgudi Days
Malgudi Days was released even when cable TV was not a thing in India. During those days people used to turn on Doordarshan for entertainment. Malgudi Days was 27 episodes of the fictional show presented by RK Narayan to the world.
3. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai
Sarabhai vs Sarabhai aired between 2004 to 2006 and is probably one of the well-written comedy television serials. Those children who grew up in the 2000s would know how funny the serial is. Ratna Pathak Shah’s endless rants about her on-screen daughter-in-law’s lack of sophistication are the main theme of the serial.
4. Ramayana
Ramayana is another mythological tale that is present in every Indian’s memory. The story revolves around the life of Prince Ram who must kill the asura king Ravana. Later he abducts his wife Sita and she gave birth to his twin sons. Since Indian Television was introduced in India there were several versions of Ramayana telecasted on TV. But the one directed by Ramanand Sagar aired between 1987 and 1988 was one of the most popular and watched TV shows of all time.
5. Kaun Banega Crorepati
Kaun Banega Crorepati is an Indian version of the American hit series Who wants to be a millionaire. This iconic show is an all-time hit and it is now successfully running its 14th season today. There was a time in the 90’s Amitabh Bachchan’s popularity was not that good. Many of his films were not performing well and it seems that he was losing his grip over the audience. During that time the actor also tried to produce some movies but his company ran into a huge loss. In the early 2000s the audience got to witness a popular reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati and from that things started falling in place again.
6. Office Office
Everyone in India knows the inefficiency of the Sarkari offices. If you have to get something done at the government office then you will know how efficient everything is there. The whole show Office Office revolved around similar Sarkari office premises where a man named Musaddilal struggles to get his work done because of the corruption and inefficiency of the system.
7. CID
Crime Investigation Patrol CID is probably one of the longest-running television shows in the TV industry with over 1500 episodes. The story revolves around the fictional investigation department that works for the strangest cases ever. Although some episodes might not make sense to some people, the reason why the serial was aired for so long on television was just that people loved it.
8. Dekh Bhai Dekh
Unlike Western countries, it is very common in India where millions of families still live in a joint sitting with multiple generations of family together under one roof. Also, family-related movies and serials were always a hit among the audience. Dekh Bhai Dekh is another television serial whose storyline revolves around one such joint family at the core.
9. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
This serial might be one of the most important serials in the television industry which had a greater impact on the people and the industry. The serial was released in the early 2000s and its arrival has replaced the early wholesome shows on TV and give a new perspective to the audience.
10. Shaktimaan
Shaktimaan was the first Indian superhero series that was telecasted way back in the 90s. The show was a huge success and especially kids loved it.
11. Indian Idol
The first season of the show Indian Idol was released way back in 2004 and was based on American Idol. Indian Idol every year comes with extremely talented contestants and entertaining judges making it one of the best television shows of all time.
12. MTV Roadies
MTV Roadies challenges young people with their physical and mental strength with difficult tasks. MTV Roadies is another successful reality TV show in India with over 18 seasons so far.
